Risk assessment in the workplace

After the risk assessment, a summary should be made of the risk factors present in the work environment. Based on this, the employer must assess what actions need to be taken to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of the employees at the workplace.

Response after the risk assessment

The employer may need to take measures by either:

• Preventing the risk

• Reducing it as much as possible. This means reducing the risk to meet at least the minimum requirements set out in laws and regulations regarding workplace safety, such as through technical improvements, using personal protective equipment, or assistive devices.

The goal is always to ensure that employees work in an environment with the least amount of risk possible.

• The first option is always to prevent the risk or remove it.

• The second option is to consider whether it’s possible to reduce the risk through general protective measures for employees. For example, by implementing technical improvements or using shields or other safety measures on machinery.

• If general measures are not deemed sufficient to protect employees, more specific measures should be taken, such as using personal protective equipment and assistive devices.

Time-bound action plan

If it’s not possible to take measures immediately, a time-bound plan for health protection and risk prevention must be made. Additionally, proper training and guidance for employees regarding safety measures and rules must be considered.

It is important that employees are informed of the risks that may come with the work they do.

Follow-up

The employer must assess whether the measures taken have had the desired effect on the safety and well-being of the employees and whether further actions are needed.

It’s also necessary to monitor whether previous measures are still having the intended effect or if new measures need to be introduced. This may require defining criteria to assess the effects.

Next: Health protection and risk prevention plan.