Workplace Risk Assessments

Risk assessment is an essential part of the planning stage of any health and safety management system. HSE, in the publication HSG(65) Successful Health and Safety Management, states that the aim of the planning process to minimise risk.

Risk assessment methods are used to decide on priorities and set objectives for eliminating hazards and reducing risks. Wherever possible, risks are eliminated through selection and design of facilities, equipment and processes. If risks cannot be eliminated, they are minimised by the use of physical controls or, as a last resort, through systems of work and personal protective equipment.  

Types of Risk Assessments we can undertake on your behalf

  • Task based risk assessments
  • Role / activity based risk assessments
  • Location based risk assessment
  • COSHH Assessments
  • Noise Assessments
  • Vibration Assessments (Hard / Arm vibration)
  • DSE Assessments (Display Screen Equipment)
  • Manual Handling Assessments
  • Fire Risk Assessments

 Some Definitions

HAZARD

A hazard is the potential of a substance, activity or process to cause harm. Hazards take many forms including, chemicals, electricity, and use of a ladder. A hazard can be ranked relative to other hazards or to a possible level of danger.

RISK

 A risk is the likelihood and the consequence of a substance, activity or process to cause harm. Risk (or strictly the level of risk) is also linked to the severity of its consequences. A risk can be reduced and the hazard controlled by good management.

The Risk Assessment Process

The HSE approach to risk assessment (5 Steps)

  1. Identify the hazard
  2. Decide who might be harmed and how
  3. Evaluate the risk and decide on precautions (risk controls - existing and additional)
  4. Record your findings and implement them
  5. Monitor and review your assessment and update if necessary

 Evaluation of Risk

A quantitative risk assessment attempts to quantify the risk level in terms of the likelihood of an incident and its subsequent severity. Clearly the higher the likelihood and severity, the higher the risk will be. the likelihood depends on such factors as the control measures in place, the frequency of exposure to the hazard and the category of person exposed to the hazard. the severity will depend on the magnitude of the hazard (e.g. voltage, toxicity etc). HSE suggests in HSG(65) a simple 3 x 3 matrix too determine risk levels.

Likelihood of occurrence Likelihood Level
Harm is certain or near certain to occur High 3
Harm will often occur Medium 2
Harm will seldom occur Low 1
Severity of harm Severity Level
Death or major injury (as defined by RIDDOR) Major 3
3 day injury or illness (as defined by RIDDOR) Serious 2
All other injuries or illnesses Slight 1
 Risk = Severity x Likelihood  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Likelihood

Severity 

 

Slight 1

Serious 2

 Major 3

 Low 1

 Low 1

Low 2 

 Medium 3

 Medium 2

Low 2

Medium 4  

High 6

 High 3

Medium 3 

 High 6

 High 9

Thus:
6 - 9 High Risk
3 -4 Medium Risk
1 -2 Low Risk