Workplace risk assessment review checklist
By Health Safety Courses editorial team · Occupational health and safety training editors
When to review
Review your risk assessment when controls may no longer be effective and when the workplace changes in ways that could create new risks—for example changes to staff, processes, substances, equipment or layout. Also review after accidents, near misses or when workers report problems with controls. If nothing seems to have changed, still check periodically that the assessment remains valid (HSE expects controls to be reviewed, not only written once).
Check the scope still matches the work
Confirm the assessment describes the task as it is done today, not an idealised method. Walk the area where you can and note gaps in the written record. Involve people who do the work—they often spot hazards supervisors miss.
Hazards and people at risk
For each significant hazard, check you still identify who could be harmed (employees, contractors, visitors, and relevant groups such as young or inexperienced workers where applicable). You do not usually need to list individuals by name.
Controls in use
Check whether controls are actually used under normal pressure. If people routinely work around a rule, treat that as a signal to redesign the task or control, not only to repeat training.
Record and communicate
Update the assessment and record what changed (date, version or summary). Tell supervisors and workers what is different. Keep records proportionate to the risk; simple notes or marked-up plans are enough for many workplaces. If you employ five or more people, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require you to record significant findings of the assessment.
Competence and limits of this checklist
Risk assessments must be carried out and reviewed by someone competent for the task— with enough knowledge of the work, the hazards and how to control them. This checklist supports self-review after general training; it does not replace sector-specific assessments, specialist advice, or a competent person where regulations or your organisation require one. It is not legal advice.
Related courses
- Advanced Chemical Safety: Calcium and Other Substances (Ca) Risk Management 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
- Advanced Fire Walk Risk Management: Strategies for a Safe and Successful Event
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