A risk assessment is essential in order to identify and minimize risks in the workplace. Here you will find sample instructions for risk assessment and checklists that show you how to identify sources of danger, assess risks and successfully implement occupational safety measures.
The most important facts in brief
✓ Risk assessment is a legally enshrined and central component of occupational health and safety.
✓ A structured process is required for an effective risk assessment.
✓ Failure to carry out a risk assessment can have serious legal consequences for the employer, including fines and prison sentences.
Basics of risk assessment
Risk assessment is an important part of occupational health and safety in Germany. It is used to systematically identify potential hazards and determine measures to prevent accidents and work-related health risks. In particular, it plays a key role in the prevention of accidents at work and occupational illnesses.
Various stakeholders in the company should be involved in preparing the risk assessment in order to ensure a comprehensive and effective evaluation of the hazards. The most important stakeholders include:
- Management and company management: bears ultimate responsibility for the safety and health of employees.
- Occupational health and safety officers / safety specialists: experts in occupational health and safety who provide support in identifying hazards and developing protective measures.
- Company doctor or occupational physician: Provides medical expertise to assess health risks and carry out health checks.
- Managers and supervisors: Responsible for the implementation of occupational health and safety measures in their respective departments. Serve as a link between management and employees.
- Employees and employee representatives (e.g. works council): Provide valuable insights and feedback on actual working conditions and hazards.
- Specialists for specific areas (e.g. engineers, chemists): Provide specific expertise for the assessment of hazards in specialized work areas.
- External consultants and service providers: Can be brought in to provide additional expertise and an objective perspective. Provide support with specific issues or comprehensive risk assessments.
Guidelines for creating a risk assessment
Creating a risk assessment requires a strategic approach. The basic steps include the definition of work areas and activities, the identification of hazards and the assessment of these hazards.
1. identification of potential hazards in the workplace
In order to identify potential hazards, both the workplace as a whole and each individual workstation are examined, with psychological hazards also being taken into account.
Various methods and procedures can be used here, such as checklists, the incorporation of empirical knowledge or the documentation of similar systems.
There are various types of hazards that can occur in the workplace. These include
- Mechanical hazards
- Electrical hazards
- Hazardous substances
- Fire and explosion hazards
- Thermal hazards
- ergonomic hazards
- Mental and physical stress
- Hazards from the working environment
2. assessment of risks and definition of priorities
Once the hazards have been identified, risk assessment is a crucial step. This is done by analyzing the potential risks using the following process:
1. determination of the hazard levels (GZ) per hazard factor
Once the hazard factors have been identified, the corresponding hazard level (GZ) is determined for each hazard factor.
2. determination of the emergency probability (NW) per hazard factor
In addition to the hazard level (GZ), the emergency probability (NW) must be determined for each hazard factor.
3. determination of the time to first aid (EV) per activity
The time until the start of emergency measures (EV) after an accident is also important and is determined for each activity.
4. calculation of the risk value (RW) per hazard factor
Once all the steps have been carried out and the risks have been recorded, the risk value (RW) can be calculated using the corresponding formula.
3. development and implementation of protective measures
To minimize occupational risks, companies consider the identified hazards and implement appropriate protective measures.
Furthermore, a procedure for monitoring, measuring and recording occupational health and safety measures must be established and regularly reviewed.
The protective measures are also classified according to the so-called TOP principle, with technical measures coming first, followed by organizational protective measures and finally personnel measures.
To implement protective measures efficiently and promptly, it is advisable to assign clear responsibilities and draw up binding action plans.
Templates and samples for your risk assessment
There are various templates and samples that can help you to create a risk assessment. They provide a structure and can serve as a guide by containing specific questions and requirements that relate to the respective risks and hazards in an area. They also make it easier to provide information for all those involved and enable hazards to be systematically recorded and evaluated. Templates or samples for risk assessments are flexible in many cases and can be adapted to individual requirements and operational circumstances.
As a guide, you will find an example of a risk checklist for working alone here:
Legal consequences of failing to carry out a risk assessment
Failure to comply with the obligation to carry out a risk assessment can have serious legal consequences. According to the Works Constitution Act, fines of up to 10,000 euros can be imposed for violations.
Furthermore, in the event of damage to an employee due to an inadequate risk assessment, they may even face imprisonment. Employees have the right to lodge a complaint with the employer or the works council if risk assessments have been omitted.
Updating and tracking the risk assessment
The risk assessment is an ongoing process that should be regularly updated and monitored. It is important that the assessment is reviewed at least every two years and updated if necessary.
It is also important that changes to the working environment or the introduction of new processes are continuously monitored and included in the risk assessment.
A risk assessment is followed up by implementing measures and documenting them to ensure that the working environment always complies with current safety standards.
Conclusion
A proper risk assessment is crucial to ensure a safe working environment. It helps to identify potential hazards in the workplace, evaluate risks and take appropriate protective measures. Furthermore, the involvement of employees plays a central role in the risk assessment process. It is therefore important that both employers and employees are aware of their responsibilities and play an active role in creating a safe working environment.
