Making and Recording Risk Assessments

Using a risk assessment template can be a valuable tool to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks within your organisation. Here are some steps to effectively use a risk assessment template:

1. Select a Template: Choose a risk assessment template that suits your industry, organisation size, and specific needs. A wide range of templates are downloadable within the Health & Safety subscription at Risk Assessment Form Templates
2. Customise the Template: Tailor the template to fit your organization's unique characteristics. Add or remove sections as necessary to reflect your specific risks and priorities. Customise the terminology, format, and     scoring system to align with your organisation's language and understanding.
3. Identify Risks: Gather information from various sources, such as past incidents, industry best practices, employee feedback, and regulatory requirements, to identify potential hazards and risks. Utilise brainstorming sessions, interviews, or surveys to involve relevant stakeholders in the risk identification process.
4. Assess Risks: Use the template to assess the identified risks based on their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact. Determine appropriate criteria for assessing risks, such as a numerical scale or qualitative descriptors. Assess both inherent risks (before considering any mitigation measures) and residual risks (after considering existing controls or mitigation actions).
5. Analyse and Prioritize Risks: Analyse the assessed risks to determine their significance and prioritize them for further action. Consider the likelihood and impact of each risk and weigh them against the organization's risk appetite and strategic objectives. This analysis helps identify high-priority risks that require immediate attention.
6. Develop Mitigation Strategies: Based on the identified risks and their prioritization, develop specific strategies and actions to mitigate, manage, or control the risks. Assign responsibilities and establish timelines for implementing these measures. The template should include sections to document mitigation actions and track progress.
7. Review and Update: Regularly review and update the risk assessment template to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with changes in your organization's operations, industry dynamics, or regulatory landscape. Conduct periodic reassessments to identify emerging risks or changes in risk levels.
8. Communicate and Monitor: Share the results of the risk assessment with relevant stakeholders, including management, employees, and external parties as appropriate. Create a process for ongoing risk monitoring and reporting, ensuring that risk-related information is shared effectively within the organization.

Remember, a risk assessment template is a tool to facilitate the risk management process. It should be customised, regularly reviewed, and integrated into your organisation's risk management framework. While templates provide a structured approach, it is important to exercise critical thinking and adapt them to your business' specific context and needs.

• Risk Assessment: Introduction
• Hazard And Risk
• Scope of Risk Assessment
• How to Use a Risk Assessment Form
• Format for Risk Assessment
• Using a Risk Assessment Example
• Records & Official Guidance
• Approach to Risk Assessment