Risk Assessments
Risk Assessments Ireland
Can We Help With Your Risk Assessment?
Risk Assessments are a legal requirement under Section 19 of the 2005, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act. A risk assessment can be defined as "a systematic process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking". The purpose of a Risk Assessment is to outline how to undertake work activities in a safe manner and forms part of the company's safety statement.
As part of managing the health and safety of in any business, the senior team must control the risks in the workplace. To do this one needs to think about what might cause harm to people - whether they be employees, contractors, customers or members of the general public and decide whether the company is taking all reasonable steps to reduce and or eliminate that risk or danger.
We have developed its risk assessment tools that is a must for small, medium and large businesses and organisations. having been in the business of safety in the workplace for the past 10 years.
The in-depth process which includes such elements as identifying hazards, associated risks and evaluating those risk, assessing who may be harmed and why. This is followed by examining and assessing the various current control measures and where appropriate developing new control measures evaluating and reviewing as necessary.
Our risk assessments will form a relevant working document in its own right or in tandem with your safety statement, which, when implemented, will make a real difference to the overall management of health and safety in the workplace. The economic benefits flow from reduced insurance premiums, reduced accidents levels and lower compensation payments. However, having relevant, site specific and up to date risk assessments can save your most precious business possession of all - your reputation.
We would welcome the opportunity to submit a proposal for the development of your organisation's risk assessments.
Risk Assessment General Information
Risk assessments are the foundation of good workplace health and safety management. Regardless of business size, every employer is required by law to conduct risk assessments at their work places and keep written records of those risk assessments.
Many employers avoid or delay doing risk assessments thinking it's very difficult, complicated, and irrelevant. It doesn't have to be that way.
Risk assessments are when you simply look closely at things in your workplace or factors in your work tasks that would potentially cause harm to your personnel as well as visitors. These include suppliers, customers, sales reps, etc. And the assessments involve determining the measures you implement to minimise risks.
There are many risk assessment methods, some range from qualitative (subject) to quantitative. (objective) We typically use the quantitative 3x3 risk assessment approach and find this a useful tool which is easily understood.
Health and safety management is good for business. It is good for everyone!
- It minimizes the chances of an accident in your work place
- It boosts employees' morale and motivation
- It lessens absenteeism
- It saves you money
What is a Risk Assessment?
A General Risk Assessment identifies the hazards, risks, type of risk, people at risk and control measures for managing the risk. It is a legal requirement under section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. It should accompany the Safety Statement. There are also other specific risk assessments carried out for certain functions and this include but are not limited to the following.
VDU / DSE Risk Assessment - An ergonomic assessment of a habitual computer users workstation and work equipment. These risk assessments are a legal requirement for all users who spend 1 continuous hour (on average) or more per day at their workstation
A Fire Risk Assessment undertaken by a Registered Fire Engineer / Fire Consultant looking at a building or premises specifically from a fire safety perspective. A Fire Risk Assessment can help to determine legal compliance with both Health and Safety legislation and fire safety legislation.
A Pregnant Employee Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for all pregnant employees and should be undertaken immediately upon receipt of the notice given by the pregnant employee.
Who has to have a Risk Assessment?
Every employer in Ireland irrespective of employee number must have a Risk Assessment.
How often should the Risk Assessment be updated?
The General Risk Assessment should be updated at least once per year.
It may have to be updated more frequently if any of the following apply.
- Changes to work activities, processes, premises or equipment,
- On the direction of a Health and Safety Authority Inspector.
A Fire Risk Assessment is recommended to be reviewed / updated at least once every 12 months. A VDU / DSE Risk Assessment should be updated every 2 years, or if any changes occur with the user or their workstation in the interim period.
Who should see the Risk Assessment?
The Risk Assessment should be brought to the attention of all employees annually or more regularly if it is changed or updated. Other stake holders should also be familiar with it such as contractors, tenants / landlord in a multi tenanted building etc.
We can help with your Risk Assessment
We have vast experience with developing Risk Assessments and would be delighted to provide a quote. To enable us provide you with a Risk Assessment quote please provide the following information.
- Type of Risk Assessment.
- Location of your premises
- Size of premises
- Description of premises including any specific hazards.
- Number of employees
Please contact us today to discuss your Health and Safety Consultant requirements.
