Final answer:
A hazard is a potential source of harm, such as electricity causing a fire or shock, whereas a threat is a potential cause of an incident that can result in harm to systems or security, like environmental challenges or resource conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a hazard and a threat in operational environments is a key concept for managing risk. A hazard refers to a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons. For instance, in terms of electricity, a thermal hazard is when excessive electric power causes undesired thermal effects such as overheating and potentially starting a fire, while a shock hazard occurs when electric current passes through a person. On the other hand, a threat is a potential cause of an unwanted incident, which may result in harm to a system or organization and its assets. Environmental security also deals with identifying environmental threats that could impact national security, such as global warming, deforestation, and resource scarcity. Understanding the nuances between these terms is essential for developing effective protection and mitigation strategies.