Risk Assessments – Are You Doing them Right?

Many businesses are using health and safety consultants to teach them how to perform the required, adequate risk assessments in everyday operations. There are all sorts of occasions in the workplace which demand the use of risk assessments. By failing to perform these vital taks you are putting your employees and possibly the public at risk of harm and opening yourself up to prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive.

Points to Consider When Creating a Risk Assessment

There are several questions you need to ask when creating a risk assessment.  These include looking for potential dangers in the workplace and who is at risk from harm from these dangers.  You will also need to evaluate any risks and come up with ways of controlling these risks, which also includes any controls which are already in place.

The risk assessments will need to be recorded and kept for future reference.  You will also need to frequently review them and make changes when necessary.  The best times to perform a review are when any new changes are brought into the workplace. This may involve new equipment or methods of work which were not previously taken into account. Should any incidents occur it is also wise to go over the assessment and see how similar incidents could have been avoided and so bring in new control measures.

Method Statements

Although method statements are not required by law they are extremely useful when it comes to health and safety in the workplace, especially the construction industry. A method statement is different to risk assessments; the statement states a sequence explaining how the job needs to be carried out to reduce any risks which have been described in the risk assessment. With a method statement you are able to carefully plan any work and make sure you have in place all the resources necessary.

Receive the Proper Training

One of the health and safety services provided by Veritas Consulting involves risk assessments and training.  Although assessments can be performed without professional assistance it is useful to make sure you are fully up to date with all the laws and regulations in your industry, as well as learning how to create adequate assessments and the skills required for method statements.

Health and safety consultants are able to teach you these skills, or perhaps perform the tasks on your behalf. If you are concerned about the strength of your health and safety skills it can be extremely beneficial to use the expertise of health and safety consultants with extensive knowledge and experience in this field.

By making sure that your workplace is safe you can protect your workers and the public from harm. Call 0800 1488 677 to discuss these services in greater detail.  You can show any inspectors that you are doing everything that is feasibly possibly to manage your work environment and reduce the risks faced each day in the workplace. By doing you may be able to potentially avoid prosecution should an incident arise where you can prove you did everything possible to follow the health and safety regulations and laws.

Tips for Writing Method Statements

Method Statements or System of Work is a requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 and is intended to provide both the client and the individuals that are carrying out the work, the necessary information to undertake the job safely.

It is essential that a copy of the Method Statements is kept available for inspection by all personnel. In addition, it is the responsibility of Management to ensure that all operatives are aware of their role in the job which is outlined within the Method Statement.

It is pointed out that this check list is not exhaustive and just gives outlined details of the type of information that should be provided.

Method Statements will depend on the complexity and size of the job and is intended to show how the work will be executed safely.

Method Statements should give details of the following:

1. Details of supervisory personnel on site who will be responsible for the work to be undertaken.

2. Details of Health and Safety Consultants providing advice and their name and telephone number.

3. Details of any personnel not involved on site but who can be contacted regarding design or other specialist information if necessary.

4. Work sequences.

5. Stabilisation of the works during their progress e.g., any temporary props, struts or supports that are required.

6. The method of executing the works which will include methods of lifting, fixing, holding or bolting. Slinging and unslinging practice where necessary.

7. Methods to prevent any falls from heights. Full details should be given ie, working,” platforms, handrails, safety harnesses or other means of preventing falling.

8. Access and egress to the job, ie, by ladders, mobile work access platforms, hoists etc. Location of any ladders or other means of access.

9. Methods of protecting materials falling from heights i.e., toe boards, debris/brick guards, boarding on platforms etc.

10. The description of plant to be used in the execution of the work its safe working load and details of any tests, certificates, inspections/registers which are applicable.

11. Details of what to do in case of emergency. This would include details of first aid and names of qualified first aiders.

12. Details of storage and stacking of items on site together with any delivery procedures and any assembly work that is going to be carried out.

13. Detailed calculations for any loading platforms, props, temporary works or supports that are to be provided during the progress of the job.

14. Personal protective equipment to be provided for employees and sub-contractors in particular, safety helmets etc.

15. Details of any confined space hazards and where necessary, atmospheric monitoring procedures and emergency equipment to be provided.

16. Details of any shoring to be provided in excavations, means of entry and barriers or secure coverings to be provided.

17. Details of certification of personnel on site i.e., Construction Industry Training Board Certification Scheme for Scaffolding, Steel Erectors, Plant Operators, Demolition Operatives etc. Details of any certification such as Mounting of Abrasive Wheels, Cartridge Operated Tools etc.

18. The training of operatives on site i.e., induction training and any details regarding their part to be played within the Work Method Statement.

19. Details on what Impacts are likely on the environment.

20. Details on the proposed waste management and waste streams to be used onsite.

For further advice or information please contact Veritas Consulting on 0121 249 1281