Healthcare Health & Safety Risk Assessments
Healthcare-Specific Risk Assessments - HIQA Compliant - Section 19 SHWW Act - Qualified Consultants - PI Insured
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Our qualified healthcare consultants deliver Section 19 compliant risk assessments.
Healthcare-Specific Risk Assessments for Irish Nursing Homes
Under Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, every employer is required to identify hazards, assess risks, and prepare a written risk assessment for their workplace. For nursing homes and designated centres, this obligation extends to the full range of healthcare-specific hazards, including manual handling of residents, biological and infection control risks, medication management, slips, trips and falls, and challenging behaviour. Phoenix STS delivers bespoke, HIQA-aligned risk assessments carried out by CMIOSH-qualified health and safety consultants who understand the unique operational demands of residential care. Our assessments go beyond generic templates to address the specific layout, staffing, resident profile, and operational procedures of your facility, ensuring full compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and HIQA's National Standards for Residential Care Settings.
Why Healthcare Risk Assessments Matter
Legal Requirement (Section 19)
Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 places a statutory duty on every employer to identify hazards in the workplace, assess the risks arising from those hazards, and prepare a written risk assessment. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution.
HIQA Expectations
HIQA inspectors routinely examine risk assessment documentation during inspections of designated centres under the Health Act 2007. The National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland require a robust, documented risk management process that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards affecting residents and staff.
Resident Safety
Healthcare facilities accommodate vulnerable individuals who may have reduced mobility, cognitive impairment, or complex medical needs. A thorough risk assessment identifies hazards such as fall risks, medication errors, infection transmission, and inadequate supervision that could directly harm residents, enabling the implementation of targeted preventive measures.
Staff Protection
Healthcare workers face significant occupational risks, including musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling, exposure to biological agents, needlestick injuries, and workplace violence. Risk assessments under the General Application Regulations 2007 ensure these hazards are systematically identified and appropriate control measures are put in place to protect staff welfare.
Hazard Identification
Systematic hazard identification uses a structured methodology to examine every area, activity, and process within the facility. This includes reviewing incident records, conducting workplace inspections, consulting with staff, and applying the hierarchy of controls to ensure that hazards are eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.
Insurance Compliance
Insurance providers increasingly require documented, up-to-date risk assessments as a condition of cover. A comprehensive risk assessment demonstrates proactive risk management, which can positively influence insurance premiums and ensure that your facility maintains continuous cover without policy exclusions.
What We Assess
Full range of hazards in nursing homes.
Manual Handling and Patient Moving
We assess all manual handling activities in your facility, including resident transfers, repositioning in bed, assisted bathing, and use of hoists and slide sheets. Our assessment considers staffing levels, equipment availability, resident mobility profiles, and compliance with Chapter 4 of the General Application Regulations 2007 (Manual Handling of Loads).
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards
Our consultants evaluate floor surfaces, lighting levels, handrail provision, threshold transitions, outdoor pathways, and housekeeping procedures. We assess fall prevention measures for residents with cognitive impairment or mobility difficulties, including bed rail risk assessments and the use of sensor mats or low-profile beds.
Biological and Chemical Hazards
We conduct a thorough assessment of infection prevention and control procedures, including hand hygiene compliance, sharps management, laundry handling, clinical waste disposal, and the use of personal protective equipment. Chemical hazard assessments cover cleaning agents, disinfectants, and medication storage in line with the Chemical Agents Regulations 2001.
Workplace Violence and Aggression
Our assessment evaluates the risks posed by challenging behaviour, including verbal aggression, physical assault, and wandering. We review de-escalation procedures, staffing arrangements, environmental design measures, and incident reporting systems to ensure compliance with the HSA's guidance on workplace violence in the healthcare sector.
Fire and Emergency Risks
We review your fire safety arrangements including fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, means of escape, fire compartmentation, and staff training. This assessment complements a dedicated fire risk assessment under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 and ensures alignment with HIQA Regulation 28 requirements for fire precautions.
Manual Handling and Patient Moving
We assess all manual handling activities in your facility, including resident transfers, repositioning in bed, assisted bathing, and use of hoists and slide sheets. Our assessment considers staffing levels, equipment availability, resident mobility profiles, and compliance with Chapter 4 of the General Application Regulations 2007 (Manual Handling of Loads).
