All employers are required by law to protect their employees and service users from harm.¹ This includes carrying out risk assessments.

Risk assessments are used to identify, assess and control potential risks in the workplace. They are part of the overall process to manage risk and keep people safe and healthy at work.¹

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, College Clinical Adviser, says that healthcare premises, such as optometry practices, have a legal duty to make sure there is a safe working environment for staff, patients and visitors. “Practice owners must undertake risk assessments to identify potential hazards, the likelihood and seriousness of these, and take steps to address them as part of their formal health and safety policy.” See Five steps to manage risk, below.