Human Resources

Risk assessments

A risk assessment is an important step in protecting the University and its employees, as well as complying with the law. It helps you focus on the risks that really matter in your workplace, the ones with the potential to cause real harm. In many instances, straightforward measures can readily control risks, for example ensuring spillages are cleaned up promptly so people do not slip, or cupboard drawers are kept closed to ensure people do not trip. For most, that means simple, cheap and effective measures to ensure your most valuable asset, your students and staff are protected.

The law does not expect you to eliminate all risk, but you are required to protect people as far as reasonably practicable.

This is not the only way to do a risk assessment; there are other methods that work well, particularly for more complex risks and circumstances.  However, we believe this method is the most straightforward for the University.

What is risk assessment?

A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what in your work could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Employees and students have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures.

Accidents and ill health can ruin lives and affect the University too if output is lost, equipment is damaged, insurance costs increase or you have to go to court. You are legally required to assess the risks in your workplace so that you put in place a plan to control the risks.

For details on our training courses see our training page.