What Are The 5 Steps To Risk Assessment?

Why Are Health And Safety Risk Assessments Important?

Understanding the importance of risk assessment steps helps organisations prioritise safety and legal compliance. Here are the primary reasons risk assessments are vital:

1. Hazard Identification: Spot potential dangers and implement proactive measures to prevent accidents, illnesses, or property damage.
2. Employee Protection: Safeguard employees, contractors, and the public from workplace hazards, ensuring their well-being and productivity.
3. Prequalification for Tenders: Demonstrate competence in health and safety management, a key requirement for securing contracts and meeting tender criteria.

Effective risk assessments reduce workplace incidents, minimise downtime, and help organisations maintain their reputations as safe and responsible employers.

The 5 Steps To Risk Assessment

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends following five actionable steps to conduct an effective risk assessment. 

• Step 1: Identify Hazards
• Step 2: Assess the Risks
• Step 3: Control the Risks 
• Step 4: Record your Findings
• Step 5: Review the Controls 

These steps provide a structured approach to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating workplace hazards.

Step 1: Identify Hazards

The first step involves identifying hazards that could harm employees, contractors, visitors, or property. Hazards may include:

• Physical risks: Slips, trips, falls, or injuries caused by dangerous machinery.
• Chemical and biological hazards: Exposure to harmful substances like cleaning agents, asbestos, or infectious diseases.
• Psychosocial risks: Stress, bullying, or excessive workloads that can affect mental health and productivity.

There are multiple methods for identifying workplace hazards. We recommend starting with the simplest and most practical, which include:

• Conducting workplace inspections: Walk through the site and note potential risks.
• Reviewing accident records: Analyse past incidents to identify patterns or recurring hazards.
• Consulting employees: Workers often have firsthand knowledge of workplace risks.

Related Reading: Risk Assessment — Template And Guide

Step 2: Assess The Risks

This step means determining who might be harmed by health and safety risks and how. 

Understanding who is at risk is crucial for designing effective safety measures. During this step, consider:

• Employees: Regular staff members are exposed to workplace hazards.
• Contractors and subcontractors: Temporary or third-party workers who might not be familiar with the environment.
• Visitors and the public: Individuals who may be indirectly affected by workplace activities.
• Vulnerable groups: Pregnant workers, young employees, or people with disabilities may require additional protections.

Detailing how hazards might harm people — for example, burns from chemicals or injuries from falling objects — helps you implement targeted controls. This brings us to the third step of creating a risk assessment. 

Step 3: Control The Risks

Once hazards and affected parties are identified, assess the likelihood and severity of risks. This step involves evaluating:

• Likelihood: How probable is the risk?
• Severity: What is the potential impact if the risk materialises?

You can use a 5×5 risk assessment matrix — also known as a risk rating matrix — to assess and prioritise risks based on the probability and impact of their consequences. Here’s an example of a risk rating matrix below.

Related Reading: How to Use A 5×5 Risk Assessment Matrix

Based on the evaluation, control measures should be implemented proportionate to the level of risk. Examples include:

• Elimination: Remove hazardous substances or processes where possible.
• Substitution: Replace high-risk materials with safer alternatives.
• Engineering controls: Install safety barriers, ventilation systems, or protective enclosures.
• Administrative controls: Implement policies like rotating shifts to reduce exposure to risks.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide gloves, helmets, or goggles as a last line of defense.

Step 4: Record Your Findings

For organisations with five or more employees, documenting the risk assessment is a legal requirement. A written record demonstrates:

• Accountability: Proof that hazards were identified and addressed.
• Compliance: Evidence of adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Clarity: A resource for employees and contractors to understand workplace risks and safety measures.

When documenting, include the following:

1. The hazards identified.
2. The people at risk.
3. The control measures implemented.
4. Any further action required.

You can also create a method statement outlining how and when safety measures will be implemented.

Related Reading: What Is A Method Statement?

Step 5: Review The Controls 

Workplaces are dynamic environments, and risks evolve. Regularly reviewing and updating your risk assessment ensures it remains relevant. Consider revising your assessment when:

• New equipment or materials are introduced.
• Processes change, such as new methods of production or service delivery.
• New employees or contractors join the organisation.
• An incident occurs, highlighting an unaccounted-for risk.

Frequent reviews allow organisations to comply with regulations and maintain workplace safety standards.

Tips For Building Effective Risk Assessments

1. Tailor Your Assessment to the Workplace: Every site is unique, so risk assessments should address specific hazards relevant to the industry or location.
2. Involve Employees in the Process: Workers often have insights into day-to-day risks and practical mitigation methods.
3. Use Technology: Tools like digital checklists or risk management software can streamline the process and ensure nothing is overlooked.
4. Train Your Staff: Ensure employees and contractors understand how to recognise hazards and follow safety protocols.

Related Reading: How To Carry Out A Risk Assessment The Right Way: 5 Mistakes To Avoid

How Veriforce CHAS Can Support Your Health And Safety Efforts

Veriforce CHAS is a trusted partner in helping businesses meet health and safety compliance requirements. Whether you’re looking to secure tenders or create a safer workplace, CHAS offers professional assessments and guidance tailored to your needs.

With CHAS, you can:

• Gain accreditation through CHAS Standard or leverage your SSIP certification in one place.
• Access expert advice on implementing effective risk management measures.
• Join a network of prequalified contractors recognised for their commitment to safety.

 

Follow the CHAS blog to stay up to date on the latest guides and news on health and safety standards in the construction industry. 

Let CHAS help your business comply with these regulations through a health and safety assessment. Sign up for CHAS Standard or use your existing SSIP accreditation to join our network of prequalified contractors in the UK.