Risk assessment in health and social care: how to protect staff and service users

Updated June 2025

Risk assessment in health and social care is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of both service users and staff. Whether you’re working in a residential care home, supported living setting, or community-based environment, identifying potential hazards and managing them appropriately is a legal requirement and a fundamental part of delivering high-quality care.

Because no two care settings are alike, each risk assessment must be tailored to reflect the specific needs of the individuals involved and the environment in which care is provided.

What is a risk assessment in health and social care?

A risk assessment is a structured process used to identify potential hazards, evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm and implement measures to reduce those risks.

In health and social care, risk assessments help ensure that vulnerable individuals including older adults, people with disabilities, or those with learning difficulties receive safe, appropriate support. They also safeguard staff by identifying hazards related to manual handling, violence, slips and trips. etc.

Related reading: Understanding care home risk assessments: what you need to know

Why risk assessment is important for care workers and service users

A robust risk assessment helps:

• Prevent accidents and injuries
• Promote independence while balancing safety
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Protect staff from avoidable harm and absence
• Improve care outcomes by proactively managing risk

For example, encouraging a young person with learning disabilities to make a cup of tea supports their independence, but it also involves the risk of scalding. A good assessment recognises both the benefits and the hazards and puts appropriate safety measures in place, such as supervision and using safe equipment.

Legal responsibilities for risk assessment in health and social care

Several pieces of legislation govern risk assessments in health and social care settings:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Care Act 2014.

These laws require employers and care providers to assess potential risks, implement control measures and regularly review their assessments to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.

Common hazards in social care settings

Hazards vary between care settings, but common examples include:

• Manual handling: Staff may be required to lift or assist service users, leading to musculoskeletal injuries if not done correctly.
• Aggression or violence: Some service users may pose a risk of violent or unpredictable behaviour, requiring staff training and clear response protocols.
• Slips, trips, and falls: These are particularly dangerous in social care due to the vulnerability of many service users.
• Fire safety: This is especially critical when individuals may need assistance to evacuate.
• Infection control: Risk of cross-contamination and illness, particularly in group living settings.

Related reading: Health and safety 101: Explaining the differences between risks and hazards

Who is at risk?

Both service users and care staff are at risk in health and social care environments. Service users may be vulnerable due to age, disability, or health conditions. Staff may face physical or emotional strain, and if they become injured or unwell, the quality of care can also suffer.

That’s why protecting workers is integral to protecting those in their care.

How to carry out a risk assessment in health and social care

Here’s a step-by-step process based on HSE guidance:

1. Identify potential hazards: What could cause harm? (e.g. lifting tasks, aggression, hygiene risks)
2. Decide who might be harmed and how: Consider both service users and staff.
3. Evaluate the risks: Assess how likely the risk is and how severe the outcome could be.
4. Record your findings: Keep clear documentation of the assessment and the actions you’ve taken.
5. Review and update regularly: Especially when the service user’s needs change or new risks emerge.

Related reading: What are the 5 steps to risk assessment?

When to update your risk assessment

You should update your assessment whenever:

• A new service user is admitted
• A service user’s health or needs change
• There is an incident or near miss
• New equipment, processes or environments are introduced
• New legislation or guidance is issued

Ongoing training and open communication with staff are vital for spotting new or evolving risks.

Related reading: When should a risk assessment be carried out?

Who is responsible for risk assessment in social care?

Care staff play a frontline role in identifying hazards and reporting concerns, while managers and supervisors are legally responsible for ensuring risk assessments are conducted, reviewed, and communicated properly.

Empower staff through:

• Clear training on how to identify and report risks
• Encouragement to set boundaries around their own capabilities.

Training and support for social care workers

Risk assessment in health and social care FAQs

What is a risk assessment in health and social care?

It’s a structured process to identify hazards, evaluate risks and put controls in place to protect staff and vulnerable individuals.

Why is risk assessment important in social care?

Because it helps prevent harm, supports independence, ensures legal compliance and protects the well-being of all parties.

Who carries out risk assessments in care environments?

Management is responsible for ensuring assessments are completed, but frontline staff play a key role in reporting hazards.

What are examples of risks in health and social care?

Manual handling, aggression, trips and falls, medication errors and poor infection control.

How often should assessments be reviewed?

Regularly, especially when a service user’s needs change or after an incident occurs.

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