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. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures.
Five steps to risk assessment-
- Identify the hazards.
- Decide who may be harmed and how.
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precaution.
- Record your findings and implement them.
- Review your assessment and update if necessary.
An example scenario- Working in a salon.
1. Identifying hazards.
Chemicals, hair dyes, hazardous solutions, tripping over cables, slipping on hair, water, spilt shampoo etc. Hot water, sharp scissors and razors.
2. Deciding who may be harmed and how.
Customers and staff being scalded from hot water, customers not given protective eye wear and gowns when using bleach, peroxide, dyes etc. Ingestion and contamination of chemicals by the public. providing adequate ventilation from inhaling chemical fumes. chance of electrocution from faulty electrical appliances.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precaution.
Provide protective gloves and eye wear etc. Good house keeping, keep hazardous chemicals locked away, provide adequate ventilation and lighting, PAT test electrical equipment annually and provide adequate training for staff.
4. Record your findings and implement them.
Keep a log of any potential hazards, if any hazards are found rectify the problem straight away or notify your employer as soon as possible and keep a log of faults or accidents.
5. Review your assessment and update if necessary.
Have regular checks of electrical equipment, remove any faulty equipment, have regular emergency lighting checks, keep chemicals tidy and with clearly visible labels.
Risk assessments are important and we all do it subconsciously every day when at home or at work but people do get complacent and try to cut corners sometimes with fatal consequences
keeping a log and being aware will avoid costing you money or a life.
© Sean Wareing 2013
Looks good Sean, have you worked in many salons?
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