What are key steps in risk management?

Mastering workplace safety: The Four-Step risk management process

Safety in any workplace doesn't happen by accident—it takes a deliberate, structured approach. Whether you are running a busy workshop, an office, or a retail floor, keeping people safe comes down to following a reliable four-step framework.

First, you need to identify hazards. Take a close look around your environment to spot anything and everything that has the potential to cause harm, from faulty wiring to slippery floors.

Next comes the need to assess risks. This means evaluating those hazards to understand the likelihood and severity of potential injuries or illnesses, helping you figure out which issues need your attention the absolute most.

Once you know what you are dealing with, it is time to control risks. Put practical measures in place to eliminate the danger entirely, or at least minimize it as much as humanly possible if elimination isn't an option.

Finally, remember that safety is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time checklist. You must regularly review control measures to ensure they are actually working effectively and haven't created any new, unforeseen problems.