Risk assessments are an integral part of an occupational health and safety management plan. They help to create awareness of hazards and risks, identify who may be at risk, determine whether a control program is required for a particular hazard, determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be done, prevent injuries or illnesses, especially when done at the design or planning stage, prioritize hazards and control measures, and meet legal requirements where applicable .
The goal of the risk assessment process is to evaluate hazards, then remove that hazard or minimize the level of its risk by adding control measures, as necessary .
In summary, risk assessments are important because they help to identify potential hazards and risks in the workplace, assess their impact, and prepare to meet them. By doing so, they can help to prevent accidents in the workplace, cut down on injuries, and even save lives .