Risk assessment

How to make and record a proportionate health and safety assessment.

A risk assessment should describe the activity and the significant hazards rather than merely state that an activity is “safe”. It should show the information considered, the people who may be affected, the controls and any outstanding actions.

Where work is operational, event-based or involves vehicles, equipment, public interaction, long sessions or real-world health conditions, the assessment should reflect those actual circumstances.

A template or form does not itself make an activity safe. Managers must use judgement, implement the controls and stop or change activity where a serious risk cannot be adequately controlled.