However, risk assessments are not static documents and should not be just filed away. They need to be reviewed regularly to ensure that they are still accurate and remain up to date. 

There are several reasons why it is important to review health and safety risk assessments. 

• Changes in the workplace. The workplace is constantly changing. New equipment is introduced, new processes are developed, and new people are hired. All these changes can introduce new hazards or can change the risks associated with existing hazards. It is important to review risk assessments regularly to ensure that they cover these changes. 

• Changes in legislation. Health and safety legislation is constantly changing. New regulations are introduced, and existing regulations are amended. It is imperative to review risk assessments periodically to ensure that they comply with the latest legislation. 
• Accidents and near misses. When accidents or near misses occur, it is important to review the relevant risk assessments to see if they could have been prevented. This may involve identifying new hazards or reviewing the effectiveness of existing control measures. 
• Changes in employee knowledge and skills. Employees’ knowledge and skills can change over time. This can affect their ability to identify and assess hazards, and to implement control measures. It is important to review risk assessments regularly to ensure that they take into account the latest employee knowledge and skills. 

The frequency with which risk assessments should be reviewed will vary depending on the nature of the business and the risks involved. However, it is normally recommended that risk assessments be reviewed at least annually. In addition, risk assessments should be reviewed whenever there are any changes in the workplace, legislation, or employee knowledge and skills. 

The review of a risk assessment should involve the following steps: 

• Re-read the risk assessment and identify any changes that have occurred since. 
• Identify any new hazards that have been introduced into the workplace. 
• Assess the risks associated with the hazards identified in steps 1 and 2 above. 
• Review the effectiveness of the control measures in place to reduce the risks. 
• Make any necessary changes to the risk assessment. 

The review should be a collaborative process involving all relevant stakeholders, such as employees, managers, and safety professionals. This will help to ensure that the review is thorough and that the changes made are effective. By regularly reviewing health and safety risk assessments, businesses can help to ensure that their workplaces are safe and that their employees are protected from harm. 

Additional tips for reviewing health and safety risk assessments: 

• Use a checklist to help you ensure that all the necessary steps are taken. 
• Get feedback from employees and other stakeholders. 
• Keep a record of the review process and the changes that are made. 

• Communicate the changes to employees and other stakeholders. 

By following the above tips, businesses can ensure that their risk assessments are kept current and that their workplaces are safe for everyone. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a wide range of EHS topics, which include risk assessment 

• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering work activities, events and equipment use 
• Management system to document control the policy on risk assessment 
• Method Statement module for the creation of work activity working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on risk assessment 

• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding health and safety risks to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software