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
- Effective Risk Assessment in Health and Safety Strategic Management
- Risk Assessment and Management in Computing (Cyber Security Technologist)
- Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Protocols in Residential Childcare Leadership (England)
- Risk Assessment and Strategic Management in Health and Safety
- Risk Management for Business and Individuals
- Risk Management in Applied Financial Trading
Reviewed by the Health Safety Courses editorial team. Independent workplace training — see FAQs.