What is a Risk Assessment?
A Risk Assessment is where an employer writes down any hazards or risks which could cause harm to people in the workplace and what control measures can be done or precautions could be taken to prevent harm. The overall aim of Risk Assessment is to reduce the risk of injury and illness associated with work.
A Risk Assessment comprises of three steps;
Step 1 is identifying hazards
Step 2 is the assessment of risks
Step 3 is putting control measures in place.
| What’s a Hazard? A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm in terms of human injury or ill health, including; · work materials, · equipment, · work methods or practices, · poor work design · exposure to harmful agents such as chemicals, noise or vibration. |
What’s a Risk? A risk is the likelihood that somebody will be harmed by the hazard and how serious the harm might be. The number of people at risk from the hazard should also be considered when you think of Risk. |
Under Section 19 of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, every employer is required to identify hazards in their workplace. In addition, the employer must assess the risk from identified hazards and have a written risk assessment of the risks as they apply to persons exposed to them in the workplace.
The HSA outlines that Risk Assessments must:
- Address significant hazards and risks
- Apply to all aspects of the work including lone work, shift work and work away from the main workplace
- Cover routine and non-routine operations including maintenance and breakdowns
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Occupli Consultancy undertake many different types of risk assessments across many sectors from general workplace assessments and task risk assessment to specialist areas such as ergonomic, chemical agents, fire, machinery, confined space and ATEX.
Risk assessments are conducted in conjunction and consultation with your onsite representatives to ensure the quality and validity of the risk assessment as well as raising health and safety awareness with your personnel.
Your Occupli Consultant can provide risk assessments systems, formats and templates for use at your organisation. Site specific training programmes can also be developed and delivered to meet your organisations requirements.
Do you have a question about the Risk Assessments?