Assessing the risks

The HSE has also produced a document called ‘Five Steps to Risk Assessment’. Broadly a risk assessment is a careful examination of what, in your work place, could cause harm to people (the ‘hazards’ including chemicals, electricity, ladders etc) so that you can decide whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Risk is the chance (low, medium or high) of the hazard harming someone.

1 Look for the hazards

• Walk round and look at what could reasonably cause harm.
• Concentrate on significant hazards.
• Ask your staff what they think.
• Look at manufacturer and supplier guidelines.

2 Decide who might be harmed

• Remember risks to trainees, cleaners, visitors, contractors, maintenance workers, customers or people who share your workplace.

3 Evaluate the risks and what needs to be done

• Are existing precautions adequate and do they meet legal and industry requirements?
• Aim to make all risks small.
• If there are many risks draw up an action list and give priority to the needs, especially those affecting most people.
• Consider if you can get rid of the hazard or, if not, control the hazard so the risk of harm is unlikely.

4 Record your findings

• This is only necessary if you have five or more staff.
• The recordings will demonstrate that you have made proper checks and dealt with significant hazards.
• You might include something like: ‘electrical appliances all checked and appropriately earthed and insulated’.

5 Review your assessment

• Make sure you check regularly as equipment is constantly changing and new hazards may arise.
• Make sure that the precautions are still working and, if not, start again at step one of the assessment.