What Is a Personal Risk Assessment?
A personal risk assessment is an individual-level evaluation designed to identify whether a specific person faces increased risks due to their health, personal circumstances, or work environment. Unlike general workplace risk assessments, which apply to all employees, personal risk assessments focus on unique vulnerabilities such as disability, pregnancy, age, medical conditions, or mental health issues.
These assessments are essential for ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made to protect individuals and comply with legal obligations like the Equality Act 2010 (UK) or similar legislation elsewhere. The goal is not to exclude individuals but to support inclusion, safety, and wellbeing by tailoring controls to individual needs.
When Is a Personal Risk Assessment Required?
You should carry out a personal risk assessment in the following situations:
- ✔ An employee discloses a medical or health condition (e.g., asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, mental health conditions).
- ✔ An employee is pregnant or has recently given birth — this is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions once notified in writing.
- ✔ A worker has a disability or impairment, including sensory, neurological, or physical challenges.
- ✔ A young or inexperienced worker is hired.
- ✔ After a near-miss or incident involving a specific individual.
- ✔ When an employee raises safety concerns related to their personal circumstances.
- ✔ During major job or workplace changes that may affect an individual differently.
Key Steps in Conducting a Personal Risk Assessment
- Identify Hazards: Look at physical, chemical, ergonomic, psychosocial, and environmental hazards present in the workplace or daily life.
- Determine Who Is at Risk: Focus on the individual, but also consider how others (colleagues, clients, family) might be affected.
- Evaluate the Risk: Assess both the likelihood and severity of harm using a consistent scale (e.g., low, medium, high).
- Implement Control Measures: Apply the hierarchy of controls:
- Elimination (remove the hazard)
- Substitution (replace with safer option)
- Engineering controls (e.g., machine guards)
- Administrative controls (e.g., adjusted hours, training)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (last resort)
- Document Findings: Keep records of the assessment and actions taken.
- Communicate: Share results with the individual and relevant staff, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Employers have a legal duty to protect vulnerable workers and make reasonable adjustments under laws such as the Equality Act 2010. Failure to conduct proper assessments can lead to breaches of health and safety law and employment law.
Ethically, assessments must be:
- Person-centred: Involve the individual in decision-making.
- Evidence-based: Avoid assumptions; use data from incidents, observations, or medical input.
- Least restrictive: Choose options that preserve the person’s independence, choice, and human rights.
- Confidential: Respect privacy while balancing safety needs.
If there are concerns about mental capacity, a formal assessment under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 may be required. Even if someone lacks capacity, their wishes, feelings, and beliefs must still guide decisions made in their best interests.
Examples of Personal Risks
| Risk Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Health/Impairment | Slips/falls, inability to cook safely, medication mismanagement |
| Environmental | Poor housing, fire risks, hoarding, unsafe sanitation |
| Medication | Wrong dosage, overdose, interactions, self-harm risk |
| Substance Use | Impaired judgment, financial instability, neglect |
| Abuse/Neglect | Exploitation, domestic violence, self-neglect |
| Social/Emotional | Isolation, aggression, refusal to engage in care |
These risks should be assessed with transparency and support, helping individuals make informed choices about taking risks that may enhance their wellbeing.
Review and Monitoring
Risk is dynamic, not static. Personal risk assessments must be:
- Reviewed regularly
- Updated after any change in health, role, or environment
- Monitored proactively by all staff involved
A review ensures that control measures remain effective and that new risks are identified early. In care settings, the assessment should be part of the individual’s support plan and accessible to all relevant personnel.
Remember: the aim is not to eliminate all risk — risk-taking is part of growth and independence — but to manage it safely and positively.