What Is a Risk Assessment and How to Conduct One?

 What Is a Risk Assessment and How to Conduct One?

1. What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a structured process used to identify workplace hazards, evaluate the level of risk they present, and determine suitable control measures to prevent accidents, injuries, property damage, or environmental harm.

In simple terms:

Hazard = Anything that can cause harm

Risk = The likelihood that harm will occur and how severe it could be

As an HSE professional, risk assessment is one of your most important tools. It supports safe planning, legal compliance, and effective supervision on-site.

2. Why Risk Assessment Is Important

Prevents incidents before they happen

Protects workers, equipment, and the public

Ensures legal compliance

Improves planning and work efficiency

Reduces downtime and project delays

In construction projects like road works, lifting operations, or excavation, risk assessment is essential before issuing a PTW or starting critical activities.

3. Types of Risk Assessment

General Risk Assessment (GRA) - Routine site activities

Task-Specific Risk Assessment (TSRA) - Particular activities such as lifting or confined space entry

Dynamic Risk Assessment - On-the-spot evaluation during changing conditions

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) - Step-by-step breakdown of task hazards

4. Steps to Conduct a Risk Assessment

Step 1: Identify Hazards

Look for anything that can cause harm:

Working at height

Moving vehicles

Excavations

Electrical systems

Manual handling

Chemicals

Consult:

Site inspection reports

Method statements

Equipment manuals

Incident records

Step 2: Identify Who Might Be Harmed

Consider:

Workers

Supervisors

Subcontractors

Visitors

Public

Operators and banksmen

Step 3: Evaluate the Risk

Assess:

Likelihood (How probable is it?)

Severity (How serious could the injury be?)

Use a Risk Matrix to determine if the risk is:

Low

Medium

High

Extreme

Step 4: Implement Control Measures

Follow the Hierarchy of Controls:

Elimination - Remove the hazard completely

Substitution - Replace with a safer alternative

Engineering Controls - Physical barriers, guardrails

Administrative Controls - Training, procedures, supervision

PPE - Last line of defense

Step 5: Record and Communicate

Document the assessment

Attach it to PTW if required

Conduct toolbox talk

Ensure all workers sign the acknowledgment

Step 6: Review and Update

Review when:

There is an incident

Work conditions change

New equipment is introduced

Periodically, as per company procedure

5. Example (Construction Activity)

Activity: Excavation near live services

Hazards:

Collapse

Underground utilities

Falling into a trench

Vehicle collision

Controls:

Shoring or sloping

Utility scan before digging

Barricades and signage

Appointed banksman

Daily inspection

6. Key Points for HSE Officers

Never copy-paste risk assessments without reviewing site conditions

Ensure controls are realistic and implemented

Monitor compliance continuously

Use risk assessment as a living document