Where do I begin!

I use it constantly, but it is to ensure that I am aware of all the possible risks, and that I make the proper preparations. How many times it may have prevented a catastrophic incident it is impossible to tell, because I was prepared and avoided or mitigated it.

It also has helped in many instance in determining what the plan will actually be, such as which route to take (or avoid), whether the objective of the trip is even achievable or worth the potential risk. It aids in making good decisions.

I guarantee that almost all of you do it without even thinking about it every day, especially someone who spends as much time in the out doors as you, Hikermor. You have done it so much, and have so much experience at the activities you participate in, that you do it automatically. It becomes good judgment, or wisdom, or intuition. But people have to start somewhere, and going through the process is good training for the less experienced. The process is required, and must be elaborated on and thoroughly briefed, in certain career fields.

In some work, risk assessments are more about exploring the risks in order to mitigate them when you must do the most dangerous types of jobs. In search and rescue, the military, law enforcement, fire fighting, and some others you explore the risks that you know you will face and include them in your plan. It is the job of some to go directly into the risks. A good risk assessment means that everyone is aware and prepared for the worst case.