A risk assessment is a structured process used to identify potential dangers / risks, analyze how likely they are to happen, evaluate how severe the impact could be, and decide how to reduce or manage those risks.
Identify hazards
Look for anything that could cause harm (equipment, chemicals, processes, behaviors, environment, etc.).
Determine who or what may be harmed and how
Consider employees, customers, equipment, data, environment, etc.
Evaluate risks and decide on controls
Assess:
Likelihood (How probable is it?)
Severity (How bad could the damage be?)
Then choose measures to eliminate or reduce the risk.
Implement controls
Examples: training, protective equipment, redesigning processes, safety barriers, monitoring systems.
Review and update regularly
Risks change over time — new equipment, new processes, and incidents require reassessment.
Why Risk Assessments Matter
Prevent accidents and injuries
Protect people, assets, and the environment
Ensure regulatory or legal compliance
Reduce financial losses
Improve organizational decision-making
Risk Assessment Template (Fillable)
Risk Assessment Title:
Location / Department:
Assessed by:
Date:
Review Date:
Hazard Identification Table
Hazard Description
Who/What May Be Harmed?
Likelihood (L)
Severity (S)
Risk Level (L×S)
Existing Controls
Additional Controls Needed
Responsible Person
Completion Date
