A recent UK industry survey has underscored significant gaps in the uptake and delivery of risk assessor training across workplaces, raising concerns about compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. The findings suggest that many employers may be underestimating the importance of formal training such as the Risk Assessor Award, potentially exposing businesses to increased safety risks and legal liabilities.

Key Findings from the Survey

Conducted by an independent health and safety consultancy in early 2024, the survey polled 500 UK employers across sectors including manufacturing, construction, and services. Key outcomes included:

  • Only 38% of employers reported providing formal risk assessor training to staff responsible for workplace risk assessments.
  • 62% admitted relying on informal or on-the-job training, which may not meet HSE competency standards.
  • Nearly 45% of respondents were unaware of accredited courses such as the Risk Assessor Award, which is designed to equip staff with comprehensive risk assessment skills.
  • Employers who invested in dedicated training reported fewer workplace incidents and improved compliance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
"The gap in formal risk assessor training is worrying. Competent risk assessments underpin workplace safety, and without structured training, businesses risk non-compliance and increased incidents," noted an industry health and safety expert.

Implications for UK Employers

The survey’s findings arrive amid a steady rise in workplace injury reports to the HSE, which recorded over 600,000 non-fatal injuries in 2023. Experts highlight that inadequate risk assessment training is a contributing factor. Employers are reminded of their legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and supporting regulations to ensure risk assessments are competently conducted.

Integrating accredited training programmes like the Risk Assessor Award can enhance workforce competence and help businesses meet regulatory expectations. The award, which typically costs £250 plus VAT, offers flexible delivery options including live Zoom sessions and face-to-face courses at multiple venues across the UK—such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh—making it accessible for diverse employers.

Training providers including Abertay Training have noted increased interest in structured risk assessor courses following the survey’s publication, emphasising the importance of continual professional development in health and safety roles.

Supporting Competent Risk Assessment Practices

Health and safety professionals advocate for employers to prioritise formal accreditation and training pathways to mitigate risks effectively. As one sector consultant expressed:

"The Risk Assessor Award equips candidates with the knowledge to identify hazards accurately and implement suitable control measures, significantly reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents."

With the evolving regulatory landscape and rising scrutiny of workplace safety standards, employers are encouraged to review their current risk assessor training provisions and consider accredited courses to safeguard their workforce and business operations.

For those seeking structured and comprehensive risk assessment training, Abertay Training continues to deliver the Risk Assessor Award across more than ten UK locations, as well as online via Zoom, supporting widespread accessibility for employers nationwide.

More information on the course and booking options can be found on Abertay Training’s website: https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk/courses/risk-assessor-award.