ABSTRACT
The risk assessment process is part of a whole health and safety management system. Assessments are a means for an organisation to identify where it is in terms of health and safety matters, and they have a significant influence on the development of health and safety strategies. The purpose of a risk assessment is first to identify hazards in the working environment; a hazard being something with the potential to cause harm. Once a hazard is identified, the level of risk associated with that hazard is assessed. The risk assessment process also allows risk control measures to be identified, if already in place, or recommended, if not in place. This chapter provides a series of sample checklists to aid in the risk assessment process. It includes a checklist intended to assess the workplace for hazards that are likely to contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders generally, such as upper limb disorders (ULDs/RSI), backache, and leg discomfort. It includes a specific upper limb disorder (ULD) checklist which is intended to assist the assessor in identifying whether there are any aspects of the work or working environment that have the potential to contribute to the development of ULDs. There is a checklist intended to be used for a display screen equipment (DSE)-based task to identify whether any element of the workstation, work or immediate work area is unsuitable for the individual. A checklist relating specifically to mobile devices has been included so that the employer is aware of the exact circumstances in which it is used. The manual handling checklist will enable any manual handling task performed within the organisation’s building, as well as remotely, to be assessed. A specific pushing and pulling checklist is also provided. Finally, a ‘tick list’ of general elements to be considered during any assessment is provided as a useful tool to use during a preliminary walkthrough of an environment when a general overview is being collated.
