Online Risk Assessment Course

The online Risk Assessment training course contains the following 10 topics:

1 – Introduction to risk assessment

The first topic introduces you to risk assessment and identifies what a risk assessment involves. It explains what the term hazard means and provides examples of hazards in the workplace. You will also learn about the 5 step process of carrying out a risk assessment and where risk assessments are used.

2 – Describing risk

The second topic explains what the term risk means and how risk is described. You will also learn about hazard effects and find out how severity and likelihood are used to focus on areas requiring action. Finally, this topic identifies what is meant by reducing risk to as low as is reasonably practicable (ALARP) and explains how this is done.

3 – The need for risk assessments

In the third topic you will find out how common workplace injuries are in the UK and what HASWA and the Management Regulations say about managing risk in the workplace. Additionally, you will learn about other legislation that relates to specific high risk activities. This topic also outlines the responsibilities of employers, the self-employed and employees with regard to risk assessments. Lastly, it explains how occupier’s liability legislation might influence the scope of your risk assessments.

4 – Preparing to carry out a risk assessment

Topic 4 will make you aware of the preparation you need to do prior to carrying out your risk assessment. It will explain who should carry out the risk assessment and when it may be required. Also, you will find out why there is a need to understand why each specific risk assessment is being carried out. Finally, you will learn about why a risk assessment form is required.

5 – Step 1: Identify the hazards

Topic 5 provides guidance on identifying workplace hazards. It indicates commonly occurring workplace hazards and reveals what sources of information you can use to help you identify hazards in the workplace. In this topic, you will also learn about important aspects to consider when conducting a walk-about.

6 – Step 2: Assess the risk

Topic 6 identifies the things that must be considered when assessing the risk posed by a hazard. You will find out what you must determine with regards to risk and also who you need to consider in your risk assessment. Finally, you will learn the importance of identifying the level of risk and existing control measures for each hazard.

7 – Step 3: Control the risk

Topic 7 provides guidance on the selection of appropriate hazard controls. In this topic you will find out about an acceptable level of risk and will work through the hierarchy of control to learn the most effective and least effective controls that are used to reduce risks in the workplace. This topic explains controls including hazard elimination, hazard substitution, engineering controls and administrative controls – including Safe Systems of Work, and PPE. Also, you will learn why PPE is a last resort and why it is important to involve and talk to workers.

8 – Step 4: Record your findings

Topic 8 outlines the requirement to record your risk assessments. It identifies when you have a legal duty to record your risk assessments, what information you must record and how to present your information. Also, this topic provides examples of completed risk assessments in several different work environments.

9 – Step 5: Review the controls

Topic 9 considers the need to review the controls. In this topic you will learn when you need to review controls and why it is important to monitor controls.

10 – Summary

Topic 10 provides a brief summary of key points covered in the training. In this topic you will review the purpose of a workplace risk assessment and who should carry out a risk assessment. Finally, this topic summarises the 5 principal steps in a risk assessment.