occupational hazard
B2formal, semi-formal, professional
Definition
Meaning
A risk or danger inherent to a particular job or profession.
An unavoidable, negative aspect or risk associated with any regular activity or situation, used metaphorically beyond the workplace.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used as a countable noun. The phrase implies an accepted, often unavoidable, element of risk that comes with the territory of a given occupation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage and concept are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of an accepted, inherent risk of a profession.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US professional, legal, and everyday contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[occupational hazard] of [noun/gerund][verb] an occupational hazardbe an occupational hazard for [profession]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “comes with the territory”
- “part and parcel of the job”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in HR, insurance, and risk management to discuss workplace safety and liability.
Academic
Found in sociology, public health, and labour law papers analysing work environments.
Everyday
Used metaphorically, e.g., 'For a teacher, a sore throat is an occupational hazard.'
Technical
A precise term in occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations and assessments.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company must occupational-hazard assess all roles.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A builder wears a helmet. Falling bricks are an occupational hazard.
- For a fisherman, bad weather is an occupational hazard.
- Repetitive strain injury is a recognised occupational hazard for office workers.
- The constant scrutiny from the media is simply an occupational hazard for high-ranking politicians.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HAZARD sign at a construction site (an OCCUPATION). The danger is part of the OCCUPATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROFESSION IS A HAZARDOUS ZONE / INHERENT PROPERTIES ARE UNCHANGEABLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing as *'занятийская опасность'*. Use 'профессиональный риск' or 'производственная опасность'.
- The phrase is a fixed compound noun; do not translate the words separately and literally.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'professional hazard' (less idiomatic).
- Confusing with 'health hazard' (broader term).
- Spelling 'hazzard'.
- Using it for positive inevitable outcomes (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes an 'occupational hazard'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can refer to psychological, social, or financial risks inherent to a job, such as stress for CEOs or criticism for artists.
Yes, it is often used lightheartedly for minor, inevitable annoyances of a job, e.g., 'For a chef, burning your fingers is an occupational hazard.'
An 'occupational hazard' is specific to a job or profession. A 'health hazard' is any broader danger to health, not necessarily job-related.
It is understandable, but 'occupational hazard' is the standard, fixed term in both legal and everyday English.