Overview
A risk assessment is a structured review of work activities undertaken to identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks arising from those hazards, and determine whether suitable measures are in place to protect people from harm. Employers and the self-employed have a legal duty to assess risks and take reasonably practicable steps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of anyone who may be affected by their work activities, including employees, patients, contractors, visitors and members of the public.
The risk assessment process involves:
Identifying hazards (anything with the potential to cause harm)
Assessing the risks (the likelihood and severity of harm occurring)
Implementing appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce risks
Recording significant findings where required
Reviewing assessments regularly and when circumstances change.
All staff and patients have the right to be protected from avoidable harm through the implementation of effective control measures. Risk assessments help practices identify areas where improvements may be required and demonstrate compliance with health and safety legislation.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require you to undertake an assessment of the risks in the workplace. Other specific regulations that require risk assessments to be carried out are referred to in the advice.
This advice explains the main risk assessments that dental practices should consider, including your overall practice risk assessment, assessments relating to hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, Display Screen Equipment (DSE), fire safety, legionella, and manual handling activities. It also covers additional assessments and considerations for specific groups who may be at greater risk, including work experience students, young people and trainees, and new or expectant mothers.
By carrying out and regularly reviewing these assessments, practices can help create a safer working environment, reduce the likelihood of incidents and ill health, and ensure they meet their legal and professional responsibilities.