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.
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.
You can also contact Tendring District Council's Food and Safety Team for advice, email fhsadmin@tendringdc.gov.uk or telephone 01255 686767.
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
COSHH - A guide to the regulations
Getting to Grips with Manual Handling
Manual handling assessment charts
Please help us improve our website by giving us feedback you'd like to on this page. If you'd like to remain anonymous you can omit your name and email. Thanks, Tendring District Council.
