Which of the following is a potential hazard that could lead to firearm injuries or fatalities?

Unintentional discharge is a potential hazard that can lead to firearm injuries or fatalities because it refers to the accidental firing of a firearm when the safety precautions are not sufficient or when a handler inadvertently pulls the trigger. This can occur due to a lack of awareness, mishandling the firearm, or failure to follow the basic safety rules, such as keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. This type of incident underscores the importance of proper training and strict adherence to firearm safety protocols to prevent accidental discharges.

On the other hand, proper handling, using the safety mechanism, and wearing hearing protection are all safety measures meant to reduce risks associated with firearms. Proper handling involves following guidelines to ensure that firearms are used safely, while the safety mechanism is designed to prevent a firearm from firing unless intended. Wearing hearing protection is crucial to safeguard against hearing damage but does not directly influence the likelihood of unintentional discharge.