Risk Assessments

Regulation 3 of the Management of Health & Safety At Work Regs. 1999 charges the employer to perform a suitable and sufficient assessment (and review / re-assessment) of the risks to Health & Safety of:

1. Their employees whilst at work
2. Others affected by the conduct of their undertaking which include, sub-contractors, visitors, contractors, customers and neighbours etc.

for the purpose of identifying measures necessary to comply with relevant legislation, including fire precautions.

Where five or more persons are employed, the employer shall record:

1. The significant findings of the assessment
2. Any group of employees identified as being especially at risk.

Following the general risk assessment, it is likely that further, more specific risk assessments will need to be performed such as COSHH, Display Screen Equipment (DSE), or Manual Handling for example.

So as an employer, the law requires that you assess and manage the Health & Safety risks of your business.  E.T.R. can help you do that.

A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people.  It means you can weigh up if you have taken enough precautions, or if you should do more to prevent harm.  For most businesses, this is not difficult to do.

Legislation requires that the assessment be carried out by a "competent person" and examine the entire company's activities to identify any hazards involved, the likelihood of those hazards causing harm and the steps required to eliminate or minimise the risks.

The risk assessment should be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in the workplace.  E.T.R. can arrange for a qualified safety practitioner to visit your premises and carry out a risk assessment study on your behalf.