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Workplace Risk Assessments for Businesses
Midlands Compliance Services provides practical workplace risk assessments for SMEs across Burton-on-Trent, Derby and surrounding areas. The aim is to identify significant hazards, assess the level of risk and put sensible controls in place that work in the real world.
Risk assessments can be developed from scratch, reviewed where existing documents are weak or outdated, or updated following changes to processes, equipment, premises or working methods.
What a workplace risk assessment covers
The assessment considers the hazards associated with the task, activity or workplace, who may be harmed, what controls are already in place and whether anything further is needed to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
A good risk assessment should
Identify the significant hazards
Consider who may be affected
Evaluate the existing controls
Set out any further actions needed
Be proportionate to the level of risk
Be understandable to the people who need to use it
The aim is to produce a useful working document, not paperwork that exists only to satisfy a file check.
When risk assessments need to be reviewed
Risk assessments should be reviewed when there is reason to think they may no longer be valid or when there has been a significant change to the work, equipment, people, premises or processes involved.
Common triggers for review
New machinery or equipment
Changes to working methods or layout
New substances or processes
An accident, near miss or emerging concern
Changes in staffing or vulnerable workers
Significant business growth or relocation
An existing assessment that is clearly outdated or too generic
A review should confirm whether the existing controls are still suitable, rather than simply changing the date on the document.
How the risk assessment process works
1 — Understand the activity
We start by understanding the task, process or workplace being assessed, who is involved and any existing controls or previous concerns.
2 — Identify the significant hazards
The assessment focuses on the hazards that could realistically cause harm, rather than producing an unnecessarily long list of minor issues.
3 — Review the controls
Existing measures are considered to decide whether they are suitable and sufficient or whether further controls are needed.
4 — Record clear actions
Any additional actions are recorded clearly and proportionately, with follow-up support available if you need help implementing them.
Not sure when an existing assessment needs updating? Read our guide to when a risk assessment should be reviewed.
Risk assessments in Burton-on-Trent and Derby
MCS provides workplace risk assessment support for SMEs across Burton-on-Trent, Derby and surrounding areas, with wider support available across the Midlands.
Areas currently covered
Burton-on-Trent, Derby, Swadlincote, Lichfield, Uttoxeter, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and surrounding areas.
Risk assessment FAQs
How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?
There is no fixed review interval that suits every situation. Risk assessments should be reviewed when there is reason to think they are no longer valid or when there has been a significant change to the work, equipment, people or process.
Do risk assessments have to be written down?
If you employ five or more people, significant findings must be recorded. Even in smaller businesses, a written assessment is usually the clearest way to show that risks have been considered and controls are in place.
Can you review our existing risk assessments?
Yes. MCS can review existing assessments to check whether they are suitable, proportionate and still relevant to the work being carried out.
Can you help with specific assessments such as COSHH or machinery risks?
Yes. Where more specific assessment is needed, MCS can support areas such as COSHH, machinery and equipment, manual handling and other higher-risk activities.
Need help with workplace risk assessments?
If you need new risk assessments, a review of existing documents or help improving how risks are controlled in practice, MCS can provide practical support.