Which method of handling risk involves completely avoiding exposure to the risk?

Avoidance is the method of handling risk that involves completely eliminating any exposure to that risk. This can be achieved by choosing not to engage in certain activities or practices that could lead to potential harm, loss, or liability. For instance, a company might decide not to enter a new market if it deems that the risk of failure is too great, effectively avoiding any financial loss associated with that market.

This approach is particularly effective in scenarios where the potential risks outweigh the benefits. By choosing avoidance, organizations can protect themselves from specific liabilities, accidents, or unfavorable outcomes associated with certain risk factors.

The other methods—loss control, retention, and insurance—address risk in different ways, such as mitigating potential losses, accepting some level of risk, or transferring risk to an insurer, but they do not completely eliminate exposure to the risk itself.