What is a Risk Assessment?

Risk assessment is a process of identifying, analysing, evaluating, and controlling potential hazards or risks associated with a particular activity or process. The primary goal of a risk assessment is to reduce or eliminate potential risks that may harm individuals, property, or the environment. A risk assessment should be performed before starting any activity or process to identify the potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Even after a process or activity has started, a risk assessment must be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure safety remains the number one priority. 

Legal Obligations

There are legal obligations for organisations to perform risk assessments. These obligations vary based on the industry and the country's regulations. For example,in the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 places the responsibility on organisations to ensure the safety of their employees and members of the public. Specifically, it requires organisations to undertake a risk assessment, and where the safety of five or more persons may be affected, this risk assessment must be recorded in writing.  Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe legal consequences.

Templates/Layouts

Several templates and layouts are available online that can help organisations perform risk assessments effectively. These templates vary in their complexity and can be customised to fit specific industry requirements. The templates typically include a step-by-step guide for performing the risk assessment, including identifying potential hazards, evaluating their severity, assessing the likelihood of their occurrence, and implementing measures to mitigate the risks. The templates are available in various formats, including Excel spreadsheets, word documents, and online platforms.

For organisers of small events, a good place to start is the HSE Risk Assessment template.

Third-Party Consultants

Event organisers can also hire third-party consultants to perform risk assessments. These consultants are experts in the field and can provide an unbiased and thorough assessment of potential risks. Hiring a third-party consultant can be particularly beneficial for organisations with limited in-house resources or for organisations in high-risk industries. The consultant can also provide training to the organisation's employees to enhance their risk assessment skills.

Events can carry a broad range of safety risks, and some types of events have many high-risk activities to consider, such as: Work at height, pyrotechnics, large crowds, heavy machinery, temporary electrical supplies, and public health issues. 

A wealth of expert event safety consultants are available in the UK market. For all but the most simple and small-scale events, it is recommended that a suitable consultant is engaged to provide safety management advice for your event.

Guidance and Regulations to Draw Upon

Several guidance and regulations are available to help organisations perform risk assessments. In the U.K., it is usually best to draw upon guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, the governmental agency responsible for determining and enforcing Health and Safety law. 

HSG 65: Managing for Health and Safety. This document provides guidance on how to strategically approach managing health and safety.

The Health and Safety Toolbox. This website provides advice for identifying and controlling specific health and safety hazards.

In conclusion, risk assessment is a critical process that helps organisations identify potential hazards, evaluate their severity, and implement measures to mitigate risks. Legal obligations mandate organisations to perform risk assessments and comply with safety regulations. Several templates, third-party consultants, and guidance and regulations are available to help organisations perform effective risk assessments. By using these resources, organisations can enhance their safety measures, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and create a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.