Risk Assessments in Health and Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

At Work Wallet, workplace safety is a priority for businesses of all sizes. Risk assessments in health and safety are crucial in protecting employees, minimising hazards, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations. But what exactly is a risk assessment, and how can you ensure yours is effective? Read on to find out everything you need to know about Work Wallet's risk assessment software and how it helps companies reduce their health and safety risks. 

What is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a structured process for identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce potential dangers in the workplace. This process helps businesses comply with health and safety regulations while fostering a safer working environment.

Key Definitions:

• Accident: An unplanned event resulting in harm or loss.
• Hazard: Anything with the potential to cause harm.
• Risk: The likelihood and severity of harm occurring due to a hazard.

Types of Risk Assessments in Health and Safety

The type of risk assessment required depends on the nature of your business and the tasks involved. Common types include:

• Fire Risk Assessments: Identify and mitigate fire hazards.
• Manual Handling Risk Assessments: Evaluate lifting, carrying, or moving risks.
• Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessments: Ensure safe use of computers and screens.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Assessments: Manage exposure to hazardous substances.
• Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS): A detailed document outlining control measures often used in construction.

Why Are Risk Assessments Important?

Risk assessments are a legal requirement and a vital step in protecting employees and businesses. Key benefits include:

• Preventing workplace accidents by identifying hazards before they cause harm.
• Reducing injuries and saving lives through proactive risk management.
• Raising hazard awareness, ensuring employees understand workplace risks.
• Supporting management decisions by identifying high-risk areas and implementing adequate controls.

Failing to conduct proper risk assessments can lead to severe financial and reputational damage. As the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports, companies that are found negligent in their risk management can face significant fines.

Who is Responsible for Risk Assessments?

Employers are legally responsible for conducting risk assessments or appointing a competent individual. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to plan, organise, and monitor preventive measures effectively. Engaging employees in the process improves risk identification and mitigation.

When Should You Conduct a Risk Assessment?

Risk assessments should be completed:

• Before starting a new task or activity.
• Whenever significant changes occur in processes, environments, or workforce.
• After an accident or near-miss, reassess existing controls.
• Periodically, to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

How to Conduct a Risk Assessment

The HSE recommends a five-step approach:

1. Identify potential hazards: Walk through the workplace, review past incidents, and consult employees.
2. Determine who might be harmed: Consider employees, contractors, visitors, and high-risk groups.
3. Evaluate risks and implement controls: Assess likelihood and severity, then apply measures to mitigate risks.
4. Record findings and implement changes: Document the assessment and ensure controls are in place.
5. Review and update as needed: Regularly reassess risk levels, especially after significant changes.

Keeping Records and Documentation

Employers with five or more employees must document risk assessments, including:

• Identified hazards.
• Affected individuals or groups.
• Implemented control measures.
• Assessment dates and responsible persons.

While there is no strict legal requirement for how long to retain risk assessments, best practice suggests keeping them as long as they remain relevant.

Dynamic vs Formal Risk Assessments

• Formal Risk Assessments: Organisations use A structured approach to document and manage workplace risks.
• Dynamic Risk Assessments are informal, ongoing evaluations made in real time, such as assessing hazards before lifting a heavy object.

Both types of assessments ensure informed decision-making and workplace safety.

Conclusion

Risk assessments in health and safety are essential for protecting employees, complying with legal requirements, and maintaining operational efficiency. By following best practices and leveraging Work Wallet’s health and safety software, businesses can streamline the risk assessment process and ensure a safer working environment.

Contact us today for more information on how Work Wallet can help your organisation manage health and safety effectively.

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