Risk assessments

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

A risk assessment is an important step in protecting our staff, students, visitors, etc., and complying with the law. It helps us focus on those significant risks that matter in our workplace – the ones with real 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 are kept closed to ensure people do not trip. For most, that means simple, cheap and effective measures to protect our staff, students and visitors, etc.

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.

Please view our Policies, Forms and Procedures webpage for further supporting information and resources. Sample risk assessments can also be found on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website: