The ‘five steps’ approach requires that you:
Identify the hazards.
Decide who might be harmed and how.
NB: You should ensure that the risk assessment takes account of employees who may be categorised as “Pregnant Workers and New Mothers” [1] and also takes account of employees who are “Young Workers” [2].
Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions (controls).
Record your findings and take appropriate action.
Review your assessment and update as necessary.
A Health & Safety Risk Assessment template is provided. Alternatively, refer to the Health and Safety Executive [3] or Public Health Scotland – Healthy Working Lives [4] for templates and guidance on conducting and recording a health and safety risk assessment.
Sources of information
- Protecting Pregnant Workers and New Mothers. Health and Safety Executive
- Young Workers. Health and Safety Executive
- Managing Risk and Risk Assessments at work. Health and Safety Executive
- Risk Assessment. Healthy Working Lives, Public Health Scotland