In simple terms you need to:
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Identify the hazard (which is something which has the potential to cause harm, such as chemicals, electricity, working from ladders, trailing cables)
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Decide who could be harmed by the hazard (yourself, employees, visitors, contractors, the general public)
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Evaluate the risk (the chance that someone will be harmed by the hazard)
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Decide whether or not the existing precautions are adequate. Or do you need to do more to make it safer
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Record your findings
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Review the assessment periodically, and if there are changes in equipment/working practices etc
A guidance leaflet entitled '5 Steps to Risk Assessment' (PDF, 78kb) is available from: HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, CO10 2WA, Tel: 01787 881165, Fax: 01787 313995 or online.
Risk assessments must be completed by someone who is competent to do so. For a small business the owner/manager is probably the best person – as no-one knows your business better than you do! Larger companies may employ their own health and safety officer, or hire a consultant to help them. Once you have assessed the risks, you must make employees and other necessary persons (eg contractors, temporary staff) aware of the findings and how to work in a safe manner. Companies employing five or more people must record the significant findings of their assessments. |