Risk analysis is the foundational first step in the risk management process.

Its primary purpose is to identify and document all the potential hazards and threats a fleet might face.

It is a qualitative process focused on answering the question: 'What can go wrong?' For a transport company, this involves brainstorming and listing all possible sources of risk, such as: - **Driving risks:** Collisions, speeding, harsh weather.

- **Driver risks:** Fatigue, distraction, lack of training, health issues.

- **Vehicle risks:** Brake failure, tire blowouts, poor maintenance.

- **Cargo risks:** Theft, damage, improper loading.

- **Compliance risks:** Fines for tachograph infringements, non-compliance with ZFE rules.

Risk analysis differs from risk evaluation in that it does not yet attempt to quantify or rank these risks.

Its job is purely to create a comprehensive inventory of potential problems.

This complete list then becomes the input for the next step: risk evaluation.