Every UK employer has a legal duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess risks to employees and others affected by their work. The HSE recommends a simple five-step process that produces a practical, auditable record.
Step 1 — Identify the Hazards
Workplace walk around and discussion with key persons. Speak to employees to spot anything with the potential to cause harm. Consider routine tasks, maintenance activities, and non-routine events, and review any accident or near-miss records.
Step 2 — Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How
For each hazard look at who could be harmed and how the harm might occur.
Step 3 — Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Precautions
Document what is already in place and what further action is needed.
Tip: The HSE's free risk assessment template at hse.gov.uk satisfies the written-record requirement for businesses with five or more employees.
Step 4 — Record Your Findings and Implement Them
Record significant findings. Keep the record clear and actionable, assigning responsibility and target dates for any outstanding controls.
Step 5 — Review and Update the Assessment
Review the assessment whenever there is a significant change — new equipment, a process change, or following an incident — and as a minimum annually to confirm it remains valid.
Remember: An out-of-date risk assessment offers little legal protection and may increase liability.
How Cinis Group Can Help
Our consultants deliver bespoke workplace risk assessments, producing clear and legally compliant documentation alongside practical guidance on controls. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Editorial notice: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, regulatory, or health and safety advice. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, laws and enforcement guidance change frequently — always verify information against current official sources such as hse.gov.uk. Any third-party names, organisations, or trademarks referenced in this article (including but not limited to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Network Rail, AB Agri, NEBOSH, IOSH, and IFSM) are the property of their respective owners and are referenced solely for informational purposes. Such references do not imply any affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement from those organisations. © 2026 Cinis Group Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this article without prior written consent is prohibited.
