Risk Assessments in the workplace

Our Workplace Safety Risk Assessment Services

As part of our health and safety service our experienced health and safety consultants can come onsite to assist your business to undertake risk assessments providing you with documentation to help complete necessary safe systems of work.

Examples of risk assessments

• Machine / Work Activity specific risk assessments (e.g. spray painting/welding)
• Storage of materials
• Use of hand tools
• Working with customers/exposure to violence
• Lone working
• Kitchen work
• Office work

Employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe and secure working environment, regardless of the industry their business operates. Operating with health and safety at the forefront will protect employees, minimise legal claims and contribute to business success and growth.

Sign-off sheets for risk assessments should be utilised in the workplace. This means employees sign off they are aware of the risks, understand the risk assessment relevant to their role and have received training on hazards and control measures associated with the tasks they undertake. When signing this sheet, employees are agreeing to work safely and in line with the risk assessments for their area of work.

Types of Workplaces We Serve

Our health and safety consultants have extensive experience in a wide variety of sectors, making us an ideal partner for all small and medium-sized companies across Northern Ireland and Scotland. .

To ensure the safety of employees, especially those working in engineering and manufacturing sites, risk assessments are critical, they are also essential in protecting the environment and maintaining the integrity of operations.

Our health and safety consultants are highly experienced in advising engineering and manufacturing businesses. They are able to complete comprehensive risk assessments for machinery and work-specific activities. This involves hazard identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation, control, documentation, and communication with employers to highlight necessary changes and how the risk assessment works.

Other workplaces, our health and safety consultants cover include;

• Medical Practices
• Dental Practices
• Offices environments

*Remember* risk assessments must be an ongoing process and it is essential that businesses keep them up to date to reflect changes in work processes or machinery, identification of new hazard , or updates to control measures.

Industries we specialise in

• Engineering/ Manufacturing /Construction businesses
• Healthcare providers
• Charities
• Hospitality businesses
• Golf Clubs
• Professional Services businesses

What is a Risk Assessment?

A logical process of identifying workplace hazards associated with work activities,  assessing the likelihood and severity of risks, documenting the control measures currently in place to minimise risk as well as detailing any additional control measures required to reduce or eliminate the risk.

Lone worker’s risk assessments

Lone workers include those working by themselves or without close or direct supervision from another member of staff, employers will need to evaluate the effect to lone workers including stress and/or violence as outlined by the HSE and HSENI. HSE Lone workers can include delivery drivers, engineers, cleaners, and anyone working from home or in 24-hour services, for example, all night petrol stations. There is greater risks associated with those working without supervision, exposing employees to work-related stress or road risks.

Pregnancy and new mothers risk assessments

Are you aware when an employee announces they are pregnant, employers are required by law to carry out a pregnancy risk assessment specific to that employee and the role they carry out.

Businesses are required to carry out an individual risk assessments for;

• Pregnant employees
• Breastfeeding
• Employees that have given birth in the last 6 months.

The working environment can pose risks to the mother and/or child at various stages through pregnancy.

• Agility
• Co-ordination
• Reach
• Speed of movement
• Dexterity

Pregnancy risk assessments should be managed on a case-by-case basis to help employers and employees understand how risks can be controlled. Alternative work may be necessary for the employee, to ensure they or their baby is not exposed to any potential harm.

5 reasons your business needs to complete risk assessments.

Legal compliance

By law, employers must adhere to specific safety legislation in relation to their industry. Employers may face financial penalties or legal action for failure to comply with safety legislation.  Within GB the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in Northern Ireland it is known as HSENI. These legislative bodies require businesses to complete risk assessments in line with the Health and Safety At Work Act 1975 alongside the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Employee well-being

Proactively creating a safe working environment decreases the risk of injury, illness, and death keeping employee health and well-being front of mind thus making employees feel valued.

Financial securities

By completing risk assessments and mitigating possible hazards in the workplace, businesses can increase financial protection as there are less likely to be major incidents within the workplace where risk assessments and training are implemented. Helping to avoid legal fees and penalties.

Improve business reputation

Taking a strong stance on health and safety improves the business’ reputation as it will build trust with employees and other stakeholders. Building trust leads to greater retention of both employees and customers, creating loyalty and helping to attract new customers and stakeholders.

Improved productivity

Employees will feel more secure and valued in a work environment with strong safety practices in the workplace, as they are less likely to suffer from work-related injury or illness. Carrying out regular risk assessments helps to streamline and enhance processes.

Contact Us

Are you a start-up company or when was the last time you reviewed your risk assessments? Our qualified and expert health and safety consultants can guide your business to complete risk assessments to a high standard to meet HSE/HSENI legislation.

Don’t leave your business liable for injuries or accidents that occur in the workplace, contact us today to schedule your onsite Health and Safety visit.