Safety at work should be at the top of every employer's checklist. A safer working environment is usually a happier one.

Writing risk assessments takes time. It is an involved process that systematically identifies potential hazards, evaluating the associated risks and implementing measures to mitigate those risks.

It is a staged process to produce a written document that can be discussed and shared.

1. List out each task involved to undertake a job.

2. Identify the hazard(s) - List everything that has the potential to cause harm.

3. Who might be at harm and how? - Consider employees, contractors, visitors and members of the public.

4. What is the level of risk? - Highlight this to those involved.

5. Decide on precautions / actions to take. - What can you do to eliminate or at least minimise risk? - Implement control measures.

6. Assign responsibilities for actions.

7. Review and update risk assessments on a regular basis.

The primary function of having a risk assessment in place is to protect you (the employer), all employees and the wider public, but the value of it can go further than that.

During the process of preparing a risk assessment it is good to engage with all operatives as they are the ones who best understand the role. It empowers those involved to play a part in their own safety, and brings added benefits of team bonding which is in its own way motivational.

Other things to consider.

• Be thorough - look at all activities, both routine and non-routine.

• Use clear language - to ensure that the assessment is understood by everyone involved.

• Stay compliant - to meet all regulatory requirements / laws.