An introduction to risk assessments

A risk assessment is all about identifying hazards that could harm your employees and taking action to eliminate or reduce those risks. It’s essential for keeping your workplace safe and making sure you’re compliant with health and safety laws.

Without a proper risk assessment in place, the consequences can be serious – from costly fines and accidents to reputational damage. But when done correctly, risk assessments not only protect your business but also improve efficiency and overall workplace safety.

In this FREE guide, you’ll learn:

• What risk assessments are and why they’re so crucial for your business
• How to identify hazards and assess risks in your workplace
• The five simple steps for conducting a risk assessment
• The legal requirements and benefits of risk assessments, and how they protect your business

Key highlights from the guide:

1. Hazard vs risk: What’s the difference?

It’s important to understand the difference between a hazard and a risk. Imagine a shark in a swimming pool – that’s a hazard. It only becomes a risk if someone jumps in! This guide will help you identify both the hazards and the risks they pose to your employees.

2. Risk assessment in five simple steps

Conducting a risk assessment doesn’t have to be complicated. We break it down into five simple steps:

• Identify the hazards
• Evaluate who could be at risk
• Assess the level of risk
• Record and communicate your findings
• Review your assessment regularly

Each step is explained clearly so you can create comprehensive, compliant risk assessments with ease.

3. Legal requirements and benefits

Risk assessments aren’t just a good idea — they’re a legal requirement under the Health & Safety at Work Act. Failing to comply can result in fines, health issues, or even reputational damage. This guide breaks down the legal obligations and shows you how having effective risk assessments will protect your business.

Why risk assessments are a must for your business

Risk assessments are key to ensuring your business runs smoothly, protecting both your employees and your bottom line. A well-executed risk assessment:

• Reduces the chance of workplace accidents and injuries
• Helps you stay compliant with health and safety laws
• Minimises potential financial and reputational damage

Every business, whether you’re in construction, retail, or any other industry, should make risk assessments a priority. They are vital for maintaining a safe, efficient workplace.

Get your risk assessment right with Citation

With Citation’s expert support, you’ll get access to thousands of risk assessment templates through our Atlas compliance hub — making the process simple, quick, and compliant. Plus, our Health & Safety consultants are here to guide you every step of the way, so you can rest easy knowing your business is safe and compliant.

Ready to get your risk assessments in order? Download your free guide today and get the tools you need to protect your business and employees.

Download your free guide now

Simply fill in your details below to get your free guide to conducting risk assessments. Learn how to identify hazards, assess risks, and keep your workplace safe.

Need more help? Contact Citation’s experts

Risk assessments can be overwhelming, but Citation makes it simple. With our expert guidance, you can confidently meet your legal obligations and ensure the safety of your employees.

Call us at 0345 844 1111 or fill out the form to request a callback and learn how Citation can support you with risk assessments and health & safety compliance.