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards
Our consultants evaluate floor surfaces, lighting levels, handrail provision, threshold transitions, outdoor pathways, and housekeeping procedures. We assess fall prevention measures for residents with cognitive impairment or mobility difficulties, including bed rail risk assessments and the use of sensor mats or low-profile beds.
Biological and Chemical Hazards
We conduct a thorough assessment of infection prevention and control procedures, including hand hygiene compliance, sharps management, laundry handling, clinical waste disposal, and the use of personal protective equipment. Chemical hazard assessments cover cleaning agents, disinfectants, and medication storage in line with the Chemical Agents Regulations 2001.
Workplace Violence and Aggression
Our assessment evaluates the risks posed by challenging behaviour, including verbal aggression, physical assault, and wandering. We review de-escalation procedures, staffing arrangements, environmental design measures, and incident reporting systems to ensure compliance with the HSA's guidance on workplace violence in the healthcare sector.
Fire and Emergency Risks
We review your fire safety arrangements including fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, means of escape, fire compartmentation, and staff training. This assessment complements a dedicated fire risk assessment under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 and ensures alignment with HIQA Regulation 28 requirements for fire precautions.
What We Deliver
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Reports
Each report provides a detailed analysis of identified hazards, evaluated risk ratings using a structured risk matrix, and prioritised control measures based on the hierarchy of controls. Reports are formatted for easy reference during HIQA inspections and HSA audits, with clear action items assigned to responsible persons and target completion dates.
Hazard Registers
We provide structured hazard registers that catalogue every identified hazard, its location, the persons at risk, existing controls, residual risk rating, and recommended additional measures. The register serves as a living document that your safety officer can update as new hazards emerge or controls are implemented.
Control Measure Recommendations
Our recommendations are practical, proportionate, and prioritised by risk level. We apply the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment) and provide clear implementation guidance with estimated costs and timeframes where appropriate.
Safety Statements
We prepare bespoke safety statements as required by Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Each safety statement is tailored to your facility's specific hazards, organisational structure, and operational procedures, and is integrated with your risk assessment findings.
H&S Policies
We develop comprehensive health and safety policy suites covering manual handling, infection control, lone working, workplace violence, chemical safety, and all other hazards identified during the risk assessment. Policies are aligned with HIQA standards and the General Application Regulations 2007.
H&S Consultancy
Our ongoing consultancy service provides your facility with access to CMIOSH-qualified health and safety professionals for advice on compliance queries, incident investigation, policy updates, and preparation for HIQA inspections and HSA audits throughout the year.
Healthcare Facilities We Serve
Nursing Homes
Comprehensive risk assessments for private and voluntary nursing homes registered with HIQA under the Health Act 2007, covering all resident care areas, kitchens, laundries, and outdoor spaces.
Hospitals
Risk assessment services for public and private hospitals, addressing the complex hazard profile of acute care settings including operating theatres, emergency departments, and specialist wards.
Disability Services
Specialist risk assessments tailored to residential and day services for persons with intellectual or physical disabilities, addressing unique hazards such as sensory room equipment, hydrotherapy facilities, and individualised care needs.
Mental Health
Risk assessments for approved centres and community mental health facilities, with particular attention to ligature risks, self-harm prevention, observation protocols, and secure environment requirements.
Respite Care
Risk assessments for respite care facilities, addressing the challenges of varying resident populations, short-stay admissions, and the need for rapid hazard communication to temporary care staff.
Day Care
Comprehensive risk assessments for day care centres covering activity areas, transport arrangements, kitchen facilities, and the specific needs of attendees who return home each evening.
Hospices
Sensitive risk assessments for hospice settings, balancing safety requirements with the need to maintain a homelike, dignified environment for residents receiving palliative and end-of-life care.
Designated Centres
HIQA-aligned risk assessments for all categories of designated centres under the Health Act 2007, ensuring full compliance with National Standards and regulatory inspection requirements.
Our Process
Five-step approach to healthcare risk assessments.
Consultation
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your facility's size, resident profile, staffing structure, existing safety documentation, and any specific concerns or recent incidents. This ensures our assessment is targeted and efficient.
