{"id":1101,"date":"2023-07-07T16:01:26","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T23:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safecarebc.ca\/?post_type=safetytopic&#038;p=1101"},"modified":"2026-07-08T09:25:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T16:25:15","slug":"risk-assessment","status":"publish","type":"safetytopic","link":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/?safetytopic=risk-assessment","title":{"rendered":"Risk Assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before a task begins, take a moment to look for what could cause harm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In long-term care and home support, things can change quickly. A resident\u2019s needs may change. A client\u2019s home may have new hazards. Equipment may not be nearby. A task that was safe yesterday may need a different plan today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk assessment helps workers and care teams identify hazards early, determine what support is needed, and take steps to prevent injuries and illnesses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>What is a risk assessment?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A risk assessment means asking:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What could cause harm?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who could be hurt?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How likely is it to happen?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How serious could it be?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What can we do to make the task safer?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The higher the chance of harm, and the more serious the harm could be, the more action is needed before the task begins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk assessments help workers, supervisors, and care teams plan safer work. They also help determine whether current controls are enough, or whether more support, equipment, procedures, or follow-up are needed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A quick safety check before care<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A point-of-care risk assessment is a quick check workers can use before or during care.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you begin, pause and ask:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is this task safe right now?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do I have the right equipment?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do I need help?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is the area clear and safe?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has the resident\u2019s or client\u2019s behaviour changed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has the care plan changed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are there hazards in the room, home, or work area?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Am I focused enough to do this safely?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If something does not feel safe, pause the task when you can. Get help, use the right equipment, follow your workplace procedures, and report the concern.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Workers are not expected to manage unsafe conditions alone. Safer work also depends on clear procedures, training, supervision, staffing, equipment, reporting, and follow-up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When to complete a risk assessment<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk assessments should be completed:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>before starting tasks&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>when working conditions change&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>when a new hazard is identified&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>after an incident or near miss&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>when new equipment or procedures are introduced&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>when required by regulation&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk assessment can be formal, such as when planning a new procedure or reviewing a hazard. It can also be quick and informal, such as taking a moment before care to check whether the task is safe right now.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What risk assessments can help prevent<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk assessments can help reduce risks related to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>musculoskeletal injuries&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>slips, trips, and falls&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>violence or aggression&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>infection prevention and control&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>unsafe environments&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>changing resident or client needs&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>missing equipment, unclear procedures, or lack of support&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By helping workers and leaders talk about hazards before something happens, risk assessment supports safer decision-making and a stronger safety culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Download the point-of-care risk assessment worksheet and reference card to support safer decision-making before care tasks begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"faq-block\" style=\"margin:2rem auto;\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is a risk assessment?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A risk assessment is a way to find hazards before someone is hurt or becomes ill. It helps workers and leaders decide what needs to be done to make a task safer.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why does risk assessment matter in long-term care and home support?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Care work can change quickly. A resident\u2019s needs, a client\u2019s home, equipment, behaviour, or the work area may change. Risk assessment helps workers notice these changes and plan safer care.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When should I do a risk assessment?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Do one before a task starts, when something changes, when you notice a new hazard, after a near miss or incident, or when new equipment or procedures are introduced.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should I look for during a risk assessment?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Look for what could cause harm, who could be hurt, how likely harm is, how serious it could be, and what can be done to make the task safer.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is a point-of-care risk assessment?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A point-of-care risk assessment is a quick safety check before or during care. It helps workers decide whether the task is safe right now, or whether they need equipment, help, more information, or a different approach.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What questions can I ask before starting a task?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You can ask: Is this safe right now? Do I have the right equipment? Do I need help? Is the area safe? Has the resident\u2019s or client\u2019s behaviour changed? Has the care plan changed? Are there hazards nearby?\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What if I notice a risk right before care?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Pause if it is safe to do so. Check whether you need equipment, help, a different approach, or supervisor support. Follow your workplace procedures and report the hazard.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do workers have to fix every hazard themselves?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Workers play an important role in noticing and reporting hazards, but safety also depends on equipment, staffing, procedures, training, supervision, and follow-up.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who may be at risk during a task or activity?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Anyone who could be affected should be considered. This may include workers, residents, clients, visitors, cleaners, contractors, or members of the public.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do risk assessments replace workplace procedures?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Risk assessments support safer decision-making, but they should be used with workplace procedures, training, equipment, reporting processes, and supervisor support.\u00a0\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"faq-accordion\"><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-0\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-0\" class=\"faq-label\">What is a risk assessment?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A risk assessment is a way to find hazards before someone is hurt or becomes ill. It helps workers and leaders decide what needs to be done to make a task safer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-1\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-1\" class=\"faq-label\">Why does risk assessment matter in long-term care and home support?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Care work can change quickly. A resident\u2019s needs, a client\u2019s home, equipment, behaviour, or the work area may change. Risk assessment helps workers notice these changes and plan safer care.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-2\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-2\" class=\"faq-label\">When should I do a risk assessment?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do one before a task starts, when something changes, when you notice a new hazard, after a near miss or incident, or when new equipment or procedures are introduced.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-3\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-3\" class=\"faq-label\">What should I look for during a risk assessment?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Look for what could cause harm, who could be hurt, how likely harm is, how serious it could be, and what can be done to make the task safer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-4\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-4\" class=\"faq-label\">What is a point-of-care risk assessment?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A point-of-care risk assessment is a quick safety check before or during care. It helps workers decide whether the task is safe right now, or whether they need equipment, help, more information, or a different approach.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-5\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-5\" class=\"faq-label\">What questions can I ask before starting a task?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can ask: Is this safe right now? Do I have the right equipment? Do I need help? Is the area safe? Has the resident\u2019s or client\u2019s behaviour changed? Has the care plan changed? Are there hazards nearby?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-6\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-6\" class=\"faq-label\">What if I notice a risk right before care?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pause if it is safe to do so. Check whether you need equipment, help, a different approach, or supervisor support. Follow your workplace procedures and report the hazard.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-7\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-7\" class=\"faq-label\">Do workers have to fix every hazard themselves?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No. Workers play an important role in noticing and reporting hazards, but safety also depends on equipment, staffing, procedures, training, supervision, and follow-up.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-8\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-8\" class=\"faq-label\">Who may be at risk during a task or activity?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Anyone who could be affected should be considered. This may include workers, residents, clients, visitors, cleaners, contractors, or members of the public.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9543-9\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9543-9\" class=\"faq-label\">Do risk assessments replace workplace procedures?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No. Risk assessments support safer decision-making, but they should be used with workplace procedures, training, equipment, reporting processes, and supervisor support.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how risk assessments help long-term care and home support workers identify hazards, plan safer tasks, and know when to pause, get help, or report a concern.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":7105,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"audience":[118],"topic-type":[65],"topic":[66,111],"class_list":["post-1101","safetytopic","type-safetytopic","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","audience-audience","topic-risk-assessment","topic-violence-risk-assessment"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/safetytopic\/1101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/safetytopic"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/safetytopic"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1101"},{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Faudience&post=1101"},{"taxonomy":"topic-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftopic-type&post=1101"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftopic&post=1101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}