Record of risk assessment findings

It is very useful to keep a written record of the risk assessment even if there are less than five employees in the organization. For an assessment to be suitable and sufficient only the significant hazards and conclusions need be recorded. The record should also include details of the groups of people affected by the hazards and the existing control measures and their effectiveness. The conclusions should identify any new controls required and a review date. The HSE booklet Five steps to risk assessment provides a very useful guide and examples of the detail required for most risk assessments. 

There are many other possible layouts which can be used for the risk assessment record. One example is given in Appendix 5.2. 

The written record provides excellent evidence to a health and safety inspector of compliance with the law. It is also useful evidence if the organization should become involved in a civil action. 

The record should be accessible to employees and a copy kept with the safety manual containing the safety policy and arrangements. 

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