Pocket Risk Assessment
Spot the hazards, score the risk, record what you'll do
What matters most in construction & forestry
Building sites, trades, groundwork, arborists and forestry
- Falls from height are the biggest killer in construction
- Plan around the work: ground conditions, overhead lines, weather, buried services
- Health risks kill more than accidents: dust, asbestos, noise and vibration
- Forestry: plan felling, keep two tree lengths clear, and never work alone with a saw if you can avoid it
Start here
Risk assessment needs analysis
Answer a few questions to see which assessments you need, who needs training, and what equipment or PPE.
A starting point based on HSE and British Standard guidance. Your own written needs assessment decides what you need.
The 5 steps
- Identify the hazardsWalk round, ask staff, check accident records
- Decide who might be harmed and howStaff, visitors, contractors, the public
- Evaluate the risks and decide on controlsUse the hierarchy of control below
- Record your findingsA legal must with 5 or more employees
- Review and updateRegularly, and after any change or incident
Keep it sensible and proportionate. Focus on the risks that could really hurt someone.
Start an assessment ↓Score a risk
Risk = likelihood × severity. Tap the square that fits.
Likelihood →
Matrices vary. If your organisation has its own scoring, use that one.
Choosing controls
Work down the hierarchy. Start at the top, and only rely on PPE when nothing above it is reasonably practicable.
My risk assessment
A quick record you can build on your phone. It stays on this device only. Copy it into your own form or email when you're done.
Hazard topics
Risk assessment law
The UK laws that require risk assessments, and the specific ones for common hazards.
Before you sign it off
A quick quality check, and when the assessment needs looking at again.
| When | Why |
|---|---|
| After an accident or near miss | Something got past your controls. Find out what and fix it. |
| When something changes | New equipment, substances, premises, processes or working hours. |
| When people change | A new starter, a young worker, someone pregnant, or someone with a health condition or disability. |
| When staff raise concerns | The people doing the job often spot problems first. |
| When the law or guidance changes | New HSE guidance or regulations can raise the standard expected. |
| Regularly anyway | No fixed legal interval. Most organisations set a yearly review date. |
More apps for Construction & Forestry
Pocket Risk Assessment for other sectors
Advertise in this app
This app is free for everyone who uses it. Suppliers keep it that way by sponsoring a space seen by people in construction & forestry.
- Your name, logo line and link in the Sponsored space
- Shown in the Pocket Risk Assessment Construction & Forestry edition, or across all apps
- Clearly labelled as sponsored. We only accept suppliers relevant to health and safety
Ask Passion First Aid for rates:
enquiries@passionfirstaid.co.ukOr visit passionfirstaid.co.uk
