Introduction

We assess risk all day every day. Is it safe to cross the road? Is that plate hot? Is it going to rain? Do I need to put sun cream on? It becomes second nature, and half the time, we might not realise we are doing it. There is no law that tells us to do it. It is just second nature, and self-protection. We don't want to get hurt or face the consequences of a bad decision.

At work, employers have a responsibility under health and safety laws to protect their workers and anyone who may be harmed by their work.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act employers have to carry out risk assessments identifying both hazards and risks potentially impacting employee health and safety.