RISK ASSESSMENT – FAQS
We hear the term ‘Risk Assessment so much in day-to-day life and work, but do we really know what it means, who should be assessing risks, how and why?
Firstly, starting with the difference between Hazard and Risk
HAZARD = SOMETHING WITH THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE HARM
RISK = THE LIKELIHOOD OF THAT HARM ACTUALLY OCCURRING
Do I need a Risk Assessment for my workplace?
Yes all employers must assess risks in their workplace. The assessment must be suitable and sufficient and it must be recorded where there are 5 or more employees.
Who should write/review our risk assessment?
A competent person – Someone with the skills, knowledge and practical experience of the work activity and relevant legislative requirements to be able to identify what may cause harm, how the harm might occur and what measures can be taken to remove or reduce the likelihood of harm to an acceptable level.
When should we review our risk assessment?
‘Regularly’ and following changes in process, people, equipment or environment. It is good practice to review RAs following an incident. Reviewing ‘regularly’ could be annually or may be more frequently dependant on the level of risk and likelihood of change.
How should I record my Risk Assessment findings?
You can use paper (hard-copy) or electronic means of recording your risk assessment process. What is important is that communicate your findings and explain them if necessary, to those who are involved in the work activity/situation that has been assessed. Electronic documents are not only an environmentally friendly means of communication but can also be easily updated.
What should I do with older version of my risk assessment?
Keep a copy safe and accessible, do not simply overwrite it as you may need to refer back to it in the future.
Can I have one risk assessment for all aspects of our organisation?
This is dependant on the size, activities and risks involved. It is often found that a General Workplace Risk Assessment is written to collectively address the overall risks. Supporting risk assessments are then written for processes, environments and even people. Remember your findings must be communicated and understood by your employees. If you had a large production environment would you expect your accounts team to read and understand the risk assessment for operating plant and machinery in your production rooms? No.
What does ‘Suitable and Sufficient’ mean?
A “suitable and sufficient” risk assessment is one that:
contains all significant risks
correctly and accurately identifies all hazards, including those that arise from adhoc work such as service and maintenance or repairs.
Identifies who may be at risk of harm or injury
Determines the likelihood of harm or injury arising and the severity in the event it were to occur
Considers exisiting control measures and determine appropriate further measures required in order to mitigate risk
The assessment should allow the assessor to prioritise remedial measures. And it should be written in a way that it remains valid for a reasonable period of time.
Safety For can provide you with Risk Assessment Awareness Training, we can support you by creating Risk Assessments with you or can offer a third party perspective in reviewing and offering comment and feedback.