Risk Assessments
What is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a systematic process designed to identify any potential hazards and assess the risks associated with those hazards. The goal is to determine what could cause harm to people, so that you can decide whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. The process involves the following key steps:
Identify hazards: Determine what could potentially cause injury or illness in your workplace. Hazards could include chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial factors.
Assess risks: Evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm that could result from each identified hazard. This involves considering the existing control measures and their effectiveness.
Control risks: Implement the most effective and practical measures to control the risks. This can involve eliminating the hazard, substituting it with something less hazardous, using engineering controls to reduce exposure, implementing administrative controls, or providing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Record findings: Document the hazards identified, their assessed risks, and the measures put in place to control those risks. This is important for legal reasons and useful for review purposes.
Review the assessment: Regularly review and update the risk assessment to ensure it remains relevant and effective, especially when changes occur in the workplace or following an incident.
Back to basics… Moral, Legal and Financial Reasons!
Moral
Employers have a moral duty of care to ensure the safety and health of their employees and anyone else affected by their operations. Conducting risk assessments demonstrates a commitment to this duty by actively seeking to prevent harm.
Legal
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess the risks to the health and safety of their employees and others. This is in addition to specific requirements for risk assessments under other legislation, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), the Work at Height Regulations, and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations. Failure to conduct risk assessments can lead to legal action, including fines and prosecution.
Financial
By identifying and mitigating hazards, businesses can significantly reduce direct costs such as sickness, compensation payments, legal fees, and fines related to non-compliance with health and safety regulations. Effective risk management through assessments also leads to lower insurance premiums as insurers favor businesses with strong safety records. Moreover, risk assessments help avoid disruptions and work interruptions, preserving productivity and operational continuity. A safe and healthy work environment enhances employee morale and efficiency, which directly contributes to the bottom line. Additionally, maintaining a strong health and safety record through proactive risk assessments protects the company’s reputation, crucial for customer trust and business competitiveness.
Why you should do Risk Assessments
We can help you!
Safety Assistance Limited is proud to operate nationally with offices in Liverpool and London.
Office Hours
Monday 08.00 – 17.30
Tuesday 08.00 – 17.30
Wednesday 08.00 – 17.30
Thursday 08.00 – 17.30
Friday 08.00 – 17.30
Saturday – 10.00 – 16.00
Sunday – Closed
Contact us
Please use the contact form to send an enquiry or alternatively you can call our head office on 0333 335 5187.
Or you can email us at info@safetyassistance.co.uk