A safe work environment is essential for staff and business security. A recent HSE prosecution serves as a stark warning to businesses of the consequences of failing to manage workplace risks effectively, as failure to do so can result in life-changing consequences for them and their staff. It is crucial to be on top of your risk assessments.
A multinational company was recently fined an eye-watering £1 million following two separate incidents at its plant near Stirling, which left two workers seriously injured. In the first incident, in January 2020, a utility operator suffered severe leg injuries after becoming entangled in machinery. Then, just months later, a scaffolder fell more than 13 feet, sustaining multiple fractures. Both incidents triggered investigations by the HSE, which found significant safety failings and imposed large financial penalties.
Why risk assessments matter
These incidents highlight the critical role of risk assessments in preventing workplace accidents. Risk assessments aren’t just box-ticking exercises – they are a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and an essential part of keeping employees safe. They may also be a necessary requirement for your insurance cover. Identifying and mitigating risks before an incident occurs can help prevent injuries, legal action, financial penalties and reputational damage.
How to conduct a risk assessment
As a business, you need to conduct an assessment of the health and safety risks involved in your operations, as well as any issues particular to your business. The nature of the risks and the depth of assessment will vary, depending on the nature of your business.
Conducting a health and safety risk assessment involves a step-by-step process to identify and manage potential hazards in the workplace:
- Identify hazards: Walk around your workplace and identify the possible sources of harm to employees, visitors or the public. This includes obvious physical hazards like dangerous machinery, but also covers everyday objects that could present a risk to health and safety, such as open drawers or loose wires.
- Assess the risks: Determine the likelihood of each hazard causing harm and the severity of the potential injuries or illnesses caused by each hazard. This helps prioritise the risks and identify which need immediate attention.
- Control the risks: Implement measures to eliminate or reduce the risks. This could involve engineering controls, administrative policies or providing personal protective equipment (PPE). It can also include very simple practical solutions, such as changing the way something is stored so that heavy objects are not being lifted from height.
- Record your findings: Document the hazards identified, the assessment of their risks, and the measures taken to control them. This not only provides a record for your own use but also demonstrates compliance with legal obligations in the event of an accident. Employers of more than five employees must keep a written record of completed risk assessments for as long as they remain relevant.
- Review the controls: Regularly revisit your risk assessment to ensure that the control measures are effective and update them if there are changes in the workplace or new hazards emerge. This should be done as regularly as makes sense for your business, usually at least annually or whenever there are any major changes to the workplace.
For more on conducting a general risk assessment, see our Q&A here.
Fire safety risk assessments
Businesses with employees or business premises must also carry out a fire safety risk assessment.
For further guidance on this see our Q&A here, and you can use our template Fire safety risk assessment.
What you need to do
This recent case demonstrates that safety failures can have serious legal and financial consequences. By prioritising risk assessments, training and proactive maintenance, you can protect your staff and hopefully avoid costly penalties.
Remember, it is a legal requirement for all businesses to carry out a risk assessment. If you employ more than five employees (including remote workers), this must be recorded in writing – and it is recommended that smaller businesses also keep a written record. You should review your assessment at regular intervals, or whenever there is a change to your business – such as a move to new premises or installation of new equipment.
We have a range of risk assessment documents to help you record the process, depending on your business needs, including: General risk assessment for an office; Risk assessment for a shop or other business open to customers; General risk assessment for remote workers and Pregnancy and maternity risk assessment.
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Rahul joined Sparqa in 2025 from the Commercial Court, where he served as a Judicial Assistant. He has active interests in commercial, corporate and employment developments which he pursues alongside teaching undergraduate law.