What is a suitable and sufficient risk assessment?

The law states that a risk assessment must be suitable and sufficient. What makes a suitable and sufficient risk assessment? This self-assessment can help you, if you can answer ‘yes’ to all the questions below, then your risk assessment approach is likely to be suitable and sufficient.

Have you:

  1. ensured commitment from all parties (senior management, employees and their representatives)?
  2. made a proper check of hazards?
  3. identified all people at risk?
  4. considered human factors?
  5. dealt with significant risks, and demonstrated the use of the hierarchy of controls when determining additional control measures?
  6. followed all the steps in the risk assessment process?
  7. focused on prevention and organisational level solutions?
  8. involved the workforce? (E.g. by seeking their suggestions, advice and comments on potential solutions to problems).
  9. considered both routine and non-routine work? (e.g. improvements to working conditions, changes in the way work is organised, etc).
  10. included all parts of the organisation’s work? (e.g. design, construction, operation and maintenance, etc).
  11. sought to develop and adopt solutions that are ‘reasonably practicable’?
  12. communicated the outcomes of the risk assessment with all affected employees?

Read more: Working safely during the coronavirus – health and safety guide

If you need further help carrying out a risk assessment, or if you need specific health and advice for your industry, please call 01484 937128 or email info@horizonriskconsultancy.com

What are standards?
Guide to NEBOSH General Certificate Open Book Exam

Share