What Are Risk Assessments?
In the UK it is required by law whether you are self employed or employed, that if your workforce is 5 people or more you are required to carry out regular risk assessments in the workplace. Risk assessments are carried out to keep you and the people you work with safe, you shouldn’t just carry them out because you're obliged to do so by UK law there are so many reasons that they should be done.
5 Steps Of A Risk Assessment
No matter where you work you will find there is always some risk of danger towards yourself or others, simply carrying out regular risk assessments helps reduce accidents or injury in the near future. There are 5 really important steps you must follow when identifying any sort of risk in the workplace, which are:
- Identify any hazard that could cause injuries , accidents or any health risks
- Decide who may be harmed and how?
- Analysis the level of risk
- Put control measures into place
- Record Implement your findings
Risk Assessments Save Lives - FACT!
Just by carrying out risk assessments lives can be saved , it’s common knowledge that some accidents can be worse than others all depending on the risk in the workplace. It’s important to take the time out of your day to do this, this will massively reduce the risk of harm or injury to you or your work colleagues.
Common Workplace Risk
- Hazardous substances
- Fire
- Slips and trips
- Climbing on ladders
Poor Risk Management Costs Money
It’s important to try and avoid any sort of accident at work whether it be small or big, if anyone is injured or has any sort of accident then the likelihood is it’s going to cost you or your business , such as the injured party needing time off or claiming some sort of compensation for their accident. If a health and safety officer attends and does his own risk assessment and finds fault then there is a chance you could be fined. It’s so important that you keep all your risk assessments and health and safety paperwork up to date this ensures should accidents happen you are covering your own back and proof can be provided should you need it in future, this also helps avoid any finds should any health and safety officers need to visit.
How To Reduce Your Liability
Risk assessment’s help cover your back, when accidents do happen we always ask the question, who’s fault was it? Obviously the first thing that will be looked at is the workplace and if it was a safe environment to work in. Are you checking and records up to date? It’s recommended to keep all documentation dated and stored correctly. Some accidents lead to massive court cases and can cost companies huge amounts of money. You can prove by carrying out a risk assessment that you have taken the necessary steps and abided by all Health and safety laws in the uk to keep you and the people you work with safe.
Safety Net Scotland offers a wide range of help to companies, including risk assessments and health and safety training.
