Risk Assessments #1: How Do I Know When I Should Do a Risk Assessment?

“Sense and deal with problems in their smallest state, before they grow bigger and become fatal.”

Pearl Zhu

Risk assessments are a legal requirement for every employer or self-employed person within the UK. Rather than just creating a single, generalized assessment hoping it will cover the majority of risks an individual could face - it is imperative employers consider the different locations, situations and premises their staff find themselves in...

Although employers are legally bound to do so, the process to complete risk assessments is a fairly simple one. Employers do not require specific training or qualifications, but they must appoint someone with competent skills, knowledge and experience to manage health and safety.

The first step is to understand what hazards exist in the workplace, before evaluating what level of risk each hazard poses – [this will be covered in the second part of this blog series]. When considering HSE regulation, it can be useful to differentiate between hazards. Three main areas to group hazards into are as follows:  

How people work…

This area covers many aspects, considering the processes employees use and the context within which they work. This might include any physical activity undertaken, such as handling/lifting or working in heights and confined spaces right to more personal matters related to the individual themselves e.g. mental health, long hours, lone workers or those with disabilities.

Where they work…

There may be more hazards that are more specific to your business and within your employees’ work environment. This doesn’t necessarily describe a specific location but includes general environmental conditions, including fire hazards, dust, radiation and environmental factors (noise, light, temperature). 

What their work involves…

It is important to consider the materials that your staff interact with daily when conducting their work. Considerations for this include equipment/mechanical, transport and vehicles, electricity as well as chemical and biological materials.

It is also important to bear in mind that employers are required to provide special consideration for the health and safety of nightworkers, shiftworkers, pregnant/breastfeeding women, young workers and employees with disabilities. Furthermore, if a business has fewer than five employees – there is no requirement to write a risk assessment down.

Risk assessments are not a one-time task and need to be reconsidered as your work environment changes. Although assessments can be time consuming to start, there is no need to be overwhelmed. Once you’re familiar with the hazard classifications and how to spot them, the process becomes standard practice in your day-to-day activities.

If you’re looking for further information about how to conduct risk assessments, CT Health & Safety can help you. To find out more, contact: 07956 074798 or clive@cthealthandsafety.com