How often should a risk assessment take place?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that risk should be assessed "every time there are new machines, substances and procedures, which could lead to new hazards."
It advises employers to carry out a risk assessment whenever an existing one may no longer be effective, and specifically when there are changes in the workplace such as changes to:
- staff;
- a process; and
- the substances or equipment used.
The HSE also says that an employer should consider a review if their workers “have spotted any problems or there have been any accidents or near misses”.
Other signs that an employer should consider a risk assessment are:
- high staff turnover;
- an unusual volume of sickness absence;
- complaints of stress and bullying; and
- changes an individual employee’s need, such as return to work after a period of long-term sickness absence.
An employer’s obligations to carry out a risk assessment for an employee who is pregnant or breastfeeding are set out in Regulation 16, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.