Risk asessment is one of the key elements covered in IOSH Managing Safely, and is a crucial step in eliminating or reducing the risks of injury or ill health in the workplace. However, the process does not need to be as complicated as you might think. 

In short, a risk assessment is a document that will simply state:

• who might be harmed and how
• what you’re already doing to control the risks
• what further action you need to take to control the risks
• who needs to carry out the action
• when the action is needed by

As a starting point, I have laid out some common elements that you may wish to consider in a practical risk assessment. and preparations you can take to help you with the process. If you can do this properly, you are on your way to making the workplace safer and healthier. 

Location – make a detailed diagram or word picture of your workplace including:

• Where it is located
• Entrances for employees, deliveries, clients etc.  
• Car parking facilities
• How you access and egress the building  
• General size of the building 
• Layout of the building 

People, including:

• Full time workers
• Part time workers
• Managers
• Contractors
• Clients
• Visitors
• Those making deliveries
• Potential trespassers

Equipment and chemicals, including:

• Chemicals used for process
• Fuel
• Cleaning substances
• Fixed equipment 
• Portable equipment
• Tools
• IT and administration equipment

Activities, including:

• Processes carried out by the workers
• Cleaning
• Maintenance
• Administration

You now hold a bank of information and are ready to start carrying out your risk assessment. I recommend the HSE’s Five Steps To Risk Assessment, and quantifying on a five by five matrix. Download the HSE template, and please don't hesitate to get in touch with me regarding IOSH Health and Safety training in Northern Ireland if you feel that this would be beneficial to your business.