Assessment Solutions

UK law requires business’s to manage health, safety and environment risks in the workplace. There is a need to understand what hazards exist in the workplace, how big a problem they present and what measures are already in place to control the risk. Once this important task is complete, appropriate decisions can be taken to either carry on with the measures that exist or to introduce additional controls and to document the process and results.

The following are typical of the risk assessments that are carried out by ACS:

Asbestos Assessments
Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Fire Risk Assessments
First Aid Assessments
General Hazard Assessments
Hotel Assessments
Legionella Assessments
Lone Worker Risk Assessments
Manual Handling Risk Assessment
New & Expectant Mothers
Welfare Assessments
Workplace Risk Assessments
Workstation Assessments
Young Persons Risk Assessment

Control Of Substances Hazardous To Health (COSHH)

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances, whether they are in solid, liquid or gas form, can put people’s health at risk. There are significant human and financial costs that result from a failure to control hazardous substances adequately. Such failures may also result in action by enforcing authorities, in the form of prosecutions including fines, or of mandatory orders governing work practices or equipment.

Fire Risk Assessment

The correct and legally required approach to fire safety is to regularly undertake a systematically thorough and competent fire risk assessment of facilities and workplaces. The purpose of the fire risk assessment is to first identify any fire hazards and then to put in place precautions that will protect human life as well as Company assets. The legal requirement to implement fire risk assessments is specified within the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

First Aid Assessment

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 place a legal requirement on employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. A First Aid Assessment is thus required to determine the appropriate provision.

General Hazard Assessment

This assessment covers general hazards in the workplace.

Hotel Risk Assessments

Hotel owners have a duty of care to their staff and visitors. Also, holiday providers and travel agents who arrange transport and accomadation for their customers are legally responsible for their health and safety while travelling and at their accomodation. We can assess the locations, providing written risk assessments and make needed recommendations on how to comply with legislation and provide a safe environment.

Lone Worker Risk Assessments

Although there is no general legal prohibition on working alone, the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work (MHSW) Regulations 1999 still apply and so the identification of hazards relating to the work activity, the assessment of risks and implementation of measures to avoid or control the risks is required. Lone Workers include the self-employed and those who work in remote area’s.

Manual Handling Risk Assessments

National statistics show that over 35% of lost time due to accidents relate to injuries as a result of manual handling activities. Most organisations have employees who undertake lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling operations. The most common form of injury is back or upper limb muscle pain and injury, often resulting in extended absence’s from work and affects the subsequent long-term ability of the injured person to work normally. Poor postures and repetitive movements are recognised as being major causes of this type of pain, as is lifting of excessive weights.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require companies to complete an assessment which is comprehensive and follows good ergonomic principles.

New & Expectant Mothers

While pregnancy is not regarded as ill health, there may be risks associated with certain work activities for pregnant women. Additionaly, some mothers may wish to return to work while still breastfeeding.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and Health and Safety Executive guidance require companies to assess the work and work environment of an expectant or nursing mother and reduce risk both to her and her child.

Welfare Assessments

Welfare at work is defined as the provision of facilities to maintain the health and well being of individuals at the workplace. The Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the associated Approved Code of Practice provide legislative guidance on welfare issues. Welfare Assessments determine the adequate provision of welfare facilities.

Workplace Risk Assessments

This is more of a comprehensive multi-assessment, incorporating all other assessments into one.

Workstation Risk Assessment

Injuries and ill health are often caused by peoples workstation, including a number of upper limb disorders and repetive strain injury. This is often easily avoidable. Workstation risk assessment’s identify problem area’s and present solutions before it becomes a problem.

Young Person’s Risk Assessment

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required by law to recognise that young persons, i.e. those under 18 years of age, are particularly vulnerable in the workplace. They may lack the experience and/or maturity required to recognise the workplace risks. When employing someone under 18 years of age, employers are required to conduct a risk assessment and, based on the results of the risk assessment, make special arrangements where necessary to ensure a young person’s well being. A special risk assessment is also required by law before allowing someone into the workplace for work experience.

For business’s with fewer than five employees, there is no legal requirement to document some of these risk assessment’s. However, it is recommended to document risk assessments for future reference regardless of the size of the company, as these may be needed later for legal and insurance purposes.

Alternatively please email info@notts-acs.co.uk or click here to get in touch.