Risk Assessments
Risk assessments help us identify hazards, understand who may be harmed, assess the level of risk and apply suitable control measures before work begins. This page explains our approach to managing risk across construction, refurbishment, groundworks and associated services.
Hazard Identification
We identify hazards connected with the task, site, environment, equipment, materials and people affected by the work.
Risk Evaluation
Risks are considered by looking at how likely harm is and how serious the consequences could be.
Control Measures
We apply practical control measures to eliminate hazards where possible or reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Review & Update
Assessments are reviewed when work changes, new hazards are identified or controls are no longer suitable.
Purpose Of Risk Assessments
The purpose of a risk assessment is to identify anything that could cause injury, illness, damage or disruption, then decide what reasonable steps are needed to prevent harm.
Domiter Building Solutions uses risk assessments to support safe planning, safe working methods, clear communication and better project control. Risk assessments are not just paperwork ā they are a practical tool used to make informed decisions before and during work.
- Identify hazards before work starts.
- Consider who may be harmed and how.
- Evaluate the level of risk.
- Decide suitable control measures.
- Communicate key controls to workers and subcontractors.
- Record significant findings where required.
- Review assessments when conditions change.
Legal And Practical Context
UK employers and businesses have duties to protect employees and others from harm. HSE explains that, as a minimum, employers must identify what could cause injury or illness, decide how likely and serious the harm could be, and take action to eliminate hazards or control risks where elimination is not possible.
Risk assessments should be suitable and sufficient for the work being carried out. This means they should be relevant, practical, clear and proportionate to the level of risk.
Our Risk Assessment Process
We follow a practical five-stage process based on recognised UK health and safety guidance.
Identify Hazards
Look for anything that could cause harm, including site conditions, work activities, materials, equipment and people nearby.
Who May Be Harmed
Consider workers, subcontractors, clients, visitors, other trades, occupants and members of the public.
Evaluate Risk
Assess likelihood and severity, then decide whether existing controls are enough.
Control Risk
Apply suitable controls to eliminate hazards or reduce the risk to a reasonable level.
Record & Review
Record significant findings and review the assessment when conditions or work methods change.
Who May Be Harmed?
A risk assessment must consider everyone who could reasonably be affected by the work, not only the people carrying out the task.
Workers
Employees, labourers, operatives, supervisors and site workers directly involved in the task.
Subcontractors
Specialist trades, contractors and subcontractors working alongside or near our activities.
Clients & Occupants
Property owners, tenants, staff, residents, customers or building users.
Visitors
Site visitors, delivery drivers, inspectors, consultants or client representatives.
Public
Pedestrians, neighbours, road users or members of the public near the work area.
Vulnerable Persons
Children, elderly people, disabled persons, pregnant workers or those with specific needs.
Risk Rating Matrix
We may use a simple risk rating system to help prioritise controls. Risk is normally assessed by considering likelihood and severity.
| Rating | Likelihood | Severity | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unlikely | Minor | Low chance of minor injury or inconvenience. |
| 2 | Possible | Moderate | Could occur and may cause injury requiring treatment or time away from work. |
| 3 | Likely | Serious | Realistic chance of serious injury, significant damage or major disruption. |
| 4 | Very likely | Major | High chance of major injury, serious harm or dangerous conditions. |
| 5 | Almost certain | Severe | Very high chance of severe injury, fatality or major incident if uncontrolled. |
Low Risk
Controls are generally adequate. Monitor and maintain safe working.
Medium Risk
Additional controls may be required before or during the work.
High Risk
Work must not proceed until risks are reduced and controls are confirmed.
Hierarchy Of Controls
When deciding how to control risk, we consider the hierarchy of controls. This means trying to remove the hazard first, then reducing exposure and only relying on PPE where other controls are not enough.
Eliminate
Remove the hazard completely where possible, such as avoiding unnecessary work at height.
Substitute
Replace a hazardous method, material or substance with a safer alternative.
Engineering Controls
Use barriers, guarding, extraction, dust suppression, mechanical aids or physical protection.
Administrative Controls
Use planning, supervision, exclusion zones, permits, training, signage and safe systems of work.
PPE
Use personal protective equipment where risks remain after other controls are applied.
Service-Specific Risk Assessment Areas
Different services involve different hazards. We consider the specific risks linked to the planned work activity.
