This month I want to explain to you why companies need risk assessments and the simple steps to writing one. Risk assessments are a simple technique used to identify what could injure people or cause ill health whilst undertaking work activities, existing controls that are already in place to prevent injury or ill health and if there are any further measures required.
Why does a company need risk assessments?
- They are key in ensuring your workers and your company is protected.
- It is a legal requirement for every employer and self-employed person to make an assessment of the health and safety risks arising out of their work. (The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999).
How do I undertake a risk assessment?
- Identify the hazards
- Decide who might be harmed and how
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
- Record your findings and implement them Note: You only need to record the assessment if you have 5 or more employees.
- Review your assessment and update if necessary
Remember a risk assessment is not about creating huge amounts of paperwork, but about identifying sensible measures to control the risks in your workplace. The law does not expect you to remove all risks, but to protect people by putting in place measures to control those risks.
If you would like assistance with your risk assessments then please feel free to contact us, without obligation.