Risk assessments and accident forms

• What is the purpose of a risk assessment?


  To identify risks that could cause harm in the workplace
• What is a hazard?


  A hazard is something that could cause harm
• What does 'control' refer to in the context of risk assessment?


  Control refers to a way of reducing the risk of a hazard causing harm
• What are the five steps to risk assessment in a business?


  1. Identify the hazard.
  2. Decide who might be harmed and how.
  3. Evaluate the risk and decide on the controls.
  4. Record the findings and implement them.
  5. Review the assessment and update if necessary.
• How can the level of risk be calculated?


  By multiplying the severity of the hazard by the likelihood of it happening
• What is the overall aim of risk assessment?


  To remove or reduce the risk to an acceptable level
• What are the scales used to calculate the level of risk?

  • Hazard severity: Trivial (1), Minor (2), Moderate (3), Serious (4), Fatal (5)
  • Likelihood of occurrence: Remote (1), Unlikely (2), Possible (3), Likely (4), Very likely (5)
• If a hazard has a severity score of 2 and a likelihood score of 3, what is the level of risk?


  $Level of risk =$$2 \times 3 =$$6$
• What are the levels of risk and their corresponding actions?

  • Low risk (1-8): Continue but review regularly
  • Medium risk (9-14): Continue but implement additional controls
  • High risk (15-25): Stop the activity and identify new controls
• What are some potential risks to health and security of employees?

  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Trip hazards
  • Food and drink spillages
  • Fire and explosion
  • Bullying and harassment
• What are some potential risks to health and security of suppliers?


  • Trip hazards
  • Food and drink spillages
  • Fire and explosion
  • Theft
• What are some potential risks to health and security of customers?

  • Food poisoning
  • Food allergies
  • Trip hazards
  • Theft
  • Assault
• What information should be included in an accident record form?


  • Details of the accident/injury
  • Date, time, and location
  • How it happened
  • What caused it
  • Treatment given
  • Steps to prevent recurrence
• What does the Health and Safety at Work Act state regarding employers?


  Employers are responsible for health and safety training and ensuring it is updated regularly