What is a Risk Assessment?
By: Neville Growthead
What is a Risk Assessment?
In very general terms a Risk Assessment is where a task or action is studied to determine what
hazards may occur, who could possibly be harmed and how they may be harmed, as well as
what current or proposed steps are being and should be taken to reduce any risks. In addition
the person/s responsible for the actions are noted.
The UK Health and Safety Executive require all employers to carry out a risk assessment and importantly employers with 5 or more employees are required to record the assessments.
There are similar requirements worldwide.
A very simple example could be cleaning an office :-
What are the hazards?
Slips, Trips and Falls- Members of staff or visitors could slip on wet floors, trip over cables etc
What is being done already?
Floors are only mopped after hours, and Signage is used to warn other persons of wet floors.
No trailing electrical cables used.
Is any further action needed?
Work areas subjected to good housekeeping practices and no tripping hazards left in walkways.
Who is responsible?
All Cleaning Staff and the Supervisor is to inspect and continually monitor the works.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals- Irritation or burns caused by Cleaning Chemicals.
What is being done already?
Company Policy is that all substances are subject to a COSHH Assessment
or preferably that only non toxic/not containing any irritants.
Gloves are worn, and work areas are well ventilated.
Is any further action needed?
All employees are fully trained in the work process and in the use of any substances
that maybe harmful.
Who is responsible?
The Company Management and all cleaning staff and supervisors.
This was a basic example of the risk and assessment process, our Method Statement and Risk Assessment Pack contains some worked examples from very basic to more advanced assessments as well as blank templates in MS Word TM format for easy editing and some resources and information to help you complete your Assessments.
Please Visit www.method-statement-template.com for more information.
About the Author:
Neville has worked in Risk and Project Management for over 30 years.
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