A Risky Business

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Groundwork, one of the UK’s leading environmental organisations is running a course to provide risk assessment training to employers and the self-employed from all backgrounds and disciplines. The full day course will enable delegates to conduct, record and review risk assessments in their workplaces, through practical tasks and examination of the theory behind successful risk assessment.

The need to manage health and safety is a legal requirement for all businesses, but did you know the benefits of risk assessment for your company could be highly positive?

Risk assessment allows you to look at the potential hazards in the workplace, and find suitable measures to reduce the risks. With proper implementation, risk assessment could:

• Reduce time and money spent on investigating accidents
• Reduce product loss through damage
• Reduce time and money lost through absenteeism
• Improve your company’s health and safety reputation
• Maintain steady production
• Maintain or reduce insurance premiums

Karen Cox, an Environmental Business Advisor at Groundwork said, “Businesses that have performed risk assessments have generally found it to be highly successful, often reducing the number of absences directly related to accidents at work, and absence from long-term or repetitive work injuries. In some work sectors, it is estimated that up to 90% of work-related accidents could be prevented. It is generally accepted that a risk assessment programme could aid this prevention.”

Successful implementation would include a thorough and regularly reviewed risk assessment, combined with proper training or instruction of dangerous machinery, and a full understanding of the potential risks in the workplace by all members of staff. Many businesses, particularly small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) find it difficult to keep up to date with health and safety legislation, and are unsure of their roles and responsibilities when it comes to risk assessment.

The course will cover the principles of risk assessment, legislation involved and practical training on conducting a risk assessment.

Participation in the training will result in a nationally recognised and accredited certificate in Risk Assessment Principles and Practice by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

The course will be held at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale’s Environment Centre, Shaw Road, Higginshaw, Oldham on Thursday 24 November 2005. The course costs £110 for Business Environment Association (BEA) Members, and £140 for non- BEA members. If you think you or your company could benefit from the CIEH course in Risk Assessment Principles and Practice or if you need further information phone Karen Cox at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale on 0161 624 1444 or email karen.cox@groundwork.org.uk