In the context of risk assessments, what should come after identifying potential hazards?

After identifying potential hazards in the context of risk assessments, the next critical step is the development of mitigation strategies. This involves analyzing the identified hazards to determine the appropriate actions that can be taken to minimize their impact or reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.

Mitigation strategies could include implementing safety measures, changes in procedures, employee training, and other proactive approaches to manage the risks associated with the identified hazards. This process is essential because it not only helps in safeguarding personnel and assets but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards and promotes a culture of safety within the organization.

The other options, while they may be relevant in certain scenarios, do not immediately follow hazard identification in the typical risk assessment process. Directly implementing changes might overlook a structured approach to assessing the effectiveness of such changes. Reporting to government agencies is typically an obligation that comes later in the process, often following the identification of specific incidents or findings rather than as an immediate action after recognizing hazards. Conducting a staff survey can provide valuable feedback but is not a standard next step in the risk assessment process itself, as it doesn't focus on the immediate development of strategies to address the hazards identified.