Risk Assessments are an essential part of managing health and safety in the workplace. They are a legal requirement, and are essentially a systematic method of looking at work activities, considering what could go wrong, and deciding on suitable control measures.
When conducting a risk assessment in the UK, the following key steps are typically followed:
- Identify hazards: Identify potential hazards in the workplace that could cause harm to employees, visitors, or the public. This may include physical hazards, chemicals, equipment, work processes, or environmental factors.
- Determine who might be harmed: Identify the individuals or groups who may be at risk from the identified hazards, such as employees, contractors, visitors, or vulnerable populations.
- Assess the risks: Evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm that could result from the identified hazards. Consider existing control measures and any gaps that need to be addressed.
- Control measures: Implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimize the identified risks. This may involve engineering controls, administrative controls, training, or the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Record findings: Document the findings of the risk assessment, including the hazards identified, the people at risk, and the control measures implemented. This documentation should be readily available and regularly reviewed.
- Review and update: Regularly review and update the risk assessment to ensure it remains relevant and effective. This should be done whenever there are significant changes in work activities, processes, or the working environment.
It is important to note that risk assessments should be proportionate to the size and complexity of the organisation and its activities. Employers have a legal responsibility to involve employees in the risk assessment process and provide them with information and training to understand and carry out their roles in managing risks effectively.
