Risk Assessment Quick Guide

What is Risk Assessment?

Risk assessment involves identifying potential hazards and deciding how to prevent or minimize risks. A hazard is anything that could cause harm, and the risk is the likelihood of someone being harmed by that hazard.

Steps for Risk Assessment

1. Identify the Hazards
   • Walk around the venue and think through your program.
   • Consider the participants' age, needs, and past hazards.
2. Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How
   • Identify groups (e.g., participants, leaders) and individuals (e.g., those with specific needs).
   • Determine how they might be harmed and the type of injury.
3. Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Precautions
   • Consider practical ways to eliminate or control the hazards.
4. Record Your Findings and Implement Them
   • Write down the risk assessment and share it with colleagues.
   • Review and reuse the assessment as needed.
5. Review and Update the Risk Assessment
   • Regularly review the assessment, especially when working with different participants or activities.

General and Specific Risk Assessments

• General Risk Assessments: Conducted regularly (e.g., termly or quarterly).
• Special Risk Assessments: For activities with greater risk or those away from the usual venue.

Responsibility for Risk Assessment

• Typically, the session leader is responsible, but others in the organization may also take on this task. Ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed.

Record Keeping

• Share and store the risk assessment for easy access by those who need it.