Benefits of risk assessment training

Employers need to ensure that they themselves and individuals carrying out risk assessments are competent to do so. A necessary precursor is that they have adequate knowledge and understanding of the principles and procedures of risk management.

There are many benefits for an organisation in controlling risk effectively. It will:

• Ensure employees and customers are not injured or made ill by work undertaken.
• Contribute to the development of a positive health and safety culture, where safe working becomes second nature to all in the organisation.
• Identify areas for improvement in health and safety in workplace.
• Meet legal obligations and avoid legal action being taken against the organisation.
• Maintain insurance costs and avoid rises in premiums.
• It will improve financial performance by avoiding the uninsured costs associated with the consequences of poor health and safety. E.g. sick pay, damaged or loss of product, repair and maintenance of equipment, investigation time, fines, service delays and overtime working.
• It will contribute also to the overall quality of service delivered and efficiency of the organisation.

Course objective

The overall aim is for the delegates to acquire knowledge and practical skills to improve there competency in carrying out general risk assessments under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992.

Method of course delivery

The course is delivered as a group training session with a blend of direct trainer input and individual/group participative exercises that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your organisation.

Course outcomes

On successful completion of the course delegates will be able to:

• State the purpose for and benefits of using a risk assessment approach to the management of health and safety.
• Identify the legal requirements for risk assessment.
• Understand the key issues and benefits of risk assessment.
• Differentiate between hazard and risk.
• Understand the importance of identifying people who may be affected by workplace hazards, and those who could be more vulnerable.
• Quantify risk.
• Recommend suitable controls to eliminate or manage risks using the hierarchy of risk management strategies.
• Carry out, record, monitor and review risk assessments within there own working environment.
• Understand the limitations in there own knowledge and know when and where to seek further information and advice.

Course content

• Health and safety law relating to risk assessment.
• Key definitions (hazard, risk, control measure).
• Benefits and consequences of risk assessment.
• Identifying hazards and people exposed to them.
• Quantifying risk.
• Measures to eliminate/control risk.
• Carrying out a risk assessment.
• Identifying training needs associated with the risks being assessed.
• Monitoring and reviewing assessments.

Course Duration and maximum number of delegates

Course duration is one day with a maximum number of eight delegates for a group training session. Alternatively this can be delivered in a one to one coaching format at times to suit an individual organisation