risk assessment

New Year, New Risks – the importance of an up-to-date risk assessment

As we welcome in the new year and all that it brings, now is a great time to take a step back and ensure that your business is in a good place and prepared for the year ahead. No matter what types of business goals you are setting this year, health and safety procedures, including an up to date risk assessment, should be included in your priorities. Managing health and safety properly is not only good for you and your employees, but also good for business. 

Take a moment to think – when was the last time you undertook a workplace audit? Are your safety statements, risk assessments, and staff training up to date – and to the required standards?

There were 26 workplace fatalities in 2022, and while there was a decline of over 30% from 2021, there is more work to be done in reducing these numbers. The key to this is through the implementation of comprehensive health and safety statements in all workplaces. 

At KTC Safety, we provide bespoke safety consultancy services that can be tailored to the needs of your business. Workplace safety consultancy services are an efficient way for you to address your organisation’s health and safety needs, ensuring that you comply with all relevant legislation. 

 

What is a Safety Statement, and why do I need one?

A safety statement is a legal requirement under Section 20 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act of 2005, and is based on the principle that safety can be managed because most accidents are foreseeable and can usually be prevented. They are, essentially, your written commitment to managing safety and health in your business and how you are going to do this. It should be used as a reference point for management and staff to promote workplace health and safety, giving reference to specific policies, procedures, equipment and responsibilities. 

As part of our Safety Statements consultancy service, we will conduct a comprehensive audit of your premises, procedures, equipment and staff to identify and assess any hazards and risks. The completed safety statement will include: 

  • Legal obligations on employers 
  • Access to the safety statement 
  • Drafting the safety statement 
  • Identification of hazards 
  • Assessment of risks 
  • General policy 
  • Safety arrangements and controls
  • Statement of Organisation 
  • Responsible persons 
  • Directors report 
  • Revision of the Safety Statement and other applicable information

 

What are risk assessments?

A risk assessment is a written document that identifies the hazards in the workplace that are under your control. It should assess the risks presented by these hazards, and detail the implementation of control measures to reduce the risk of these hazards causing harm. 

At KTC Safety, our risk assessment consultants are qualified and competent in conducting risk assessments in the areas of ergonomics (online and in person), manual handling and the general workplace. As part of this service, we will complete a comprehensive audit of your workplace to identify, assess and help to reduce risks. 

Risk assessments can include: 

  • A review of current work design and organisational factors in your workplace
  • Identifying and recording any ergonomic equipment requirements
  • A review of manual handling techniques
  • An environment assessment of lighting, noise, temperature and humidity levels 
  • A review of operations taking into consideration the work encountered by your staff when they work away from your premises, if applicable. 

There are many types of risk assessments for different industries and scenarios, such as dynamic risk assessments for those working in changing circumstances, however it’s important that these documents are kept up to date. As workplaces, teams and processes change, so should your safety assessments to reflect the new or altered environment. 

 

At KTC Safety, our bespoke safety consultancy services are tailored to the needs of your business. We understand that your business’ success is built on safety, so we offer a broad range of consultancy services for businesses across all sectors. These include risk assessments, gap and root cause analysis, workplace audits, safety policies and legislative compliance. 

If your New Year’s Resolution is to review your health and safety policies, speak to a member of our team today and rest assured with expert advice from our team of experienced professionals.

Contact us today to find out more.

Posted on Thu 12th January, 2023 by KTC Safety