Few workplaces stay the same. Sooner or later, you will bring in new equipment, substances and procedures that could lead to new hazards.
It makes sense therefore, to review what you are doing on an ongoing basis. Every year or so, formally review where you are, to make sure you are still improving, or at least not sliding back.
Look at your risk assessment again:
- Have there been any changes?
- Are there improvements you still need to make?
- Have your workers spotted a problem?
- Have you learnt anything from accidents or near misses?
- Make sure your risk assessment stays up to date.
When you are running a business it's all too easy to forget about reviewing your risk assessment - until something has gone wrong and it's too late. Why not set a review date for this risk assessment now? Write it down and note it in your diary as an annual event.
During the year, if there is a significant change, don't wait - check your risk assessment and, where necessary, amend it. If possible, it is best to think about the risk assessment when you're planning your change - that way you leave yourself more flexibility.
You should think about reviewing your risk assessment if your business:
- brings in new machinery or equipment
- implements new processes or working practices
- starts working with new substances
- brings in new personnel
- alters or moves premises
- expands rapidly
- experiences an accident or near-miss
You should note the date when you revise your risk assessment but you only need to alter your records if there are new and significant findings or if existing precautions prove inadequate or can be improved.
Last Updated on Thursday, November 30, 2017