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Record Your Findings

Having determined the hazards which are significant within your workplace it is necessary to document these and give details of the controls in place or the further controls which may be required to ensure that the workplace is as safe as possible.

For example, using those hazards identified in the previous section:

  1. Hazard = Tipping the forklift truck
    - Those affected = Drivers and persons in vicinity of fork lift truck.
    - Controls in Place = Drivers are trained and no unauthorised persons are to drive the vehicle. A formally written safe system of work for forklift trucks has been introduced. (Example at Appendix 4).
    - Further Controls Required = Designated separate routes to be outlined for forklift trucks and pedestrians.
  2. Hazard = Beerline cleaner splashed in eyes
    - Those affected = Head Barman & Bar Steward
    - Controls in Place = Head Barman and Bar Steward only to carry out task. Goggles, apron and gloves worn by the Head Barman/Bar Steward when using the chemical.
    - Further Controls Required = Other members of staff to be trained to carry out cleaning in case Head Barman and/or Bar Steward is on holiday, off sick etc.
  3. Hazard = Dermatitis from using bactericidal cleaner
    - Those affected = Kitchen staff
    - Controls in Place = Rubber gloves worn by staff when using the chemical.
    - Further Controls Required =Alternative bactericidal cleaner brand to be sourced to determine if it is less likely to cause dermatitis.

Consequently by this stage you should have established:

  • The hazards which exist within your workplace
  • The significance of those hazards
  • The controls which are already in place to reduce the risk of significant hazards being realised
  • The controls which require to be implemented to improve health and safety in the workplace

In essence these controls form the arrangements that are to be implemented in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and those affected by your work activities. In some cases the controls required to ensure a safe working environment would be extensive.

In this case it may be appropriate to produce work instructions or a documented safe system of work as given in the example of the forklift truck to follow.

Regularly review your assessment and revise it if necessary.

Sooner or later you will bring in new substances, equipment and procedures that could lead to new hazards. If there is any significant change add it to the assessment to take account of the new hazard. Even if substances, equipment and procedures do not change you should review your risk assessment from time to time to make sure that the precautions are still working effectively.

A minimum of an annual update is recommended.