A risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your workplace to identify potential hazards and ensure adequate safety precautions are in place. This process is crucial for preventing harm to employees and visitors, protecting your business from potential losses, and fulfilling legal obligations.
Workplace accidents and work-related illnesses can have devastating consequences, impacting not only individuals but also your business operations. Losses can include decreased productivity, damaged equipment, increased insurance premiums, and potential legal liabilities. Therefore, conducting thorough risk assessments is paramount.
As a business owner, you’re legally obligated to assess workplace risks. The primary goal is to determine the significance of each hazard and confirm that existing precautions effectively minimize the associated risks. For small businesses, owners who understand the process can typically conduct the assessment themselves, without needing specialized health and safety expertise. Larger firms may delegate the task to a responsible employee, safety representative, or consult external specialists.
Understanding Hazards and Risks
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. Common examples include chemicals, electrical equipment, and working at heights.
Risk, on the other hand, is the probability, whether high or low, that someone will be harmed by a specific hazard.
The Five Steps of Risk Assessment
1. Identify Hazards: Systematically examine your workplace to pinpoint potential dangers.
2. Determine Who Might Be Harmed and How: For each hazard, identify individuals at risk and the potential nature of harm.
3. Evaluate Risks and Precautions: Assess the adequacy of existing safety measures and determine if additional precautions are necessary.
4. Record Findings: Document your assessment process, identified hazards, and implemented precautions.
5. Review and Revise: Regularly review your assessment and update it as needed to reflect changes in the workplace or new information.
Keep the process straightforward. In many commercial, service, and light industrial settings, hazards are often apparent and easily addressed through common-sense precautions. Regular checks are vital.
You likely already recognize potential hazards, such as machinery or awkward entrances. Ensure you’ve implemented all reasonable precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.
Let’s examine steps 1 and 2 in more detail.
Step 1: Identifying Hazards
Conduct a walkthrough of your workplace, looking for anything that could reasonably cause harm. Focus on significant hazards that could lead to serious injuries, setting aside minor issues for later consideration.
Involve your employees in the process. Their daily experiences provide valuable insights into potential hazards that may not be immediately obvious. Consult manufacturer instructions and data sheets to gain a comprehensive understanding of hazards and risks.
Step 2: Determining Who Might Be Harmed and How
For each identified hazard, determine who is at risk and the potential harm they could suffer. This understanding enables you to implement targeted preventative measures.
Remember to consider vulnerable individuals, such as young workers, trainees, and pregnant employees.
Also, account for non-routine personnel like cleaners, visitors, contractors, and maintenance workers.
Finally, consider the potential impact on the public or individuals sharing the workplace if they could be harmed by your activities.