Workplace Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is more than a checklist—it's a strategic process for identifying, prioritizing, and managing threats to people and performance. HR is central to making it practical, inclusive, and sustainable.
A workplace risk assessment is the systematic process of identifying potential hazards, evaluating their likelihood and impact, and implementing controls to prevent harm. It’s a cornerstone of any safety program—and HR plays a vital supporting role.
Why Risk Assessments Matter for HR
While traditionally led by safety officers or operations, risk assessments directly affect:
- Onboarding and role clarity
- Mental and physical wellbeing
- Return-to-work and accommodation decisions
- Internal audits and compliance
- Emergency planning and liability
If HR is excluded, critical human factors—like fatigue, skill gaps, or stress—may be overlooked.
Key Steps in the Risk Assessment Process
- Hazard identification
Spot physical, chemical, ergonomic, or psychosocial risks. - Risk evaluation
Analyze likelihood and severity of potential outcomes. - Control implementation
Apply measures such as elimination, substitution, PPE, or training. - Documentation
Keep written records for audits, reporting, and learning. - Review and revision
Update regularly and after incidents or major changes.
HR’s Hands-On Involvement
- Provide input on people-related risks (burnout, harassment, overwork)
- Support employee surveys or interviews for hazard identification
- Align job descriptions with known risks and mitigations
- Facilitate communication between departments during risk reviews
- Ensure training and onboarding cover relevant hazards
Tools and Templates
- Risk registers or matrices (manual or digital)
- Job hazard analysis (JHA) forms
- Digital inspection tools or mobile apps
- LMS integration for safety training tied to risks
Common Mistakes
- Assessments done only once or “for show”
- Failure to include frontline input
- Lack of follow-up on identified risks
- Outdated documentation or expired control measures
Continuous Improvement
Risk assessment is not a one-off event. HR can champion a continuous loop:
- Incident or observation
- Risk reevaluation
- Updated mitigation plan
- Communication and training
- Feedback and metrics
Conclusion
Effective risk assessment isn’t about eliminating all hazards—it’s about making informed, proactive decisions to keep people safe. HR brings the human lens to this process and ensures that both policy and practice stay aligned with people’s needs.