A risk assessment (or analysis) is a strategy to help you to identify risks before they happen, empowering you to take a proactive approach to handling various hazards. Not all risks are the same, so troubleshooting and formulating strategies based on different emergencies is vital.
Not only will a thorough risk assessment keep your team and your company’s assets safe, but it may also be a legal obligation, depending on your location. Here’s a deeper dive into why every business should conduct a risk assessment.
It Reduces Risk
A risk is measured based on chance and consequence, as well as how it will impact the neighbouring community and the surrounding environment. By measuring the likelihood of a hazard and its consequential damage, you can formulate a response that will keep your company assets as safe as possible in an emergency.
But, most importantly, by highlighting potential risks before they arise, you can implement employee training protocols, which can greatly reduce health and safety dangers. You can also make tangible improvements to the workspace to minimize risks going forward.
You Can Implement Control Measures and Source Tools
Once you have identified the potential risks your business might be exposed to, you’ll have a clearer idea of the types of tools you should secure. For example, different types of fire extinguishers cater to different fire sources — ordinary combustibles, live electrics, and combustible cooking media, to name just a few examples.
While some tools will vary based on hazard, other emergency tools will be a constant, regardless of the risk. For example, evacuation chairs from specialist companies such as Evacuscape are devices that allow for the safe, quick, and efficient evacuation of people with mobility challenges during an emergency.
Conducting a thorough risk assessment will empower you to not only source emergency response tools pertinent to each emergency but it will also encourage you to consider your response plan in greater detail, guaranteeing you develop a strategy that ensures everyone’s safety.
It May Be a Legal Obligation
Employers have an ethical and legal responsibility to keep team members safe. Having a thoroughly considered risk assessment in writing shows that deep care and consideration has gone into formulating a robust risk analysis.
Tips for Your Risk Assessment
If you’re a new business and have yet to conduct a risk assessment, here are some tips to get you started.
- Host a team meeting to pool ideas. When it comes to risk assessments, a multi-pronged approach is beneficial.
- Consult with a specialist, like your local fire marshal or environmental health agency.
- Implement team safety training to mitigate the potential for a hazard instigated by human error.
- Review paperwork pertinent to major appliances and equipment.
- Understand the laws in your region for risk assessment and risk management for businesses.
- Consistently review and update your risk analysis to counter environmental and situational change.
The Bottom Line
A well-constructed emergency risk assessment ensures you’re prepared for every eventuality, keeping team members and members of the public safe while protecting company assets.