All UK employers are required by law to protect their employees, and others, from harm. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the minimum they must do is:
- Identify what could cause injury or illness in their business (hazards)
- Decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)
- Take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk
Assessing risk is just one part of the overall process used to control risks in your workplace. Putting in place effective risk reduction controls that demonstrably reduce the likelihood, or consequences, or both, can be quite a challenge for the inexperienced person.
What is the scope/included?
For most small, low-risk businesses the steps you need to take are straightforward. However, on construction sites or in large facilites with lots of people, plant and equipment, this can become quite complex to undertake.
Self-employed persons have the same duties as an employer, particularly if they have other persons working under their direct supervision. Failing to conduct risk assessments is a criminal offence punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment (in the Crown Court) and an unlimited fine.
Whatever type of business, morganhss.com can conduct risk assessments for you. We do not recommend businesses carry out complex risk assessments themselves unless they have a “competent” employee or manager. To be on the safe side, contact us. We have the knowledge, tools, techniques and experience to conduct risk assessments in most workplaces.