Risk Assessments
Risk Assessments
As an employer, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) states you're required by law to protect your employees, and others, from harm.
Risk Assessment Process
Step 1
Visit your site/s and identify the hazards
Step 2
Identify who may be at risk and how
Step 3
Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
Step 4
Record the findings and discuss with senior management
Step 5
Implement the precautions
Step 6
Regularly review the assessment and update if necessary
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the minimum you must do is:
- Identify what could cause injury or illness in your business (hazards)
- Decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)
- Take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk
Health and safety risk assessments are a straightforward and structured method of ensuring the risks to the health, safety and wellbeing of employees (and others) are suitably eliminated, reduced or controlled. Assessing risk is just one part of the overall process used to control risks in your workplace.
It is a legal requirement for any employer and must be documented wherever five or more people are employed.
At Safety Forward we have experience of carrying out bespoke health and safety risk assessments in all kinds of environments from small office spaces to large manufacturing plants as well as major hazard industries including construction and chemical-based businesses. We work closely with clients to understand their business activity and identify potential hazards making recommendations to reduce the risk of injury to all stakeholders and visitors to your site/s.
We carry out a variety of different health and safety risk assessments including:
- COSHH Assessments
- Lone Working
- Office
- DSE Assessment
- Premises & Workplace
- Working at Height
- Confined Spaces
- Shift Working
- Manual Handling
- New and Expectant Mothers
- Laboratory Assessments
Once completed the health and safety risk assessment needs be reviewed periodically and in any case when either the current assessment is no longer valid and/or if at any stage there has been significant changes to the specific activity or task. In the event of an accident, incident or ill-health event we will review the risk assessment in order to verify if the control measures and level of evaluated risk where appropriate or require amending.
For help with Risk Assessments, please get in touch.
DSEAR Risk Assessments
A DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) risk assessment is a critical process for identifying and mitigating risks associated with using, storing, and handling dangerous substances in the workplace. This assessment aims to ensure the safety of employees and the surrounding environment by evaluating potential hazards such as fires, explosions, and chemical reactions.
Through a systematic approach, it identifies areas where dangerous substances are present, assesses the likelihood and impact of hazardous events, and implements control measures to eliminate or reduce risks to an acceptable level. By gaining a DSEAR risk assessment, organisations not only adhere to legal requirements but also promote a safer working environment, safeguarding both personnel and assets.
Learn more about what a DSEAR risk assessment is.
At Safety Forward, we can provide your workplace with a DSEAR risk assessment. Contact us today to learn more.
Personal Risk Assessments
A personal risk assessment involves identifying potential hazards that could cause harm to yourself or others and evaluating the risks associated with these hazards. A personal risk assessment will be required where an employee has made you aware of either a short term or long-term medical condition.
Discussing the condition with the employee enables you to ensure adequate measures are already in place and gives the employee the opportunity to discuss additional control measures required. This process allows individuals to take proactive measures to mitigate risks, ensuring a safer environment whether this may be within their current role, or an activity carried out as an addition to their role.
At Safety Forward, we can provide your staff with personal risk assessments. Contact us today to learn more.
Popular FAQs on Risk Assessments
What is a risk assessment?
A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying potential hazards in the workplace, evaluating the risks associated with those hazards, and implementing control measures to mitigate or eliminate the risks to ensure a safe working environment.
Why is a risk assessment important?
Risk assessments are crucial for preventing workplace accidents and injuries, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and fostering a safe and healthy work environment. They help identify potential hazards and provide a structured approach to manage them effectively.
What are the steps involved in conducting a risk assessment?
The main steps include:
- Identifying hazards.
- Assessing the risks associated with each hazard.
- Determining who might be harmed and how.
- Evaluating existing control measures and identifying additional controls if needed.
- Recording the findings.
- Reviewing and updating the assessment regularly or when significant changes occur.
Who should carry out a risk assessment?
Risk assessments should be carried out by competent individuals who have sufficient knowledge, training, and experience in identifying hazards and evaluating risks. This could be a designated health and safety officer, a manager, or an external consultant.
How often should risk assessments be reviewed?
Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, at least annually, and whenever there are significant changes in the workplace, such as new equipment, processes, or personnel. Reviews should also be conducted after any accident or near miss.
If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please get in touch.
Health & Safety Consultancy Services
We provide a wide and varied range of services including:
