The new version of Five Steps to Risk Assessment, first published in 1993, has been simplified for better understanding and places greater emphasis on making sure risk assessment decisions are acted on.
HSE deputy chief executive Jonathan Rees said the 11-page booklet was designed to help save lives, not tie up companies in red tape.
“Risk assessment is at the heart of sensible health and safety,” said Mr Rees. “We believe it should be a practical way of protecting people from real harm and suffering, not a bureaucratic back-covering exercise.”
The guidance, available at www.hse.gov.uk/risk provides advice on effective risk assessment such as identifying hazards, evaluating risks and deciding on precautions and recording findings and implementing them.
