Risk Assessments

Why do we assess risk?

Risk assessments are a crucial step in maintaining a safe work environment. They are used to identify and manage risks in various settings, primarily to prevent harm and ensure compliance with legal regulations.

Assessing risk empowers organisations to understand potential risks, implement effective control measures, and create a safer environment for individuals.

Risk assessments are a positive, proactive way to manage risk. Your business changes and grows, so they need to be regularly repeated and updated in line with relevant guidelines to reflect this.

Having an effective and formal risk assessment in place demonstrates that you have taken appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of your employees and everyone using your facilities.

The Risk Assessment Top 6

1. Identify and assess hazards:

• Identify potential hazards in the workplace, activities, or environments
• Evaluate the likelihood of harm and the severity of potential consequences

2. Implement control measures:

• Help managers make decisions about risk
• Guide the implementation of control measures to reduce or eliminate identified risks

3. Promote safety culture:

• Foster a culture of safety by making employees aware of potential hazards and their responsibilities
• Encourage proactive thinking and participation in identifying and addressing risks

4. Ensure legal compliance:

• Meet your legal obligation to conduct risk assessments for workplace safety and wellbeing
• Avoid legal penalties and reputational damage

5. Reduce accidents and injuries:

• Reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses
• Save lives and reduces associated costs, such as medical expenses and lost productivity

6. Deliver continuous improvement:

• Review and update regularly to reflect changes in the workplace or activities
• Ensure control measures remain effective and the safety of individuals is continuously maintained