Consultancy and risk assessments

A general risk assessment may highlight specific hazards which require further attention. However, some occupations and environments are inherently more susceptible to certain hazards and in these instances, an assessment targeted at one or more of the hazards listed below would be necessary. In these cases, the methodology and approach to risk quantification and prioritisation are similar to those used in our general risk assessment.

• Manual Handling Assessment

  Work involving heavy lifting and/or which involves awkward repetitive movement leaves employees at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues. A typical manual handling assessment would involve analysing the task, load, environment and capability of the individual to calculate a risk value. Recommendations for risk reduction methods can then be suggested.

• Fire risk assessment

  Almost all workplaces are exposed to the risk of fire, but some, such as those with processes involving flammable chemicals or heat-producing machinery and hot work tasks  present higher risks.  As well as identifying fire hazards, our fire risk assessments have a particular focus on fire signage, extinguishing equipment and its location, exits and storage of hazardous materials among other things.

• Young Workers assessments and Nursing/ Expectant mothers assessments.

  It is mandatory to assess the risks that would be encountered by any worker who is under 17 years of age. The same is true for nursing or expectant mothers. Physical and cognitive limitations need to be taken into account as well as exposure to any harmful substances and the work environment itself. The assessments will provide individual recommendations particular to the person concerned.

• Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment

  For many office workers, most of their day is spent sitting down in front of their computer (display screen equipment/visual display unit). Other workers may use different types of display screen such as those operating computer-aided equipment. The risk of developing work related upper limb disorders and other repetitive motion strain injuries is increased for these workers. These conditions develop  slowly often without being noticed, which makes a preventative approach all the more important.

  The work equipment, space, individual workers and environment are all factors that must be taken into account when conducting a DSE assessment.

• Working at height assessment

  Work at height carries inherent risks and it is important to assess the work method and equipment in use to ensure that the task is carried out in the safest way.

• Work Equipment

  The safety issues associated with work equipment are numerous. These include, but are not limited to mechanical and non-mechanical hazards such as entrapment, electrical, hazardous fumes, noise, ergonomics etc…

• COSHH (Control of substances harmful to health) and biological and chemical hazards.

  Some workplaces involve working with, or generating substances which can cause both long- and short-term damage to the human body in various ways. A risk assessment in this instance will look into the types and quantities of substances to which people may be exposed during work processes, and in storage, as well as the adequacy of any control measures that are in place to control the harmful effects of these types of hazard.

• Noise

  Regulations place restrictions on the number of hours that a worker should be exposed to established levels of noise. In workplaces where these hazards pose a threat to workers’ health, a risk assessment to measure exposure levels for comparison with legal standards and best practice is necessary in order that appropriate control measures can be devised.