Legislation

Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to:

   – Identify the hazards in the place of work

   – Assess the risks presented by those hazards

   – Be in possession of a written risk assessment

What is a Workplace Risk Assessment?

A careful examination of what, in the workplace, could cause harm (to employees and others) or loss (damage to property, equipment or the environment.  This allows you to weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or whether you should do more to prevent that harm or loss.

The Risk Assessment is a vital component within the safety management system.

Workplace Risk Assessments must reflect the current situation, therefore they must be kept up to date.  Nifast recommend that they be reviewed and updated annually.  They will also need to be updated when there have been significant changes, if there is another reason to believe they are no longer valid, or if instructed to by a HSA inspector.

What is involved in a Workplace Risk Assessment?

   – Identifying the significant hazards present in the workplace

   – Identifying what groups of people are most affected by those hazards

   – Identifying the controls and precautions currently in place

   – Determining the current risk (based on the likelihood of harm occurring together with the severity of the outcome)

   – Recommending additional controls to ensure that risks are adequately managed

How Nifast consultants can help you with your Workplace Risk Assessment?

The Nifast consultants are widely experienced and can act as ‘competent’ persons to effectively carry out risk assessments in your organisation.  They can help you by ensuring comprehensive hazard identification and providing advice on statutory requirements and best practice in managing risk.

Question:  Do you need Risk Assessments undertaken in your workplace? 

   – Have you identified significant hazards & risks for activities within your organisation?

   – Have you written risk assessments and practical control measures in place designed to control the risks?

   – Do you require a Workplace Risk Assessment to be done by a competent person?

   – Would you like a review of existing Risk Assessments to ensure you are up to date?