A enterprise risk assessment is a structured process that helps organisations identify potential hazards, evaluate the likelihood of harm, and implement effective controls.
In practical terms, it means asking:
What could cause harm?
Who might be affected?
How serious could it be?
What measures can reduce the risk?
This isn’t just a paperwork exercise. It’s a legal requirement under UK law and a cornerstone of protecting employees, contractors, visitors, and your reputation.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all UK employers must carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments. If you employ five or more people, you must record your findings.Failing to comply could lead to fines, business disruption, or prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Beyond compliance, poor risk management can lead to:
Workplace accidents and ill health
Financial losses and rising insurance premiums
Downtime and lost productivity
Reputational damage
The British Safety Council cites cases where companies have faced fines of over £250,000 after serious workplace incidents — a stark reminder that prevention is far more cost-effective than reaction.
The HSE outlines five essential steps:
Identify Hazards – Walk your site, review records, consult staff, and note physical, chemical, ergonomic, or psychosocial risks.
Decide Who Might Be Harmed – Consider employees, contractors, visitors, and vulnerable groups (e.g. young workers, lone staff, pregnant workers).
Evaluate Risks & Plan Controls – Rate severity and likelihood, then introduce proportionate controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, training, PPE).
Record Findings – If you have five or more staff, document significant findings in a clear, simple format.
Review & Update – Refresh assessments regularly and after changes, accidents, or near-misses.
Depending on your business, you may need:
Fire Risk Assessments
COSHH Assessments (hazardous substances)
Manual Handling Assessments
DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Assessments
RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements) — particularly for construction projects
Carrying out a risk assessment in London or other UK cities brings additional factors:
Urban density: shared spaces, multi-tenant offices, high public footfall
Local authority compliance: borough-specific permits and standards
Transport & infrastructure: additional safety considerations for commuters and contractors
Seasonal risks: flooding, icy pavements, or heatwaves affecting staff and customers
By embedding local context into your assessments, you ensure they are practical, compliant, and location-specific.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Treating risk assessments as a tick-box exercise
Overlooking contractors, visitors, or remote workers
Failing to review assessments after change or incident
Best Practices:
Involve staff at all levels
Use clear, plain language in documentation
Assign responsibility for each control measure
Schedule regular reviews into your business calendar
“Unmanaged risk can halt operations, damage reputations, and drain profitability.”
— Karl Konicz, CEO at Circle UK Group
At Circle UK Group, we know that every business faces unique risks. That’s why we’ve built a comprehensive, end-to-end risk assessment and management service for organisations in London and across the UK.
Here’s how we support you:
Risk Exposure Audit: Onsite or remote assessment using our proven risk rating system
Detailed Scorecard & Report: Clear insights into vulnerabilities and strengths
Actionable Roadmap: Practical recommendations to reduce risk quickly and effectively
Accredited Expertise: Our team holds industry certifications and deep knowledge of UK safety and compliance standards
Ongoing Support: Regular reviews, monitoring, and updates to keep your business resilient
Whether you’re a London SME or a nationwide operator, Circle helps you protect your people, meet legal requirements, and future-proof your business.
A risk assessment is more than a compliance exercise — it’s a proactive safeguard for your team, your assets, and your reputation. If you’re a business in London or anywhere in the UK, Circle UK Group can help you design, implement, and maintain effective risk management.