8 benefits of a good risk assessment

The HSE regulations require companies to assess the risk of hazards and problems that may arise in the workplace, and the likelihood of such hazards occurring.

As part of this assessment, you also need to consider the consequences for your business and your employees if something goes wrong. A good and thorough risk assessment ensures lower sickness absence and turnover, and increased well-being and productivity among your employees.

We give you some information on what you need to consider when planning a risk assessment, as well as giving you 8 benefits that come with a good and thorough risk assessment.

What is risk assessment?

The aim of a risk assessment is to reduce the likelihood of undesirable situations in the form of illness or injury occurring in your workplace.

Who needs a risk assessment?

The basic principle is that all companies that have employees must implement a risk assessment. Although there are exceptions.
According to Section 1-1 of the Working Environment Act, businesses must, among other things

a) ensure a working environment that provides the basis for a health-promoting and meaningful work situation, which provides full security against physical and psychological harm, and with a welfare standard that is at all times in accordance with the technological and social development in society.

What should a risk assessment contain?

A risk assessment should include a mapping of hazards and problems. The scope varies depending on the size of the workplace and the type of work performed.

The following three questions in relation to possible hazards and problems (risks) can be the starting point for a simple risk assessment:

• What can go wrong?
• What can we do to prevent this?
• What can we do to reduce the consequences if something happens?

The risk assessment must be carried out with the employees, safety representatives and employee representatives. If you are unsure of how to carry it out yourself, you can seek help from an occupational health service. However, it is the employer who is responsible for risk assessment, regardless of who performs the work in practice.

Risk assessment example - How to conduct a risk assessment?

To get to the bottom of it, there are three steps on how to conduct a good and thorough risk assessment.

Risk identification

The first step is to identify and map potential hazards that may occur in the workplace. What happens if there is a fire? Are all escape routes or doors safe? Are there many loose wires that could cause damage?
The goal is not only limited to immediate physical danger. Risk assessment must also take into account psychological causes, such as musculoskeletal disorders, stress and conflicts. Mapping can therefore range from employee well-being and cooperation to surveys of physical conditions.

Risk analysis

Risk analysis is, as the word implies, analyzing the risks themselves. You don't just look at what hazards might occur, but how likely they are to occur and the consequences of such a situation.
The level of detail of the analysis depends on the risk itself. The analysis can be qualitative and quantitative, or a mixture of these methods.

Risk evaluation

Finally, it becomes important to consider the risks themselves. The main purpose of the evaluation is to compare the analyses made in the previous step with the assessments made in the first step.
Can we do anything to prevent possible incidents?

Aftercare and follow-up

Once the risk areas have been mapped and assessed, the employer has an overview of what needs to be improved. It is then important that the manager, employees and representatives plan and prioritize measures. An action plan should then be drawn up that addresses what needs to be done, who needs to do it and when it needs to be done. In this way, the company can implement and follow up on the measures and ensure that the systematic HSE work works.

It is important that the risk assessment work is updated on an ongoing basis. Assessments made several years ago do not necessarily apply today.

Documentation of risk assessment

Surveys, risk assessments, follow-up plans and action plans are important documentation of how you work with HSE in your business. This must be put in writing and kept for possible inspection by the HSE authorities.

8 benefits of risk assessment

•  More likely to uncover hazards
•  Reduces the possibility of injuries
•  Reduces the possibility of disease
•  Lower sick leave
•  Lower turnover
•  Increased well-being
•  Increased productivity
•  Increased reputation

Want to know more about how to secure your workplace? Feel free to contact us for an informal chat.