What a good risk assessment example contains
HSE describes risk assessment in five steps: identify the hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risks and decide on controls, record the findings, and review. A useful example shows each step written down for one real workplace, not a list of generic hazards.
- The activity and the site. What the work is, where it happens, and who does it. A kitchen assessment that does not say how many staff work a shift cannot say whether the controls are enough.
- The hazards that matter. The things that could cause real harm in that work, not every conceivable risk. HSE asks you to concentrate on the significant ones.
- Who could be harmed. Staff, but also young workers, new and expectant mothers, visitors, contractors and members of the public where they are present.
- Controls already in place, then further action. What is done now, in the order of the hierarchy of control, then what is still needed, with an owner and a date.
- A rating before and after. Likelihood times severity, shown twice, so the document shows the controls made a difference.
- A review date. At least once a year, and sooner when the work, the people or the equipment change, or after an accident.
How to use an example
Read the example closest to your work, then open it in the generator. Change the company, the site and the people. Go through each hazard and tick only the controls that are really in place; anything unticked becomes an action. Add hazards the example does not cover, and delete ones that do not apply. Then download the PDF and set the review date.
If you would rather fill in a form by hand, the blank risk assessment template has the same sections. For chemicals, each product needs its own COSHH assessment; the risk assessment records that they exist.
Sources: HSE, Managing risks and risk assessment at work; HSE, Risk assessment template and examples; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3.