In this post you’ll find information on Risk Assessments; why they’re important and how to correctly fill one out.
What Is A Risk Assessment?
Definition:
“A risk assessment is a systematic examination of a task, job or process that you carry out at work for the purpose of; Identifying the significant hazards that are present (a hazard is something that has the potential to cause someone harm or ill health).”
In the music industry you could be asked to complete a Risk assessment under the basis of identifying any possible hazards or issues that could effect yourself or those around you working in the same environment.
Usually the risk assessment is left to organisers, production managers or venue managers however, for small events where your own or hired equipment is used you may be asked to complete one.
The thought of completing a risk assessment to creative people is usually a daunting, boring thought however we’ve created a template and example to show you how it’s correctly done – which you’re able to use and put into practise within your working environment where appropriate.
A Risk Assessment – The Sections
There are three main sections to a basic risk assessment which you should pay close attention to.
Section 1 – Production Information
Within any assessment you’ll need to name and give information on what the document is telling the reader.
In this section you should note the date of the event, location, what the event is, who is involved and who assessed the risks.
As you can see in the example above, we’ve listed the date, a small venue (which we made up for these purposes), the possible roles of who will be involved (make sure to list the names of those involved) and signed it with our name and the date we completed the assessment.
TIP: Sign with your name and date the document at the end of filling it out – that way you’re sure it’s all completed.
Section 2 – Hazard List
In section two of the risk assessment you’re given a list of potential hazards – these will need to be ticked by the assessor as to which are valid for the location, those taking part and what the event is.
The hazards ticked in this section will go on to form the final section of the risk assessment.
Be realistic when highlighting risks – if there is any possible risk from one of these hazards, make sure you note it down. If it’s noted it could help you out!
Section 3 – Assessing the Hazards & Risk Matrix
This is the main section of your risk assessment. Here you’ll underline what the risks are, who is exposed to the risk, how you can control it and how high the risk level is.
To be able to complete this section you’ll need to follow the risk matrix.
The risk matrix above is your key to how severe and likely the risk is. Below we’ll show you it put to use.
Above you’re able to see we’ve listed the hazard in the first column. This is the risk that was highlighted in section two – just note each one down in a list style.
In the second column you should note who could be harmed from the hazard. This could be anyone in the area or it could be a staff, small children, general public, elderly, animals etc.
Next, you’ll need the risk matrix. Using the matrix identify how high level the risk is, if nothing was done about it.
For example; an electric shock – if equipment wasn’t tested for issues in cabling or in the hardware itself and was used without tests; the risk of an electric shock could be high. It’s unknown as to whether the equipment is safe. So in the 3rd column you’d put High
In the 4th column you should outline what measures are in place to lower the risk. This could be appointing people to use equipment who have had appropriate training, coiling cables together so no-one falls, taping down equipment, ensuring nothing is balancing on something else etc. See examples above.
Outline any additional information which supports the hazard next. eg. information on who to go to if their is an issue or risk has occurred.
Finally, as before with the risk matrix; identify the risk level AFTER you’ve taken the appropriate measures to lower the risk. (this should ideally be ‘low’ or ‘no risk’!)
Once this is filled out, be sure to sign it in section 1 and it’s complete!
Risk Assessment – MusicTechStudent Template
We’ve put together a template that you’re able to use for your assessments. Have a go filling them out.