Risk Assessment and Management
Learn how to systematically identify, assess, and control workplace hazards to protect your workforce and business
What is Risk Assessment?
Risk assessment is the systematic process of identifying workplace hazards, evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential harm, and determining appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimize risks.
It’s a fundamental component of any effective health and safety management system, helping organizations make informed decisions about workplace safety and prioritize their safety investments.
Key Terms:
Hazard: Anything that has the potential to cause harm
Risk: The likelihood that harm will occur from a hazard
Consequence: The potential severity of harm that could result
Control: Measures taken to eliminate or reduce risk
How to Identify, Assess, and Mitigate Workplace Hazards
1. Identify Hazards
Systematically identify all potential hazards in your workplace through observation, consultation, and analysis of work processes.
Methods:
- Workplace inspections
- Worker consultations
- Incident analysis
- Job hazard analysis
- Safety audits
2. Assess Risks
Evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential harm for each identified hazard using risk assessment matrices and evaluation criteria.
Consider:
- Probability of occurrence
- Severity of consequences
- Frequency of exposure
- Number of people affected
- Existing controls
3. Control Risks
Implement appropriate control measures following the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimize identified risks.
Control Hierarchy:
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
Risk Assessment Matrix
| Probabilité → Impact ↓ |
Rare (1) | Unlikely (2) | Possible (3) | Likely (4) | Almost Certain (5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catastrophic (5) | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Major (4) | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Moderate (3) | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Minor (2) | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Negligible (1) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Hierarchy of Risk Controls
1 Elimination
Remove the hazard completely from the workplace. This is the most effective control method.
Example: Eliminating a dangerous chemical process by changing the manufacturing method.
2 Substitution
Replace the hazard with something less dangerous that still accomplishes the same task.
Example: Using water-based paints instead of solvent-based paints.
3 Engineering Controls
Isolate people from the hazard through physical means or technology.
Example: Installing ventilation systems, machine guards, or noise barriers.
4 Administrative Controls
Change the way people work through policies, procedures, training, and work practices.
Example: Safety training, job rotation, warning signs, and safe work procedures.
5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protect individual workers with equipment worn on the body. This is the least effective control.
.
Example : Safety glasses, gloves, respirators, and hard hats.
Downloadable Risk Assessment Templates
General Risk Assessment
Comprehensive template for assessing workplace risks across all industries
- Hazard identification matrix
- Risk evaluation criteria
- Control measure planning
- Review and monitoring
Office Risk Assessment
Specialized template for office environments and administrative work
- Ergonomic hazards
- Slip, trip, and fall risks
- Fire and emergency risks
- Stress and workload factors
Construction Risk Assessment
Detailed template for construction and high-risk industry applications
- Working at heights
- Machinery and equipment
- Hazardous substances
- Manual handling
Chemical Risk Assessment
Specialized template for chemical handling and hazardous substance management
- Chemical exposure pathways
- Health effects evaluation
- PPE requirements
- Emergency procedures
Manual Handling Assessment
Focused template for evaluating manual handling and ergonomic risks
- Load characteristics
- Task requirements
- Work environment
- Individual capabilities
Fire Risk Assessment
Comprehensive template for fire safety and emergency preparedness
- Fire hazard identification
- People at risk evaluation
- Emergency procedures
- Fire safety measures
- Individual capabilities
Start Your Risk Assessment Today
Download our comprehensive risk assessment templates and begin identifying and controlling hazards in your workplace. Take the first step toward a safer work environment.