My journey into completing risk assessments began just under 30 years ago. I was training to be a primary school teacher and one of the things we had to learn to do was write risk assessments.
I’ll be honest, it was very difficult, and I used to hate having to write them as I was constantly plagued by self-doubt. I was learning pre-internet, and the only template I had was the one my university gave us all. I am fortunate in having had great mentors who showed me how to assess risk, why we assess it and how to record it and I am a better assessor of risks because of it.
There are now lots of options and templates that people can access easily by typing in a few well-chosen words, but using my years of experience, I have settled on the format that I feel is the best way to consider risks and how to manage them.
It provides an easy visual view of the level of risk which is great when you have a lot of things going on. I can’t claim to have invented this particular format – like a good teacher I learnt to ‘magpie’ the best bits from those I’d experienced and have found my ‘just right’ (thanks Goldilocks)
I’ve spoken in a previous post about risk assessments for performing, however that is just one example of a specific area where risks might need to be assessed.
Sometimes you need written risk assessments for the processes that you use in your work, or the situations that you work in. You might also need one for an individual member of staff, be required to have them because of the nature of your work or because you want to be certain that you're taking appropriate measures to protect yourself if an incident should occur.
I have experience in writing risk assessments for pregnant members of staff (reviewed regularly as the pregnancy develops), for returning members of staff that have been injured or seriously unwell, and even a returning to work whilst being treated for cancer.
None of these should be seen as a negative thing, I’m always kind, considerate and caring putting the best interests of the person at risk is at the heart of what I do.
I have written assessments for nursery schools, primary schools, Rainbows and Brownies, Scouts, dance schools, and a gymnastics club. I’ve written risk assessments for everyone from an individual to a group of over 100. If it something that needs a risk assessment – no matter what the activity or organiser, I would be delighted to discuss how we can work together.
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