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Download risk assessment template in Microsoft Word format.
Choosing a Risk Assessment Form
Risk assessment is the systematic study of various elements of risks and the possible impact of the risk factors on profitability, environment, population, mission performance, and similar metrics. While the type of risk can vary in a wide range, a risk assessment form helps in evaluating the risk with common parameters. The assessment of risk is often carried out by experts in the chosen field of activity.
Before commencing a risk assessment it is essential that an appropriate risk assessment form be completed. Some of the major attributes of a typical risk assessment form are:-
- Identifying hazards and assessing potential to cause damage/harm
- Preparing an inventory of the identified hazards
- Prioritized ranking of hazards
- Determining measures to control the hazards
- Creating a record of measures to control the hazards at different locations
- Studying the adequacy of measures to control the hazards
- Implementing the controls
- Confirming that the controls are working appropriately
- Measuring the impact of the controls
- Periodic monitoring to confirm that the controls do continue to function appropriately
- Instituting changes for continuous improvement
- Monitoring improvements.
While the above parameters will set the tone for undertaking a risk assessment, the following factors should be addressed by the risk assessment form.
- Name of the Risk assessor
- Date of commencement of the task
- Risk being assessed
- Expected/known hazards
- Risk of injury from the hazards and the severity
- Likely subject of risk
- Measures for reducing level of risk
- Prerequisites for training
- Potential risk remaining
- Emergency action plan
- References
- Assessor’s signature.
Understand however that the description above is representative in nature and the precise parameters can be expanded to address each situation based on risk perception and the subject of study. Risk assessment is not confined to industry, business or environment. The principles of risk assessment can be gainfully employed in a wide range of areas such as fire safety, military operations, in hospitals for the treatment of chronic ailments or critical illnesses, in academics while introducing new approaches to teaching, and more.
Finally, irrespective of the risk assessment form you choose, the study undertaken should focus on the potential hazards, make an objective assessment and work towards minimizing the impact of a perceived risk. Depending on the subject of assessment the impact can be felt by people, profits in business, or the environment. The study should be capable of putting in place effective measures of precaution if the perceived risk does strike. By breaking down the components of the risk and putting in place effective measures to control or minimize the risk, the risk assessment exercise would have effectively controlled major events in a given set of circumstances. Undertaking studies like this well ahead of a possible event is the key to getting the best out of the effort.