Introduction

Writing a risk assessment for construction work doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be thorough. This guide walks you through the process step by step, with practical examples you can apply to your own projects.

The 5-Step Risk Assessment Process

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a straightforward 5-step approach to risk assessment:

1. Identify the hazards
2. Decide who might be harmed and how
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on control measures
4. Record your findings and implement them
5. Review and update as necessary

Step 1: Identify the Hazards

A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. On construction sites, common hazards include:

Physical Hazards

• Working at height: Scaffolding, ladders, roof work, edge protection
• Moving machinery: Excavators, cranes, forklifts, delivery vehicles
• Manual handling: Heavy materials, awkward loads, repetitive tasks
• Slips, trips, and falls: Uneven surfaces, cables, debris, wet conditions
• Falling objects: Tools, materials, overhead work

Environmental Hazards

• Noise: Power tools, machinery, impact equipment
• Dust: Silica, wood dust, general construction dust
• Vibration: Hand-arm vibration from power tools
• Weather: Heat, cold, rain, wind, lightning

Electrical and Fire Hazards

• Overhead power lines
• Underground cables
• Temporary electrical installations
• Hot works (welding, cutting, grinding)
• Flammable materials and substances

How to Identify Hazards

Effective hazard identification includes:

• Site walkthrough: Physically inspect the site before work begins
• Review previous incidents: Learn from past accidents and near-misses
• Consult workers: Those doing the work often spot hazards others miss
• Check manufacturer guidance: Equipment instructions identify specific hazards
• Review industry guidance: HSE publications cover common construction hazards

Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed

Consider everyone who could be affected:

• Your workers: Those directly carrying out the task
• Other site workers: Other trades working nearby
• Visitors: Clients, inspectors, delivery drivers
• Members of the public: Pedestrians, neighbouring properties
• Vulnerable groups: Young workers, pregnant workers, those with disabilities

Step 3: Evaluate Risks and Decide on Controls

Risk Evaluation

For each hazard, assess:

• Likelihood: How probable is it that harm will occur?
• Severity: How serious would the harm be?

A simple risk matrix helps prioritise actions:

The Hierarchy of Controls

When deciding on control measures, follow this hierarchy (most effective first):

1. Elimination: Remove the hazard entirely (e.g., prefabricate off-site)
2. Substitution: Replace with something less hazardous
3. Engineering controls: Physical barriers, guards, ventilation
4. Administrative controls: Procedures, training, signage, supervision
5. PPE: Personal protective equipment as a last resort

Example Control Measures

Hazard: Working at height on scaffolding

• Scaffolding erected and inspected by competent person
• Guard rails and toe boards in place
• Safe access via internal ladders
• Weekly scaffold inspections documented
• Workers trained in safe use of scaffolding
• Harnesses available for additional protection where needed

Step 4: Record Your Findings

Your written risk assessment should include:

• Site/project details and date
• Description of the work activity
• Hazards identified
• Who might be harmed
• Existing control measures
• Risk rating (before and after controls)
• Additional control measures required
• Person responsible for implementing controls
• Review date

Step 5: Review and Update

Risk assessments are living documents. Review them:

• When conditions on site change
• After any incidents or near-misses
• When new information becomes available
• At regular intervals (at least annually for ongoing work)
• When workers identify new hazards

Practical Tips for Better Risk Assessments

1. Be specific: Generic assessments don't protect anyone. Describe actual conditions.
2. Keep it proportionate: Simple tasks need simple assessments. Complex tasks need more detail.
3. Involve workers: Those doing the work have valuable insights.
4. Use plain language: Everyone needs to understand it.
5. Focus on significant risks: Don't waste time on trivial hazards.
6. Document everything: If it's not written down, it didn't happen.

Conclusion

A good risk assessment takes time to prepare properly, but it's time well spent. It protects your workers, keeps you legal, and demonstrates professionalism to clients and principal contractors.

Modern tools like AI-powered RAMS generators can significantly speed up this process while ensuring comprehensive coverage—but the fundamental principles remain the same: identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, and keep it updated.