Risk assessment

Life and business are full of hazards. Taking risks is a fundamental aspect of human life and the business process. Without risk nothing would happen. In the context of health and safety, risk assessment is a process that helps you to understand and control risks. We believe that the risk assessment process should be practical and not bureaucratic.

Our approach to risk assessment adapts to fit suit our client’s needs. In most cases we will:

• Identify the relevant standards to be achieved
• Ensure that you are complying with the relevant standards.
• Record (as simply as possible) that you have complied and how.

That’s it. It’s as simple as that.

Our approach is straightforward because we have confidence in our unique knowledge and experience of how the HSE and the Courts interpret employers’ actions. In short, we know what they are looking for and will help you make sure that that is what you provide. Happily, if you take this approach, then you are highly unlikely to be subject to scrutiny, as you will have achieved high standards and protected the health & safety of those affected by your business.

Our view is that large volumes of explanation and quantified risk assessments are unnecessary and are more likely to hinder than help you to achieve excellence in health & safety.

Please contact us for a chat about our approach to risk assessment using the contact form or by calling (01777 816 506).

Case study:
Yorkshire Premier Meat (YPM)

Meat processing is an inherently hazardous business. Most people would readily appreciate the potential for contact with machinery and sharp blades in butchering, sawing, cutting, mincing etc, but what about the less obvious hazards like noise, lighting levels, cleaning and maintenance? More importantly, what should be done to control the risks associated with these hazards?

Pragma Consulting were instructed by YPM to assist them to assess risk at their two meat processing plants. We recommended a partnership approach between Pragma and YPM whereby we guided YPM’s staff through the risk assessment process. This helped YPM to understand the risks and the reasoning behind actions proposed. In turn this helped to ensure that the findings of the risk assessment were implemented. The approach involved:

• Comparison of existing standards of risk control with those set by legislation, the Health & Safety Executive, British Standards and industry guidance – in particular British Meat Processing Association (BMPA) guidance
• Recommendations for improvements where necessary to bring the standards up to those set by the relevant guidance
• Recording the findings in clear, concise records of risk assessment.
  

If you would like us to explain how our skills are relevant to your objectives then please use either the contact page or call Ian Glendenning on (01777) 816 506