Risk Assessments: A Step-by-step Guide For Beginners
Understanding the Fundamentals and Best Practices of Risk Assessments
If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a risk assessment, initially it can seem overwhelming. However, carrying out a risk assessment is vital for the success of any business or project. In this article, we’ll cover:
What risk assessments are
Why they’re important; and
How to carry out an effective and thorough risk assessment
What is a risk assessment?
A risk assessment is a systematic process where potential workplace hazards are identified and evaluated so that the appropriate control measures can be implemented with the purpose of prevention and mitigation. Risk assessments are an essential tool in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Why are risk assessments important?
Reducing the risk of accidents and injuries:
By identifying hazards and implementing appropriate control measures, the likelihood of hazardous events occurring can be reduced. Conducting risk assessments helps to ensure the health and safety of employees, visitors and the general public as well as reducing the risk of damage to property and the environment.
Compliance with legislation:
There are two primary pieces of legislation in the United Kingdom that are relevant to risk assessments:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers are required to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees in the workplace and anyone else who may be impacted by their work activities e.g. visitors or the public.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Employers are required to carry out risk assessments if more than five people are employed. In addition, employers are also required to identify what measures are appropriate to implement in order to reduce if not eradicate the risks identified in the risk assessment.
By carrying out risk assessments, you can ensure compliance with these legal requirements.
Improving productivity:
By identifying and mitigating potential occupational hazards employees are less likely to become injured or ill, which can result in increased productivity and a reduction of absenteeism.
Reduced financial outgoings:
Conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate control measures can help reduce costs associated with accidents, injuries and illnesses. This can include medical costs, compensation costs and other costs associated with diminished productivity.
Improved company reputation:
Companies that make the health and safety of their employees and visitors a priority can improve their reputation within their community and with their customers. This can lead to an influx of business opportunities and improved customer loyalty.
Better decision-making:
Carrying out risk assessments can provide valuable information that can be utilised to make decisions about workplace safety. This information can help employers to develop appropriate policies and procedures, allocate resources and prioritise safety measures.
What are the steps involved in a risk assessment?
Identify hazards
The first step in a risk assessment is to identify all potential hazards in the workplace. The word ‘hazard’ is used to define anything that could potentially cause harm or have an adverse effect, this can include physical hazards such as machinery, equipment, and working at heights, as well as chemical hazards such as hazardous substances and gases. Other hazards may include ergonomic risks, psycho-social risks, and biological hazards.
Assess risks
The term 'risk' is used to describe the likelihood of a hazardous event occurring and the severity of the consequences if it did. Many factors influence the level of risk such as the frequency of exposure, the duration of exposure, and the severity of the hazard. Consequences can be determined by considering the severity of the injury, illness or damage to property or the environment that could result.
Control measures
After the risks have been assessed, appropriate control measures should be identified and implemented as a means of mitigation or elimination.
Control measures include:
Making changes to the work environment e.g. improving lighting or ventilation, installation of safety barriers, repairing or replacing faulty equipment, modifying the layout to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries
Implementing safety protocols, providing appropriate training and supervision to workers (reducing lone working) and limiting access to hazardous areas
Using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary
Implementing appropriate emergency response plans (e.g. evacuation procedures, first aid protocols or response plans for natural disasters or other emergencies)
Regular monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of control measures is essential to ensure that they remain effective and that any new hazards or risks are identified and addressed promptly
Record findings:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that risk assessments be documented regardless of the size of the organisation or the level of risk involved. Reasons that documentation of risk assessments is vital:
Legal compliance: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to keep a record of risk assessment findings.
Record keeping: Having a record can be beneficial for future references or audits and can help identify patterns or trends in hazards and risks
Communication: Results and recommendations can be easily communicated to relevant individuals e.g employees, contractors and management and ensures everyone in the workplace is aware of the identified hazards and the control measures implemented.
Continuous improvement: By reviewing documentation, companies can identify areas for improvement and make changes to control measures to reduce risks.
Who should be involved in a risk assessment?
Employer/Manager: As stated in the legislation above, the employer has a responsibility to ensure a risk assessment is carried out and that the findings are acted upon.
Competent Person/Assessor: A competent person is responsible for ensuring that the risk assessment is carried out in congruence with the relevant regulations and standards.
Employees/Operators: Employees or operators of the task being assessed are likely to have practical knowledge of the hazards associated with their work.
Depending on the workplace task being assessed, it may be necessary to get the input of a subject matter expert if technical knowledge and expertise are required (e.g. engineers, chemists or other technical specialists). In some cases, it can be helpful to get input from representatives of relevant departments (e.g. maintenance, procurement, engineers etc) to make sure that all potential hazards are considered. As a general rule, it is beneficial to get input from an experienced set of eyes as well as a fresh set of eyes so that nothing goes unnoticed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting a risk assessment is an essential constituent in promoting workplace safety, complying with legislation and reducing the costs associated with accidents and injuries. By identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate controls, employers can create a safe, productive workplace that improves their company's reputation and overall business success.
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