The Importance of Risk Assessments

As Principal Designers it is our duty to ensure that any project is carried out safely, so far as is reasonably practicable. In order to meet our duties, we carry out and continually review Risk Assessments throughout the stages of our instruction.

What is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is the formalised process of identifying hazards, evaluating risk and then either controlling or eliminating those risks. It should be suitable, sufficient and proportionate, meaning it should be good enough to fulfil any legal requirements and prevent foreseeable accidents within the complexity of the project.

Is there a Risk Assessment process?

We follow the HSE five step Risk Assessment process:

1. Identify the hazards

2. Identify the people who might be harmed and how

3. Evaluate the risk and decide on precautions

4. Record significant findings and implement them

5. Review and update as necessary

What happens if you don’t do a Risk Assessment?

The significance between carrying out a Risk Assessment or choosing not to could be fatal. For the safety of all those on site it’s important that all risks are controlled, minimised, or removed.

Did you know that Risk Assessments are a legal requirement under Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.