Health and Safety Risk Assessment

What Is a Health and Safety Risk Assessment?

A health and safety risk assessment is a systematic process that helps employers identify workplace hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and decide on the most effective ways to control or eliminate those risks.

It ensures that staff, contractors, and visitors are protected while also keeping businesses compliant with UK health and safety laws.

Why Health and Safety Risk Assessments Matter for UK Businesses

Legal Requirements

UK law, specifically the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, requires all employers to carry out risk assessments.

If you employ five or more people, you must record the significant findings — including identified hazards, who may be harmed, and what measures you’ve put in place.

Real-World Consequences

Put simply, a risk assessment answers:

• What could cause harm?

• Who could be affected?

• How likely is it to happen?

• What can we do to prevent it?

Ignoring health and safety risk assessments can result in:

• Accidents, injuries, or ill health among staff and visitors

• Enforcement action and fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

• Higher insurance premiums

• Damage to brand and reputation

In London alone, enforcement cases show that businesses can face six-figure fines for failing to manage risks effectively.

The 5-Step Health and Safety Risk Assessment Process

According to the HSE, employers should follow these five steps:

1. Identify Hazards – Look at your workplace, processes, and activities for anything that could cause harm (e.g. chemicals, machinery, slips and trips, stress).

2. Decide Who Might Be Harmed – Think beyond employees: consider contractors, customers, delivery drivers, and vulnerable groups.

3. Evaluate Risks & Decide on Controls – Assess how likely and how severe each risk is. Introduce practical controls such as training, safe systems of work, signage, or PPE.

4. Record Your Findings – Required for companies with 5+ employees, but recommended for all. Keep it simple and clear.

5. Review & Update – Update assessments regularly, after significant changes, or following incidents/near misses.

Types of Health and Safety Risk Assessments

UK businesses may need specific assessments depending on their activities:

• Fire risk assessment

• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

• Manual handling assessments

• DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessments for office-based staff

• Construction RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement)

London & UK Health and Safety Risks

Operating in London and other UK regions introduces additional challenges:

• High footfall and public access risks in urban environments

• Shared workspaces and multi-tenant buildings with complex responsibilities

• Local authority regulations — borough-specific requirements may apply

• Transport and commuting risks for staff and contractors

• Seasonal factors like icy pavements in winter or heat stress during summer

Tailoring your risk assessments to these local factors ensures compliance and practicality.

Common Mistakes & Best Practices

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Treating assessments as a one-off exercise

• Failing to consult employees or safety reps

• Using generic templates with no site-specific detail

• Forgetting contractors, visitors, and lone workers

Best Practices:

• Keep it proportionate and practical

• Involve staff at every stage

• Assign clear responsibilities for control measures

• Schedule reviews into your business operations calendar

How Circle UK Group Can Help

At Circle UK Group, we specialise in helping businesses across London and the UK carry out effective health and safety risk assessments.

We offer:

• Risk Exposure Audit: onsite or remote audits using our risk rating system

• Detailed Reports & Scorecards: clear insights with practical next steps

• Tailored Roadmaps: sector-specific recommendations for safer operations

• Accredited Expertise: compliance with UK health and safety regulations and industry standards

• Ongoing Support: regular reviews, monitoring, and training support

Whether you’re an SME in London or a nationwide organisation, we help ensure your workplace is safe, compliant, and resilient.

A health and safety risk assessment is not just a compliance requirement — it’s the foundation of a safe, productive workplace. If you’re a business in London or anywhere in the UK, Circle UK Group can guide you through the process, help you stay compliant, and reduce risks to your people and operations.

Contact Circle UK Group today to book your Health and Safety Risk Assessment and protect your business with confidence.