Risk Assessments

For small to medium sized enterprises the risk assessment process is often viewed as a daunting and onerous task. More often than not this is due to a lack of understanding, time, awareness, training and resources.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations came into force in 1992 and were amended in 1999. These regulations are perhaps the most significant piece of health and safety legislation since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, as they make an explicit requirement to manage your health and safety risks by a process known as risk assessments.

Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations stipulates that, “Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of: -

• The risks to the health and safety of his/her employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and
  
  
• The risks to the health and safety of persons not in his/her employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him/her or his undertaking.”

The purpose of the risk assessments is to identify the hazards involved with the work activity being undertaken, in some cases the assessment will need to be very detailed due to the high degree of risk. Once the risks have been assessed it may be necessary to introduce additional control measures in order to reduce any significant hazards; the aim of the task is to prevent anyone getting hurt or becoming ill.

In 2004, Citation plc developed a program to help clients complete their risk assessments. This program was launched in the form of Citassess© which is an interactive web based program which is only available to clients of Citation plc and complements the existing health and safety service provided. As the risk assessment program was so innovative Citation plc were awarded the Queens award for innovation.

Citassess© is quick and easy to use and has simple process guides and prompts throughout each stage of your risk assessment, making them easier to complete in less time.

One of the benefits of Citassess© is that the report produced is easily interpreted and can be used as a training aid. As the report is in a pictorial format it is more likely to be read by members of staff who have little or no interest in health and safety.

The system is totally secure, giving individual companies control over the assessments that are produced. It will not interfere with any existing computer software as the system is hosted on Citation plc’s web site and only clients with a secure password can gain access.

Training on how to undertake risk assessments and how to use Citation plc’s online program is provided by your dedicated health and safety consultant. Your consultant will also assist you to identify what tasks and hazards need assessing so your organisation remains compliant at all times.

We currently provide fixed cost compliance solutions for over 6,000 clients across the UK.

If you would like to arrange for one of our local Business Development Managers to explain how our services can safeguard your business, please click on the "Call Me Back" button to arrange an appointment.

Operating throughout the UK with experts on Health & Safety Law on hand in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, Citation have emerged as one of the United Kingdom’s leading health and safety and employment law consultancies.

Citation provides fixed cost compliance packages to organisations of all sizes throughout the country. Citation has been the recipient of a number of Business Awards including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and is proud of its contribution towards a safe and fair business environment whilst at the same time relieving the burden of regulatory compliance from its clients.