Risk Assessment

 INTRODUCTION

The Management of Health and Safety at Work (MHSW) Regulations 1999 require all employers and self-employed persons to assess the risks to workers and any others who may be affected by their undertaking. Many employers already carry out what might be considered to be risk assessments on a day-to- day basis during the course of their work - they will note changes in working practices, recognise faults as they develop and take necessary corrective actions. Regulation 3 of MHSW, however requires that employers should undertake a systematic general examination of their work activity and record any significant findings of that risk assessment. Risk assessment also fits into a four part process for risk control, through the setting of performance standards, as follows:-

1. Hazard identification.
2. Risk assessment.
3. Risk control - the selection of suitable measures to eliminate or control risks.
4. Implementing and maintaining control measures.

Definitions can be useful :

HAZARD :

Something with the potential to cause harm.

RISK :

The likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realised.

RISK ASSESSMENT IN PRACTICE

There are no fixed rules about how a risk assessment should be carried out; it will depend on the nature of the undertaking and the type and extent of the hazards and risks. The process should be practical, participative and systematic and cover risks which are reasonably foreseeable. For small undertakings with few or simple hazards a suitable and sufficient risk assessment can be a straightforward process based on personal judgement, experience and knowledge. In larger or more complex cases, specialist knowledge may be required. In particular, a risk assessment should:

(a) ensure that all relevant hazards and risks are addressed, with the aim of identifying significant risks in the workplace, i.e.

• identify the hazards (by observation, using sources of information such as legislation or published guidance, trade publications, accident or ill-health records, manufacturers' or suppliers' information)
• assess the risks (including residual risks) from the identified hazards
• ensure all aspects of the work activity are reviewed

(b) address what actually happens in the workplace, including non-routine operations.
(c) ensure that all groups of employees and others who might be affected are considered.
(d) identify groups of workers who might be particularly at risk
(e) take account of existing preventive or precautionary measures.

The level of detail should be broadly proportionate to the risk.

In some cases, employers may make a first rough assessment, to eliminate from consideration those risks on which no further action need be taken, before conducting fuller assessments. Employers controlling a number of similar workplaces may produce a basic 'model' risk assessment reflecting core hazards and risks. This may then be applied at each workplace but only if broadly appropriate to the type of work and if it can be adapted to particular work situations.

Talking leaflets

These files are provided in mp3 format,

INDG173 Officewise

Health & safety law: What you should know

INDG226 Homeworking

INDG163 Five steps to risk assessment

INDG225 Preventing slips and trips at work

MISC686 Working together to prevent stress

RECORDING THE ASSESSMENT

Employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of their risk assessment. It needs to be part of an employer's overall approach to health and safety and where appropriate should be linked to other relevant health and safety documents (e.g. policy statement). This record would normally be in writing but can also be recorded electronically as long as it is retrievable. Various written formats have, and can, be used; employers should select or develop a format appropriate to their needs. Assessments need to be suitable and sufficient, not perfect. Leaflet IND (G) 163L '5 steps to risk assessment' includes a pro-forma risk assessment sheet aimed at firms in the commercial, service and light industrial sectors.

PREVENTIVE AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES

In deciding upon the preventive and protective measures, the following principles should be applied -

1. It is always best if possible to avoid a risk altogether.
2. Combat risks at source.
3. Wherever possible, adapt work to the individual.
4. Take advantage of technological and technical progress.
5. They should form part of a coherent policy and approach.
6. Give a priority to those measures which protect the whole workplace.
7. Workers need to be involved, and understand what they need to do.
8. The development of a 'safety culture' with the organisation.

EXAMPLES OF RISK ASSESSMENTS

Booklet HSG (183) contains excellent case study examples of risk assessments carried out in an office, a motor vehicle repair shop and a warehouse (amongst others) under the headings of setting the scene, preparation, touring the workplace and completing the risk assessment

CHECKLIST - RISK ASSESSMENT

REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS

1. L21 ACOP Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations 1999

2. Leaflet IND (G) 163L '5 Steps to risk assessment (HSE).
3. HS(G) 137: Health risk management - a practical guide for managers in small and medium sized enterprises.

4. HS(G) 65 Successful health and safety management

5. Essentials of health and safety at work

6. IND (G) 132L 5 steps to successful health and safety management: special help for directors &managers. (HSE)
7. FAQ's :-

8. HSG (183): 5 Steps to Risk Assessment - Case Studies (HSE)

9. Adventure Activities Centres  five steps to risk assessment.

10. HSE Books:
11. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/raindex.htm
12. HSE website:

13. Case studies

For further information please call (023) 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or call at the Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1EB.

Alternatively e-mail ehs@gosport.gov.ukany time.