A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control.

A risk assessment is an important step in protecting your workers and your business, as well as complying with the law. It helps you to focus on the risks that really matter in your workplace - the ones with the potential to cause real harm. In many instances, straightforward measures can readily control risks and mean that your workforce is protected.

Where can I find out about risk assessment?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced a leaflet ' 5 Steps to Risk Assessment' which aims to help you assess health and safety risks in the workplace.

The above link will open an adobe acrobat pdf document and you will need the free adobe acrobat reader software to open it.

You can also contact Tendring District Council's Health and Safety team for advice, email environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk or telephone 01255 686767.

Further information

More information about the process of assessing risks, legal requirements and standards can be found in the HSE publications below (pdf documents).

An introduction to health and safety: Health and safety in small businesses

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act

Managing Health and Safety

COSHH - A guide to the regulations

Getting to Grips with Manual Handling

Manual handling assessment charts

Personal Protective Equipment at Work

Working with VDUs

Managing Asbestos

Control of lead at work

HSE priced and free publications are available from the HSE web site or by mail order from:

HSE Books
PO Box 1999
Sudbury
CO10 6FS

telephone (01787) 881165
fax (01787) 313995

A catalogue is available. HSE priced publications are also available from good booksellers.

For other enquiries ring HSE's InfoLine:

HSE Infoline - 0845 345 0055

HSE Infoline is your first point of contact with HSE. It's a 'one-stop' shop, providing you with rapid access to HSE's wealth of health and safety information, and access to expert advice and guidance.