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What Is a Risk Assessment in Construction?
A risk assessment in construction is a systematic process of identifying hazards on a construction site, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm they could cause, and implementing control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every UK employer must carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all work activities.
The 5-Step Risk Assessment Process
- Identify the hazards — walk the site, review method statements, consult workers, check accident records
- Decide who might be harmed and how — workers, visitors, members of the public, adjacent occupiers
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions — use the hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE
- Record your findings and implement them — document the assessment and ensure controls are in place before work starts
- Review and update regularly — whenever conditions change, new hazards emerge, or after an incident
Common Construction Hazards to Assess
- Working at height (the leading cause of fatal injuries in UK construction)
- Manual handling and musculoskeletal disorders
- Exposure to hazardous substances (dust, fumes, chemicals)
- Collapse of excavations and temporary structures
- Contact with underground and overhead services
- Noise and vibration exposure
- Moving vehicles and plant on site
Who Should Carry Out the Assessment?
The person carrying out the risk assessment must be competent — meaning they have sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and other qualities to identify risks and determine appropriate control measures. For simple activities, a trained site manager can complete assessments. For complex or high-risk activities, a qualified health and safety professional should be involved.
For more on construction documentation requirements, see our documentation best practices guide.