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A High Level Risk Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation tool that helps you meet your legal obligations as an employer in England and Wales. This document provides a systematic approach to identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures to protect your workforce and visitors. Under English and Welsh law, conducting regular risk assessments is not just good practice鈥攊t's a legal requirement that can protect both your employees and your business from potential liability.

When do you need this document?

You must conduct a high level risk assessment whenever you identify significant changes to your workplace, processes, or workforce that could affect health and safety. This includes when moving to new premises, introducing new equipment or substances, changing work procedures, or following any workplace incidents. The assessment is also required during routine reviews, typically conducted annually or when regulations change. Manufacturing facilities, construction sites, laboratories, and offices with specific hazards all require comprehensive risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety legislation.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must be suitable and sufficient, meaning it should identify all significant risks and demonstrate that you understand the nature of your work and associated hazards. The document must clearly record your findings, including the measures you've taken to eliminate or control risks. You're legally required to review and update your assessment regularly, particularly when circumstances change or new hazards are identified. The assessment should involve consultation with employees and their representatives, as their practical knowledge can identify risks that might otherwise be overlooked. Remember that if you employ five or more people, you must record your significant findings in writing.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, you have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of your employees and others who might be affected by your work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically require you to conduct suitable and sufficient assessments of risks to employee health and safety. Additional regulations may apply depending on your industry, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 for workplaces using hazardous materials, or the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 for activities involving lifting and moving. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires specific fire risk assessments for most non-domestic premises. Your assessment must demonstrate compliance with these regulations and show that you've taken all reasonably practicable steps to protect health and safety.