Step by Step

Risk assessment is a structured answer to one question: is what we are doing about this hazard enough? The five-step method keeps that answer honest.

The steps

• 1. Identify the hazards. Walk the job, talk to the people who do it, look at incident history and manufacturer information.
• 2. Decide who might be harmed and how. Not just the operator — maintainers, cleaners, visitors, contractors, passers-by, and anyone whose vulnerability differs.
• 3. Evaluate the risk and decide on controls. What is already in place, is it enough, and what more is reasonably practicable?
• 4. Record the significant findings. Proportionate to the risk; the record is a communication tool.
• 5. Review and update. On a date, and on any change or incident.

Suitable and sufficient

The test of an assessment is not length. It should identify the significant risks, reflect what actually happens rather than what the procedure says, and remain valid for a reasonable period. A generic assessment downloaded and re-titled fails all three.