UK firms are thought to be experiencing a ‘fear factor’ when it comes to risk assessments, according to research by advisory and consultancy service NatWest Mentor.
According to the findings, 42% of businesses encountered associated issues in the last year, with typical misconceptions including the belief that risk assessments can only be carried out by a qualified individual.
Mentor highlights the HSE’s five step approach to risk assessments, which they say can be followed when carrying out a risk assessment; namely: identify a hazard, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risks and decide on precautions, record and implement findings, and review assessment regularly.
Jerry Hill, NatWest Mentor’s Head of Consultancy Support, Safety, Health and Environment said: “Risk assessments are an everyday part of our lives, such as when we’re crossing a road or making a cup of tea.
“Businesses should recognise this and try to put the fear factor to the back of their minds. Risk assessments are clearly important but they needn’t be complicated or time consuming.”
Mentor’s research, which questioned more than 500 firms from across the UK, also identified training and qualifications as being an issue in terms of health and safety.
Jerry Hill added: “As with risk assessments, there can be a mental block in this area due to lack of knowledge or misunderstanding.
“It seems that sometimes people think they need staff to get qualifications like NEBOSH which are really too advanced for what most businesses need. Customers also don’t seem to realise that experience can sometimes be more valuable than formal training and qualifications.”
NatWest Mentor say they can help companies manage risks assessments and correct some of the mistaken beliefs which surround them.
