At Switalskis, we understand how important workplace safety is. Risk assessments play a vital role in protecting people and preventing harm, but what exactly are they, and why are they so essential?

What Is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a structured process used to identify potential hazards that could harm individuals or the environment. Once a hazard is identified, the assessment helps evaluate the level of risk, decide on control measures, and set up procedures to regularly review those risks.

In short, it's about spotting danger before it becomes a problem.

Why should risk assessments be carried out?

There are several important reasons why risk assessments are vital in any workplace:

• Identifying and managing hazards proactively
• Preventing accidents, injuries, and illness
• Protecting employees, visitors, and customers
• Ensuring compliance with legal health and safety obligations
• Reducing the risk of legal liability
• Promoting a positive safety culture
• Efficient use of time and resources
• Managing overall workplace health and safety

What can happen without a risk assessment?

When risk assessments are ignored or poorly carried out, the consequences can be serious. Common workplace accidents include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Falls from height
• Manual handling injuries
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Work-related stress
• Noise-induced hearing loss
• Transport-related incidents
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Faulty equipment injuries
• Accidents due to human error

These incidents can lead to life-changing injuries, or worse. For businesses, the costs can be financial, legal, and reputational.

The legal side: Your responsibilities

UK law requires all employers to protect their staff and others from harm. Two key pieces of legislation apply:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Carrying out and documenting risk assessments is one way to demonstrate compliance with these laws. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences, including fines, legal action, and even imprisonment.

How to carry out a risk assessment

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines five key steps:

1. Identify who might be harmed and how
2. Evaluate existing measures to control risk
3. Decide on any further action needed
4. Assign responsibilities for actions
5. Set deadlines for completion

You can find free risk assessment templates and examples on the HSE website here:
HSE Risk Assessment Templates

Remember: it’s not enough to identify the risk. You must act on it, monitor the situation, and regularly review procedures. The more serious the risk, the more frequently it should be reviewed.

Real-life case studies

1. Slip injury due to water on the floor
A woman slipped on water at her workplace and suffered injury. Although the risk assessment had flagged the risk of water spills, no effective procedures were put in place to prevent or respond to the hazard.

2. Fall on workplace stairs
A young woman tripped down the stairs at work because the stair trim wasn’t highlighted. This crucial detail was missed in the original risk assessment, leading to avoidable harm.

These real examples show how gaps in risk assessments can have serious consequences, both for individuals and employers.

Need advice after a workplace accident?

At Switalskis, our experienced personal injury team is here to help. If you’ve had an accident at work that you believe was caused by a lack of proper risk assessment, don’t face it alone.

Get in touch for expert legal advice and support. We’ll help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Call 0800 138 0458, email help@switalskis.com or fill out the form below.