Common Risk Assessment Mistakes UK Businesses Make
1. The risk assessment is too generic
One of the most common problems is a risk assessment that is so general that it doesn't properly reflect the work actually being carried out.
For example, a business may have a risk assessment covering "manual handling", but it doesn't consider the particular loads being moved, the equipment being used or the environment in which the work takes place.
A risk assessment should reflect the actual task, workplace and circumstances.
A document copied from a template may provide a useful starting point, but it still needs to be adapted to the business.
2. The risk assessment doesn't reflect what happens in practice
This is something we see regularly during accident investigations.
The risk assessment may state that a particular control measure is in place, but when the workplace is inspected, the reality can be very different.
For example, a risk assessment may identify a designated safe walkway, but employees may routinely use another route because the designated walkway is obstructed or inconvenient.
The paperwork may look satisfactory, but it is what actually happens in the workplace that matters.
3. Employees aren't given the information they need
A risk assessment is not particularly useful if the employees carrying out the work don't know about the hazards or the control measures that have been identified.
We've seen situations where an employer has produced detailed health and safety documentation but failed to communicate the relevant information to the people actually doing the work.
Employees should understand the risks associated with their work and what they are expected to do to control them.
4. Training is assumed rather than provided
Another common problem is assuming that an experienced employee doesn't need training.
Experience is valuable, but it doesn't necessarily mean that an employee has been properly trained for a particular task or piece of equipment.
Following an accident, an employer may say that the employee had been doing the job for years. That does not necessarily demonstrate that appropriate training, instruction or supervision was provided.
The question is not simply:
"How long have they been doing the job?"
It is whether the employer can demonstrate that the employee was competent and appropriately trained for the work they were undertaking.
5. Control measures are identified but not followed
A risk assessment might correctly identify a control measure such as:
wearing appropriate PPE;
using a particular piece of equipment;
keeping an area clear;
following a specific procedure; or
providing additional supervision.
The problem arises when the control measure exists on paper but isn't actually being followed.
This is particularly important when investigating an accident. If the control measure that should have prevented the accident was not being implemented, the existence of the risk assessment itself may provide little protection.
6. Risk assessments aren't reviewed when circumstances change
A risk assessment should not simply be completed and then filed away.
The assessment may need to be reviewed following:
changes to equipment;
changes to the workplace;
changes to working practices;
new substances or materials being introduced;
changes to staffing or responsibilities;
an accident or near miss; or
identification of a previously overlooked hazard.
A review is particularly important where an accident highlights that the existing assessment did not properly identify or control the risk.
What should businesses take from this?
A good risk assessment is not about producing the largest document or ticking every box.
It should demonstrate that the business has identified the relevant hazards, considered who may be affected and put sensible control measures in place.
More importantly, those arrangements need to be understood and followed by the people carrying out the work.
From an accident investigation perspective, one of the first questions we often ask is:
"What does the risk assessment say, and is that what actually happens?"
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The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional health and safety advice. Businesses should consider their own circumstances and seek appropriate professional advice where necessary.