Example risk assessments
Note: These examples are meant as indicative guidance only, particular circumstances will vary and alternative control measures may be necessary.
Key:
- Activity - take into account the whole process from beginning to end and then identify each hazard
- Identify the hazards - a hazard is something with the potential to cause harm
- Who/what may be harmed
- Risk
- Likelihood of occurrence
- Severity of harm (High, Medium or Low)
- Overall risk
- Existing control measures (check legal requirements and practice)
- Recommendations/further action required (establish whether the risk can be removed completely or if not, how it can be reduced)
| Activity | Identify the hazards | Who/what may be harmed | Likelihood of occurrence | Severity of harm | Overall risk | Existing control measures | Recommendations/further action required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelling in a school/college mini bus | Students moving about | Students and employee | Medium | Medium | Medium | Seat belt checked and used. Supervision, competent escort | Regular monitoring and surveillance |
| Travelling in a school mini bus | Tampering with doors, windows or interference with the driver or controls | Students and employee | Medium | High | High | Supervision. Escort sits at back of the bus with clear and uninterrupted vision. Seat belt checked and used. Equipment restrained (as appropriate). | Regular monitoring and surveillance |
| Physical disability – leg strapped | Fall, fatigue | Student and employee | Medium | Medium | Medium | Supervision. Student has been placed in a smaller, less physically demanding group | Constant monitoring and surveillance |
| Swimming lessons | Student in danger of drowning in the pool while having a seizure | Student | Medium | High | High | Student to wear armbands at all times in the pool, except when being given one-to-one instruction. Supervised constantly and all employees are aware of condition | All employees to be aware of emergency procedures in case of seizure |