Nemco Utilities – Risk Assessment not Box Ticking
Even after the recent Health & Safety review by Lord Young, risk assessments are fundamental part of business life, whatever industry you work in. As a result of both a strengthening H & S culture and today’s litigious society, large numbers of ‘pro forma’ or ‘tick box’ style assessments can now be purchased online. Whilst undoubtedly such forms have their place (low risk office environments for example) where more complex legislation, procedure or premises are to be assessed a tick box approach should only really be used to see if a full formal risk assessment is required.
The problem with box ticking is not simply that it encourages people without the relevant ‘competence’ to complete them (though very often this is the case) it is more that they tend to be more of a data gathering exercise rather than an actual assessment of risk. Quite often in completing a report it is not that fabric or setup of the building that produces a risk, more the way it is operated or the culture that exists amongst the personnel.
An appraisal of current practices and procedures should form an integral part of any proper risk assessment, including following through of non conformances and completion of an audit trail. British Standards are now increasing placing importance on reviewing current regimes and documentation – it is only too well known that without records, even if physical best practice is adhered to, it can be extremely difficult to prove work was undertaken.
The fall back position is that any assessment has to ‘suitable and sufficient’ and this depends very much on what is actually being assessed. If in doubt it is always better to consult an external competent person to determine the level of involvement required.
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