Machine safety risk assessment template

Update your machine safety risk assessment whenever you modify equipment, change operating procedures, or after incidents occur. Additionally, schedule regular reviews at least annually to capture gradual changes in equipment condition or usage patterns. Some high-risk machinery may require more frequent assessments based on manufacturer recommendations or regulatory requirements.

Your control measures should be specific enough that anyone could implement them without additional guidance. Include exact specifications for guards or barriers, precise procedural steps, required training content, and specific PPE models. Avoid vague directives like “install appropriate guarding” in favor of detailed, actionable instructions with clear accountability.

Evaluate both the severity of potential harm and the likelihood of occurrence. Consider factors like exposure frequency, possibility of avoidance, and reliability of existing safeguards. Use a consistent rating system throughout your assessment, whether numerical or descriptive. Remember that even low-probability events warrant high risk ratings if they could cause severe injury.