Risk assessment
A risk assessment identifies hazards, judges risk, and records sensible controls.
In plain English
A risk assessment is a structured look at what could cause harm in your work, how likely and how serious that harm is, and what you will do to prevent it. It should be proportionate—not paperwork for its own sake.
Typical steps
Identify hazards, decide who might be harmed, evaluate risk, record significant findings, implement controls, and review after changes or incidents.
Common mistakes
Copying a generic template without thinking, assessing once and never reviewing, or listing controls that nobody follows on the ground.
Related training
See our risk assessment courses for practical methods you can apply at work.
Related courses
- Advanced Chemical Safety: Calcium and Other Substances (Ca) Risk Management Certification
- Advanced Fire Hazards Identification and Risk Assessment Professional Certification
- Advanced Fire Risk Assessment and Management
- Advanced Fire Walking Risk Management and Emergency Response
- Advanced Fire Walking Risk Management: Identifying Hazards and Implementing Controls
- Advanced Fire Walk Risk Management and Emergency Response Planning for Event Organizers
Reviewed by the Health Safety Courses editorial team. Independent workplace training — see FAQs.