IMPHS110 – Conduct an assessment of risks in the workplace

Overview 

This standard covers the skills and knowledge needed to identify hazards in the workplace, assessing the level of risk resulting from those hazards, and making recommendations to control the risk and review the results. You need to carry out a risk assessment according to regulatory requirements.

This standard is for you if you are required to, or have been asked to, carry out a risk assessment in the workplace. You could be an employer, line manager, supervisor, safety representative or employee.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. define why and how risk assessments will be carried out following standard operating procedures
2. confirm information available to you on statutory health and safety regulations is up-to-date and from recognised and reliable information sources
3. identify how to seek expert advice and guidance on risk assessment
4. select methods of identifying significant, relevant hazards to the workplace being assessed including engaging with the workforce
5. identify areas in the workplace where hazards with a potential for serious harm to health and safety are most likely to occur
6. identify hazards which could result in serious harm to people at work or other persons
7. record hazards in a way which meets legal, good practice and workplace requirements
8. report results to responsible persons
9. review appropriate legal requirements to ensure control measures are in place
10. confirm industry standards and reasonable precautions are in place
11. identify hazards that use the hierarchy of controls to reduce risks
12. assess levels of risk and consider how these can be controlled to minimise harm
13. list unacceptable risks in priority order including all breaches of relevant health and safety legislation and workplace procedures
14. prepare risk assessment reports containing recommendations for minimising risks
15. present results to all affected and responsible persons
16. compare risk assessments to current workplace and working practices
17. identify significant differences between previous and new working practices
18. monitor actions taken as a result of your recommendations specified in risk assessments
19. identify hazards arising from changes in the workplace or working practices
20. update risk assessments in line with reviews
21. inform everyone affected by changes
22. carry out reviews following any reported accidents or significant near misses

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand

1. responsibilities for risk assessments as required by the health and safety at work regulations and other related regulations
2. your legal duties for health and safety in the workplace as required by the health and safety at work act
3. your duties for health and safety as defined by any specific legislation covering your job role
4. the procedures for carrying out risk assessments
5. the purpose, legal implications and importance of carrying out risk assessments
6. what to do with results of the risk assessments
7. hazards that are most likely to cause harm to health and safety
8. particular health and safety risks which may be present in your own job role and precautions to be taken
9. the importance of remaining alert to the presence of hazards in the whole workplace
10. the importance of dealing with or promptly reporting risks
11. methods of identifying hazards including direct observation, examining records, or interviews
12. the work areas and people for whom you are carrying out the assessment
13. work activities of people in the workplace where you are carrying out the risk assessment
14. resources required for risk assessments to take place
15. information sources for risk assessments
16. where to find expert advice and guidance
17. your own limitations, job responsibilities and capabilities
18. communication methods

Keywords: food, drink, manufacturing, health and safety, hazard, risk assessment