As an employer there are many laws and obligations to comply with, including the health and safety of your employees, visitors, contractors and the public. This is overseen by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
It is a requirement for every employer and self – employed person to undertake Risk Assessments on activities arising out of their work.
But, creating the Health and Safety Risk Assessment for your company isn’t as complicated as it might sound. At Essential 6 we can help with Health and Safety Risk Assessments, Health and Safety Policies and Method Statements for your business and we cover most industries.
In your Health and Safety Risk Assessment we will work with you to identify these 6 key components:
- What are the hazards in your business?
Some of the potential hazards which could cause harm can be categorised as physical, mental, chemical and biological. Hazards can include machinery, substances and procedures. Some of the common hazards to look for include heavy lifting, excess workload, cleaning fluids and infectious diseases.
- Who might be harmed?
This section looks at who might be at risk and includes employees, visitors, contractors and the public. It covers anyone who interacts with your business on and off the premises. In many industries the risk assessment covers employees working in the office, in customer homes and other business premises. Remember to consider risks to delivery drivers or if you offer customer transport services.
- Evaluation of the risks.
When creating the risk assessment, the evaluation stage considers how likely each hazard could cause harm and employers then decide whether to assign the hazard a high, medium or low rating. During the evaluation process employers are recommended to involve employees for their “on the shop floor” opinion of the business processes and procedures and the associated risks and hazards.
- Recording the findings.
Record the main findings of the hazards and risk levels. Having this in writing acts as proof the risk assessment has taken place. The risk assessment is a working document and should be accessible at all times.
- Implementing changes.
It might seem obvious but after identifying a hazard and recording the findings, the risk can be removed or minimised by implementing changes. For example, if there is a risk to a lone worker and you make a change to remove the risk, this should be documented in your Health and Safety Risk Assessment to show changes have been made, by whom and when.
- Reviewing the assessment.
The Health and Safety Risk Assessment is a working document which should be reviewed regularly to make sure it is up to date. In particular, a review should take place if new machinery is added, or if new procedures are implemented. These circumstances should be documented and the risk levels re-evaluated. The review process is to ensure the agreed safe working practices are adhered to by employees and management alike.
Having an up-to-date Health and Safety Risk Assessment benefits everyone in your business. By providing safe working practices this demonstrates as an employer that you take the health and welfare of employees, contractors, visitors and the public seriously.
For more information or for assistance carrying out Health and Safety Risk Assessments for your business please contact us and we will be happy to advise the recommended practices for your individual requirements.
