Health & safety assessment & planning

Having in place a clear structure for identifying and controlling health and safety risks can help an organisation manage health and safety effectively. This will generally involve identifying risks arising from the organisation’s activities, considering appropriate measures to control those risks, and reviewing arrangements when required. Health and safety assessment and planning form part of this process, helping organisations identify hazards, consider appropriate control measures, allocate responsibilities and document the actions they intend to take.

Every organisation’s approach will depend on its size, structure and activities, but employers are required under health and safety legislation to assess risks to the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected by their activities. Those assessments should inform practical measures to eliminate or reduce risks and should be reviewed whenever circumstances change or at appropriate intervals.

This subtopic brings together practical guidance and Precedents to help organisations assess health and safety risks, develop proportionate control measures, implement health and safety plans, and review those arrangements on an ongoing basis.

Note that other industry/workplace-specific requirements may apply in different working environments.