Basic Health And Safety Policy Page 8
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19Risk Assessments
A risk assessment is, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
describe: "a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause
harm to people.... the aim is to make sure that no one gets hurt or
becomes ill".
Step One – Identify the hazards
First walk around the workplace identifying anything that could be
potentially hazardous - write everything down - make a list.
Include everything you can think of: not just things that are currently
obviously dangerous, but anything with a potential risk. Where
possible two people will undertake the risk assessment separately and
will compare lists afterwards, in case either has missed anything out.
Consider invisible hazards – e.g. stress (often related to working
long hours, under pressure, to tight deadlines) or physical assault.
Invisible hazards often include fumes - for example, photocopiers and
laser printers emit ozone when in use.
Finally consider whether things that might not normally be hazardous
might be in relation to specific people – e.g. pregnant women,
disabled workers.
Step Two – identify who is at risk
Once you have identified and listed all the hazards, you need to (i)
identify what the specific risk is, and (ii) who is particularly at risk.
Some people will be more at risk from particular hazards than others
- for example a computer user will be more at risk of suffering RSI
(Repetitive Strain Injury - also known as WRULDs - Work Related
Upper Limb Disorders), a cleaner might have specific risks related to
the chemical cleaning agents being used, etc. And there will be those
particularly at risk in some circumstances for example because they
may be working alone, or they may have a disability. List those
potentially at risk.
Step Three – Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
Think about what you can do to remove the risk. Compare what you
currently do with what is accepted as good practice. (It may be
necessary to seek advice from experts). The main purpose of doing a
risk assessment is to be aware of the risks, so that you can take
action to eliminate or at least reduce the risks. E.g. if an electrical
wire is exposed, you could replace it, or cover it with insulating tape.
E.g. if your cleaner is using potentially dangerous chemical agents -
change the cleaning product - use something water-based. Write
down the actions currently taken and those actions you
propose to be taken, and write down who will take the action,
by when.
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