Step 5: review the controls

A risk assessment should be reviewed and updated so that it stays suitable and sufficient. Triggers for a review include:

• a change in process, equipment, substances or activity
• a change in personnel or management structure
• an incident
• feedback from workers
• a change in legislation
• auditor findings
• periodic review, for example once a year

Risk assessment for specific risks and special cases

When and why they are required

Some hazards need a specific assessment method because of their nature or applicable law, even where only one person is exposed. A generic assessment is a starting point, not a substitute for examining the real task. Check the relevant national rules and hazard-specific guidance. Examples:

• Fire. Fire safety management procedures, including a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, are needed in every workplace.
• Display screen equipment (DSE). Needed where employees and others use computers, laptops and similar equipment.
• Manual handling. Needed wherever an employee may be at risk of injury or ill health from lifting, carrying or moving loads.
• COSHH (hazardous substances). Needed where hazardous substances are stored, used or made.
• Noise. Needed to decide what can be done to protect employees who are exposed to noise. It is more than taking measurements, and sometimes measurements are not even necessary.

Sometimes an assessment must focus on one person or one group of workers because they are more vulnerable to particular hazards.

• Young people. A young person may be more vulnerable because of lack of experience and maturity. They may be less aware of OSH policies and procedures, or afraid to ask supervisors or experienced colleagues for help and advice.
• New and expectant mothers. They are susceptible to reprotoxic risks from exposure to chemical and biological agents, which can harm their own health and the health of the unborn child, sometimes well into adulthood. Employers should identify the hazards, assess the risks they pose and put suitable controls in place.
• Disabled workers. People with any type of disability may be at greater risk from particular hazards, depending on the nature and extent of the disability. The issues they face vary, so each worker should be treated as an individual. Not every disabled worker needs a workplace adjustment, but where one is needed it can cover doors, passageways, staircases, showers, washbasins, toilets and workstations used directly by the worker.
• Lone workers. These people work by themselves, without close or direct supervision. The risks are greater because nobody is there to help if things go wrong. If the assessment shows that the work cannot be done safely by a lone worker, arrangements for help or backup must be made.

Summary notes for Element 3 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.