1. Danger or peril; esp., a contributing factor to a peril. See PERIL.
extraordinary hazard. Workers’ compensation. An unusual occupational danger that is increased by the acts of employees other than the injured worker.
— Also termed extraordinary danger. [Cases: Workers’ Compensation 511–520, 678. C.J.S. Workmen’s Compensation §§ 288–304, 338, 409, 420, 424.]
imminent hazard. An immediate danger; esp., in environmental law, a situation in which the continued use of a pesticide will probably result in unreasonable adverse effects on the environment or will involve an unreasonable danger to the survival of an endangered species. 7 USCA § 136(1). [Cases: Environmental Law 423.]
occupational hazard. A danger or risk that is peculiar to a particular calling or occupation. • Occupational hazards include both accidental injuries and occupational diseases.
2. Insurance. The risk or probability of loss or injury, esp. a loss or injury covered by an insurance policy.
moral hazard. A hazard that has its inception in mental attitudes. • Examples include dishonesty, carelessness, and insanity. The risk that an insured will destroy property or allow it to be destroyed (usu. by burning) in order to collect the insurance proceeds is a moral hazard. Also, an insured’s potential interest, if any, in the burning of the property is sometimes called a moral hazard. [Cases: Insurance 3055(2).]
physical hazard. A hazard that has its inception in the material world. • Examples include location, structure, occupancy, exposure, and the like.
3. Hist. An unlawful dice game in which the chances of winning are complicated by arbitrary rules.
