Health & Safety Services
General Risk Assessment
A general risk assessment identifies hazard and risk in the workplace, at a property, on a construction site, in a school or public space or at an event.
At Ablemarsh, when conducting a general risk assessment, we evaluate the likelihood and consequences of the hazard and risk and determine measures to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with those hazards.
We also consider management of health and safety, health and safety policies and procedures and health and safety training.
Difference between a
hazard and a risk?
Hazard and risk factors can exist in a variety of forms.
These can include the nature of the work being performed, the equipment and tools used, the physical environment, and the behaviour of individuals in that environment. They can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial and can also cover emergency preparedness.
Example of a risk in the workplace
An example of a risk in the workplace can include fire risk at a property, exposure to hazardous chemicals, falls from heights, repetitive strain injuries, and workplace violence. It is important for individuals and organisations to be aware of potential risks and take appropriate steps to mitigate them, to protect the health and safety of everyone in the property, public space or workplace.
Example of a hazard in the workplace
An example of a hazard in the workplace can include slip and trip hazards, electrical hazards, and machinery hazards.
Physical hazards to be considered when completing a property risk assessment could be slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, inadequate lighting and exposed wires.
Chemical hazards include exposure to toxic substances or gases, such as asbestos or carbon monoxide. If we are carrying out a property risk assessment, we may also consider the storage of hazardous substances and ventilation systems.
Biological hazards include exposure to infectious diseases or biological agents, such as bacteria or viruses and the use of PPE.
Ergonomic hazards refer to factors in the work environment that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, such as workstation set up, seating arrangements, poor posture, lifting techniques or repetitive motions.
Psychosocial hazards refer to factors that can impact mental health and wellbeing, such as workplace stress or harassment.
When completing a property risk assessment we would also consider the emergency preparedness put in place including fire strategies & statements, fire extinguishers, fire alarm, fire door inspection and first aid kits.
A risk assessment can be used in various settings, for example;
What are Risk Assessments?
Commercial property, communal residential property areas, community and event spaces, schools, places of worship, workplaces and construction sites.
Public safety and environmental health are the main concerns, it is a legal requirement and one that our competent person service can help you meet.
The aim of a general risk assessment is to prevent accidents, injuries, or damage to property, or the environment, by identifying and mitigating potential risks before they occur.
Our risk assessment consultants have years of experience covering a variety of sectors.
Why do I need a general risk assessment?
A general risk assessment is an essential tool to help identify potential hazards and risks in a particular environment or situation, therefore protecting people and property.
When conducting a risk assessment, we examine your workplace, and since Covid this now includes a home worker risk assessment, building, community space, school or event and any activities that will take place there, to evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of various risks and take steps to mitigate or eliminate them.
Some of the benefits of conducting a general risk assessment include:
Protecting people and property:
A risk assessment can identify potential hazards that may cause harm to people or damage to property, and help you take steps to prevent or reduce the risk of accidents or incidents.
Compliance with legal requirements:
Many industries and activities have a legal requirement for risk assessment. By conducting a general risk assessment, you can ensure that you are meeting these requirements and avoiding potential legal liabilities.
Improved decision-making:
A risk assessment can help you make informed decisions about how to manage risks and allocate resources. By identifying and prioritising risks, you can focus your efforts on the most important areas.
Cost savings:
By identifying potential risks and hazards, you can take steps to prevent accidents and incidents, reducing the cost of repairs, insurance claims, and legal liabilities.
At Ablemarsh, we understand that every building and workplace is unique, so we ensure that our general risk assessment is tailored to your property type and use, specific industry, work or leisure activities and how the people accessing the space will use it.
What do we consider when we complete a risk assessment?
As your competent person in health and safety, when performing a general risk assessment, we focus on identifying potential hazards, evaluating their associated risks, and implementing appropriate control measures to minimize those risks.
Whether you are a facilities or property manager, employer or self-employed, our competent person has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to guide you through the process of a risk assessment. This is an important aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for employees and other individuals.
When acting as your competent person and carrying out a general risk assessment, there are a few risk assessment steps we consider such as:
Hazard Identification: The first step in a general risk assessment is to identify the potential hazards associated with an activity or situation. Hazards can be physical, such as dangerous equipment, chemical or biological hazardous substances, or environmental and can harm people, property, or the environment.
Risk analysis: once hazards have been identified we assess the likelihood and severity of harm that may result from exposure to the identified hazards. Including the likelihood of an incident occurring and the potential consequences of that incident.
Risk evaluation: Determining the level of risk and the need for risk reduction measures, our competent person will evaluate existing control measures in place to mitigate risks and determine their adequacy.
Risk management: We will develop risk management strategies that reduce or eliminate risk. These strategies may include implementing additional controls to reduce exposure to hazards, such as providing protective equipment or training to reduce the likelihood of harm, or considering alternative options that pose less risk.
Communication and consultation: Where possible we involve stakeholders, such as employees, contractors, customers, suppliers, facilities and property managers and regulators, in the risk assessment process. Our written risk assessment documents the results and communicates the findings. This includes any hazards identified, the level of risk associated, and the control measures that have been put in place or recommended, so that everyone is aware of the identified risks and how to mitigate them.
Review risk assessment: Our competent person will regularly review and revise the risk assessment as necessary to ensure that it remains current and accurate. We also consider changes in the workplace, environment, and other factors.
With Ablemarsh, you can be confident that your workplace is safe and compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations.
Contact us to discuss your general risk assessment requirements.
Our Popular Health and Safety Packages
Our clients often tell us that they would benefit from a package of our health and safety services, rather than using each service individually. That’s why we have put together our most popular Health and Safety services into easy-to-understand packages for you here.
H&S Essential
£30/month
H&S Enhanced
£90/month
Most Popular