We’ve all heard of the term risk assessment but do you really understand what they are and why they are so important? Every employer has a duty of care to their employees so we have put together this handy guide to help with the process.
What is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is the systematic process of: identifying and analyzing potential hazards that may negatively impact individuals, assets, and/or the environment within a workplace. Once evaluated, control measures are introduced to reduce or remove the risk.
Types of Risk Assessments
The types of risk assessment required within any workplace should be relevant to the activities being undertaken. Most industries have specific legislative requirements that apply.
- Fire risk assessments
- Manual handling risk assessments
- Display screen equipment (DSE) risk assessments
Why are they Important?
It is the legal requirement of any employer to ensure they have carried out suitable and sufficient risk assessments, and that there is adequate documentation for effective risk management. It can be a costly lesson in terms of time and money if you fail to have the necessary controls in place.
- To identify hazards and evaluate the risks within the workplace
- To evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of existing control measures
- To implement additional controls wherever a risk is considered to be anything other than low.
- To prioritise further resources if needed to reduce or remove risks.
How We Conduct a Risk Assessment
There are a number of ways in which you can conduct a risk assessment. We have put together this simple video which explains exactly what you need to know and how we conduct our risk assessments. ISO45001 requires all employees to actively participate in the QHS management of their workplace, using a video is a quick and simple way to get the information across.
Who Should Conduct Risk Assessments?
The Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 puts the responsibility on every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees. Whether an employer carries out the risk assessment at work or they appoint someone with the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to do so, it is ultimately the responsibility of the management to ensure it is effectively completed.
What This Means for Premium Power
Our clients can rest assured that we have taken all the necessary steps to ensure our employees follow the highest standards of H&S procedures on and off site. The health and wellbeing of everyone participating in work activities relating to Premium Power is a top priority and this video shows the level of detail we take into account when conducting our risk assessments.
We apply this framework not only to our internal H&S risks, but also when we conduct an Arc Flash Risk Assessment or Electrical Safety Risk Assessment for our clients. We can work with you to advise on and help develop your risk assessments and safety procedures associated with the use of electricity at work. Following on from risk assessment, we can help implement any requirements highlighted, such as the development of procedures, permits to work, and electrical safety training.
