Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their employees—and anyone else affected by their operations—from harm. Under the UK’s Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, there are essential steps to manage workplace safety:

Identify Hazards: Determine anything within your business that could cause injury or illness.

Evaluate Risks: Assess the likelihood and potential severity of harm that these hazards might cause.

Take Action: Wherever possible, eliminate the hazard; if that’s not feasible, put controls in place to manage the risk effectively.

Risk assessment is just one part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining a safe work environment. By proactively identifying and addressing risks, you’re not only meeting legal requirements but also fostering a safer and healthier workplace.