Risk assessments form the cornerstone of UK health & safety legislation and the
requirement for organisations to prepare risk assessments are clearly outlined in a number
of health and safety acts and regulations.
In particular the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require all
employers and self-employed persons to assess the risks to workers and any other person
who may be affected by their undertaking. Regulation 3 requires that employers should
undertake a systematic review of the work that they undertake and record the significant
risks and findings of that assessment (Risk Assessment). Risk assessment also fits into a
four-part process for risk control, through the setting of health and safety standards, as
follows:
  1. Hazard identification.
  2. Risk assessment.
  3. Risk control - the selection of suitable measures to eliminate or control risks.
  4. Implementing and maintaining control measures.

Useful Definitions
Hazard: Something with the potential to cause harm.
Risk: The likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realised.
What is the Purpose of a Risk Assessment?
Risk Assessments need to be carried out on a regular basis by competent people
Risk Assessments provide an independent and objective assessment and evaluation of
the risks to those carrying specific work activities
They specify the control measures needed to manage the risks
They help to reduce risks to the lowest level, forming part of the safe system of work
Recording the Risk Assessment
Employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of their risk
assessment. It needs to be part of an employer's overall approach to health and safety and
where appropriate should be linked to other relevant health and safety documents (e.g.
method statements and the health and safety policy). This record would normally be in
writing but can also be recorded electronically as long as it is retrievable.
Various formats can be used, though it is important that employers select or develop a
format appropriate to the works that they undertake. Assessments MUST be suitable and
sufficient, this means that you must consider all of the potential hazards, those who may
be affected by the hazard and implement controls that will eliminate or reduce the risk of
harm as far as is practicable.