Why Risk Assessments Are Essential for Workplace Safety
Risk assessments are a fundamental requirement for maintaining a safe and legally compliant construction site. Under UK law, employers have a duty to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement control measures to prevent accidents. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) specifically require businesses to carry out risk assessments and review them regularly. Ensuring risk assessments are properly conducted helps businesses comply with regulations such as CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management Regulations) and LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).
What is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a systematic process of:
1.Identifying hazards that could cause harm.
2.Evaluating the risk level associated with each hazard.
3.Implementing measures to reduce or eliminate risks.
4.Documenting findings and regularly reviewing them.
Construction businesses must conduct risk assessments for activities such as working at height, plant operation, lifting operations, and hazardous substance handling. Without them, workers are at greater risk of injury, and employers could face HSE enforcement action, fines, or project delays.
Why Employers Must Prioritise Risk Assessments
✔ Legal Compliance – Ensuring compliance with HASAWA 1974, MHSWR 1999, and CDM 2015 reduces the risk of legal penalties.
✔ Workforce Safety & Competency – Risk assessments help ensure that workers have appropriate CSCS, CPCS, or NPORS competency cards and qualifications for their roles.
✔ Accident Prevention – Identifying risks before work begins reduces workplace injuries and improves site safety.
✔ Increased Productivity – A well-managed risk assessment process minimises downtime and improves operational efficiency.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we provide expert support in risk assessment planning, workforce competency verification, and site safety consultancy. Our services include:
✔ Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS) Development – Ensuring businesses meet HSE compliance requirements.
✔ Workforce Competency Checks – Verifying that employees hold valid NVQs, CSCS, CPCS, or NPORS cards.
✔ Health & Safety Consultancy – Helping businesses create and maintain a robust risk management strategy.
✔ Site Safety Audits – Identifying workplace hazards and providing practical solutions.
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402