How to assess health and safety risks in your workspace

A health and safety risk assessment is a legal requirement for every business in the UK, but it doesn't have to be a daunting bureaucratic hurdle. At its core, it is a simple, structured way to identify what could cause harm in your workspace and what steps you are taking to prevent it. If you have fewer than five employees, you are not legally required to write your assessment down, but doing so is highly recommended to demonstrate your commitment to safety and to help you stay organised.

What is a Risk Assessment?

To conduct an effective assessment, you need to understand the difference between a hazard and a risk:

• Hazard: Anything that can cause harm (e.g., a sharp blade, toxic resin, or a trailing cable).
• Risk: The chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these hazards, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be.

The Five Steps of Risk Assessment

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a straightforward five-step process for managing risks in your business:

1. Identify the hazards: Walk around your studio or office. Look for things that could realistically cause an accident or illness. Check manufacturer instructions for machinery or data sheets for chemicals.
2. Decide who might be harmed and how: In most creative side hustles, this will be you. However, consider if clients, delivery drivers, or family members (if working from home) might enter your workspace.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions: Look at what you are already doing to keep people safe. Ask yourself: "Can I get rid of this hazard altogether?" If not, "How can I control the risks so that harm is unlikely?"
4. Record your significant findings: Even if you are a solo maker, keeping a simple "Risk Log" or a folder of safety data sheets is best practice.
5. Review your assessment: Workspaces change. If you buy a new piece of equipment or move to a new studio, you must update your assessment.

Common Creative Hazards to Consider

In a creative business, hazards are often specific to your craft. Consider the following categories:

Hazard Category	Typical Examples
Substances	Dust from sanding, fumes from solvents, glues, or resins.
Equipment	Sewing machines, kilns, 3D printers, or sharp cutting tools.
Ergonomics	Repetitive strain from intricate handiwork or long hours at a computer.
Environment	Trailing cables, poor lighting, or heavy boxes stored at height.

Implementing Control Measures

When deciding how to manage a risk, always follow the "Hierarchy of Control." You should only move down the list when the previous step isn't possible:

1. Elimination: Stop using the hazardous process or tool.
2. Substitution: Replace a toxic chemical with a water-based, non-toxic alternative.
3. Engineering Controls: Use a dust extractor or a guard on a machine.
4. Administrative Controls: Set timers to ensure you take regular breaks from repetitive tasks.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use masks, gloves, or goggles. Note: PPE should always be your last line of defence, not your first.

Pro-Tip: Don't overcomplicate it. The law does not expect you to eliminate all risk, but you are required to protect yourself and others "as far as is reasonably practicable."