Oct 1

Risk assessment: The ultimate guide for busy professionals

Why risk assessments matter (even if you think they don't)

Let's face it - health and safety risk assessments can seem like a bureaucratic headache. But they're essential for keeping your workplace safe and compliant. Think of them as a proactive way to spot potential hazards before they cause harm.

In this guide, we'll break down the process into simple steps and provide real-world examples to make risk assessments seem a little less daunting.

How to do a risk assessment: A simple guide

Step 1: Identify the hazards

The first step is to identify anything that could potentially cause harm in your workplace. Think of this as putting on your detective hat - look beyond the obvious and be creative. Consider all possible risks, from machinery and equipment to environmental factors, and even day-to-day tasks that might pose a danger. This thorough approach will help ensure no hazard is overlooked.

Step 2: Assess the risks

After identifying the hazards, the next step is to assess how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how severe the harm could be. Here's what to consider:

Who might be harmed and how
Is it your employees or customers? Could contractors or visitors be at risk? Consider how each person might be harmed, whether through slips, falls, exposure to hazardous substances, or unsafe equipment.

How likely is it to happen? How serious could the consequences be? 
For each hazard, consider:
Likelihood: How often could this happen?
Severity: How bad could the consequences be?

Step 3: Control the Risks

Once you've assessed the risks, the next step is to put measures in place to prevent accidents. Here are some common ways to control risks, which are in order of the most effective to the least:

Elimination: Remove the hazard completely if possible.
Substitution: Replace the hazardous item or process with something safer.
Engineering controls: Implement physical barriers, guards, or ventilation systems to reduce exposure to the hazard.
Administrative controls: Adjust work procedures, schedules, or training to minimise risk.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide necessary safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, or safety glasses, to protect employees.

Step 4: Record Your Findings

Document your risk assessment to track progress and ensure you're meeting legal requirements. Recording your findings also helps demonstrate that you’re actively managing risks in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide this template to make it easier for businesses to comply with the law.

Step 5: Review and Update

Workplaces change over time, so it's important to regularly review your risk assessment to ensure it's still valid and effective. Consider factors such as:

  • The introduction of new equipment or processes
  • Changes in staffing
  • Any accidents, incidents, or near-misses

Remember, a good risk assessment is a dynamic document that evolves with your workplace. Regular updates will help maintain a safer and more efficient environment.

Risk assessments in specific workplaces

While a risk assessment should always be tailored to your specific workplace, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides useful examples to guide you. These examples can help you understand common risks and control measures in various environments.

Risk assessment in an office

A risk assessment in an office might focus on hazards such as slips, trips, and falls, electrical equipment, workstation ergonomics, stress and fire safety. By using the example as a reference, you can ensure your own risk assessment is thorough and addresses the unique challenges of your workplace.