Risk Assessment

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires the University, as the employer, to ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried.  

A risk assessment is an important step in protecting our staff, students, visitors etc., as well as complying with the law. It helps us focus on the risks that really matter in our workplace – the ones with the potential to cause harm. In many instances, straightforward measures can readily control risks, for example, ensuring spillages are cleaned up promptly so people do not slip or cupboard drawers kept closed to ensure people do not trip. For most, that means simple, cheap and effective measures to ensure our staff, students and visitors etc., are protected.

What is risk assessment?

A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures.

Conducting your risk assessments.

In order to carry out your risk assessments you can use the following University guidance and forms. 

• University Risk Assessment Policy
• Risk Assessment Form

Related links:

For sample risk assessments (Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website)

• Low risk office based risk assessment
• Example risk assessments