7 steps | Updated March 2026
Define exactly what activity you are assessing. Be specific: 'Manual excavation of trench 1.2m deep for drainage installation' not just 'excavation'. The specificity determines the quality of your risk assessment.
List every hazard associated with the activity. Think about: falls, struck-by, caught-between, electrical, manual handling, COSHH substances, noise, vibration, collapse, environmental. Walk the actual work area if possible.
For each hazard, identify who could be harmed: operatives doing the work, other workers nearby, visitors, members of the public, young persons, pregnant workers. Consider vulnerable groups specifically.
Rate each hazard using likelihood (1-5) x severity (1-5) = risk score. Low (1-4), Medium (5-12), High (13-25). This determines what level of control measures are needed.
For each hazard, apply the hierarchy of control: Eliminate (remove the hazard entirely), Substitute (use something less dangerous), Engineering controls (physical barriers, ventilation), Administrative controls (procedures, training, supervision), PPE (last resort).
After applying control measures, re-rate the risk. The residual risk should be as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). If residual risk is still high, additional controls are needed.
Document the risk assessment, ensure all workers involved have read and understood it, get sign-off, and review regularly. especially after incidents, near misses, or changes to the work method.
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