The 5-step approach to health and safety risk assessments

A risk assessment is a structured method used to identify hazards in the workplace and determine how they could cause injury or illness to employees, visitors, or others. After identifying the hazards, the assessment considers how likely each risk is to occur and how serious the consequences could be, then suggests ways to reduce or remove the risks.

The Health and Safety Executive outlines 5 steps to follow when assessing risks in your workplace:

1. Identify the hazards

2. Decide who might be harmed and how

3. Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing measures are good enough

4. Record your findings and apply them

5. Review your assessment and change it if necessary