Painting & Decorating
- Working at height
- Surface preparation dust
- Paints, solvents and COSHH
- Slip and trip hazards
- Ventilation and drying conditions
Spray Painting
- Spray mist and fumes
- Respiratory protection
- Overspray protection
- Fire and ignition risks
- Ventilation and exclusion zones
Refurbishments
- Existing defects
- Other trades on site
- Manual handling
- Dust and waste
- Live services and hidden hazards
Groundworks
- Excavations and collapse risk
- Underground services
- Plant and vehicle movement
- Manual handling of materials
- Uneven ground and weather
Drainage
- Excavations and trenching
- Contaminated water or waste
- Confined or restricted access
- Manual handling of pipes/chambers
- Backfilling and reinstatement
Demolition & Strip-Out
- Falling materials
- Structural instability
- Dust, noise and vibration
- Sharp edges and debris
- Waste removal and exclusion zones
Kitchen Installation
- Manual handling of units/worktops
- Cutting and drilling
- Sharp tools and edges
- Electrical/plumbing interface
- Dust and housekeeping
Commercial Cleaning
- Slips on wet floors
- COSHH and cleaning chemicals
- Manual handling
- Waste and sharps risk
- Occupied premises and public access
Common Hazards We Consider
The hazards considered will depend on the work activity and site conditions, but common construction and refurbishment hazards may include:
Working At Height
Falls from ladders, steps, platforms, scaffolds, roofs or edges.
Excavations
Collapse, falls into trenches, buried services and unstable ground.
Electricity
Live cables, temporary electrics, damaged tools and hidden services.
Dust & Fumes
Construction dust, spray mist, fumes, vapours and poor ventilation.
Substances
Paints, adhesives, solvents, cleaning chemicals, cement and COSHH risks.
Manual Handling
Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and handling heavy or awkward materials.
Noise & Vibration
Cutting, drilling, breaking, demolition, plant and powered tools.
Falling Materials
Debris, tools, loose materials and overhead work activities.
Slips, Trips & Falls
Uneven ground, cables, debris, wet floors, poor lighting and access routes.
Recording Risk Assessment Findings
Where required, significant findings from risk assessments are recorded clearly so that the relevant people understand the hazards, risks and controls.
A risk assessment record may include:
| Record item | What it explains |
|---|---|
| Task or activity | The work being assessed and where it will take place. |
| Hazards | Anything that could cause harm, injury, illness, damage or disruption. |
| Who may be harmed | Workers, subcontractors, clients, visitors, other trades or the public. |
| Existing controls | Measures already in place to reduce risk. |
| Additional controls | Further actions needed before or during the work. |
| Responsible person | Who is responsible for making sure the control is implemented. |
| Review date | When the assessment should be reviewed or updated. |
Reviewing And Updating Risk Assessments
Risk assessments must remain relevant to the work being carried out. If conditions change, the assessment may no longer be suitable and should be reviewed.
We may review risk assessments:
- Before a new project starts.
- When the scope of work changes.
- When site conditions change.
- When new hazards are identified.
- After an accident, incident or near miss.
- When new equipment, materials or substances are introduced.
- When weather conditions affect external works.
- When a client, principal contractor or site manager requests an update.
Responsibilities
Risk management works best when everyone understands their responsibilities.
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Director / Responsible Person | Ensure suitable arrangements are in place for identifying hazards, assessing risks, preparing documentation and reviewing safety controls. |
| Site Supervisor / Lead Worker | Check site conditions, brief workers, monitor controls, report changes and stop work if conditions become unsafe. |
| Workers | Follow risk assessments, RAMS, site instructions and safe systems of work. Report hazards, defects, near misses and unsafe conditions. |
| Subcontractors | Provide competent workers, follow site rules, cooperate with Domiter Building Solutions and supply their own RAMS where required. |
| Clients / Site Controllers | Provide accurate site information, known hazards, access arrangements, asbestos information, site rules and cooperation with safe working. |
Emergency Considerations
Risk assessments may include emergency considerations depending on the work activity and site conditions.
First Aid
Identify first aid arrangements, responsible persons and emergency contact routes.
Fire
Consider ignition sources, flammable materials, hot works, exits and assembly points.
Spills
Plan how to contain and clean spills involving paints, fuels, oils or chemicals.
Utilities
Consider action required if live services, gas, water or electrical hazards are found.
Hazardous Materials
Stop work and seek competent advice if asbestos or dangerous contamination is suspected.
Emergency Contact
Make sure the exact site address is available for emergency services if required.
Risk Assessment Contact
For project-specific risk assessments, RAMS, method statements or safety documentation requests, please contact Domiter Building Solutions.
17 Firbeck Gardens,
Crewe, CW2 8UP,
United Kingdom
Need A Project-Specific Risk Assessment?
Contact our team to discuss project hazards, site access, RAMS, method statements or health and safety documentation.
