To identify the hazards, the manager:
looked at HSE’s web pages for small businesses, to learn where hazards can occur;
walked around all areas of the shop, noting potential risks and taking HSE’s guidance into account. Occasional activities, such as changing light bulbs, were also considered;
talked to staff to learn from their knowledge and experience, and listen to their opinions about health and safety issues; and
looked at the accident book, to understand what had previously resulted in incidents.
The manager then wrote down who could be harmed by the hazards and how.
For each hazard, the manager wrote down what controls, if any, were in place to manage these hazards. These controls were then compared to the guidance on HSE’s website. Where existing controls were not considered good enough, the manager wrote down what else needed to be done.
The manager discussed the findings with staff, put the risk assessment up in the staffroom for everyone to see and made it part of the induction process for new staff. The improvements that the risk assessment identified as necessary were put into practice.
The manager decided to review and update the risk assessment every year, or straightaway if major changes in the workplace happened.