Risk Assessment Software

A risk assessment is a structured process used to identify potential hazards in a task or workplace and evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm. It is completed before any workplace activity or job begins to ensure risks are understood and controlled.

The assessment process involves:

• Identifying hazards
• Evaluating the likelihood and potential consequences of harm
• Assigning an initial risk score
• Implementing control measures to reduce or eliminate risks
• Re-scoring the risk after controls are applied

The goal is to establish a consistent set of measures that keeps employees safe. No activity is completely risk free, but risks can be controlled.

For example, when working at height, the risk of falling cannot be completely eliminated. However, measures such as providing training, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and following safe systems of work can significantly reduce the level of risk.

Risk assessment software is a digital tool that allows users to create, share, and complete risk assessments in a centralised and standardised way. By digitising the process, it streamlines workplace safety and makes risk management more efficient.

Key benefits include:

• Accessibility: Available on laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Tracking and linking: Records can be connected, and actions tracked. For example, if an incident is reported, you can check whether the relevant risk assessment was read.
• Security and reliability: As records are stored online, they can’t be lost or damaged, and version control ensures everyone is working from the correct and most up-to-date template.

Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees while they are at work.

In the UK, the law requires that if you employ more than five people, you must document your risk assessments. Even if you have fewer than five employees, you are still expected to provide evidence of your risk analysis if investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Risk assessment software helps you stay on top of workplace risks by making it easy to create, complete, and share risk assessments, while storing them in a central and secure location.

Conducting a risk assessment typically involves the following steps:

1. Identify potential hazards: Look for anything in the workplace that could cause harm.
2. Determine who might be harmed: Consider employees, contractors, visitors, or others.
3. Evaluate the risks: Assess both the likelihood and severity of harm.
4. Establish control measures: Decide what actions can be taken to reduce or mitigate risks.
5. Implement and document: Put the control measures in place and record your findings.
6. Review regularly: Keep the assessment up to date to ensure it remains effective.