Site Assessment
Our CMIOSH-qualified consultants conduct a thorough on-site assessment, inspecting every area of your facility, observing work practices, reviewing existing documentation, and consulting with staff at all levels to identify hazards and evaluate current control measures.
Risk Evaluation
Each identified hazard is evaluated using a structured risk matrix that considers both the likelihood of occurrence and the potential severity of harm. This produces a prioritised risk rating that guides the allocation of resources to the most significant risks first.
Control Measures
We develop practical, proportionate control measures for each identified risk, applying the hierarchy of controls as required by Section 19 of the SHWW Act 2005. Recommendations are specific to your facility and include clear implementation guidance.
Report Delivery and Review
We deliver a comprehensive risk assessment report and schedule a review meeting with your management team to discuss findings, clarify recommendations, and agree an implementation plan with assigned responsibilities and target dates.
Consultation
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your facility's size, resident profile, staffing structure, existing safety documentation, and any specific concerns or recent incidents. This ensures our assessment is targeted and efficient.
Site Assessment
Our CMIOSH-qualified consultants conduct a thorough on-site assessment, inspecting every area of your facility, observing work practices, reviewing existing documentation, and consulting with staff at all levels to identify hazards and evaluate current control measures.
Risk Evaluation
Each identified hazard is evaluated using a structured risk matrix that considers both the likelihood of occurrence and the potential severity of harm. This produces a prioritised risk rating that guides the allocation of resources to the most significant risks first.
Control Measures
We develop practical, proportionate control measures for each identified risk, applying the hierarchy of controls as required by Section 19 of the SHWW Act 2005. Recommendations are specific to your facility and include clear implementation guidance.
Report Delivery and Review
We deliver a comprehensive risk assessment report and schedule a review meeting with your management team to discuss findings, clarify recommendations, and agree an implementation plan with assigned responsibilities and target dates.
Legislative Framework
Healthcare risk assessments are governed by a robust legislative framework.
Why Choose Phoenix STS
HIQA Specialists
With approximately 60-65% of our client base in the healthcare sector, Phoenix STS has extensive experience preparing for and supporting clients through HIQA inspections. We understand what inspectors look for and ensure your documentation meets the required standard.
BEng Engineers
Our team includes BEng Fire Engineering qualified professionals who bring a rigorous, engineering-led approach to risk assessment. This technical expertise ensures that fire-related hazards are assessed to the highest professional standard.
CPD Provider
Phoenix STS is an approved CPD Standards Office training provider, delivering accredited health and safety and fire safety training courses that complement our risk assessment services and support ongoing staff development in your facility.
25+ Years
With over 25 years of experience serving approximately 290 clients across Ireland, Phoenix STS brings unmatched knowledge of the Irish regulatory landscape and a proven track record of helping healthcare facilities achieve and maintain compliance.
Nationwide
We provide risk assessment services to healthcare facilities in all 26 counties of Ireland, from our offices in Longford, Sligo, and Dublin. No facility is too remote for our consultants to reach.
PI Insured
All our professional services are covered by comprehensive professional indemnity insurance, providing you with the assurance that our work is backed by appropriate financial protection in the unlikely event of a professional oversight.
Healthcare Risk Assessment FAQs
Common questions about healthcare risk assessments.
Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires every employer to identify hazards in their workplace, assess the risks arising from those hazards, and prepare a written risk assessment. The assessment must specify the steps to be taken to manage identified risks and must be reviewed regularly, particularly when there has been a significant change in the workplace or following an accident or dangerous occurrence.
Risk assessments should be reviewed at least annually to ensure they remain current and relevant. Additionally, a review is required whenever there is a significant change in the workplace, such as a new building extension, a change in resident profile, new equipment, or following any accident, dangerous occurrence, or near miss. The HSA recommends that reviews are documented and dated.
Nursing homes present a unique range of hazards including manual handling of residents with varying mobility levels, biological hazards from bodily fluids and infection transmission, medication storage and administration risks, challenging behaviour from residents with dementia or cognitive impairment, and slip, trip, and fall hazards for both residents and staff. Fire safety risks are also elevated due to the presence of sleeping, vulnerable occupants.
Yes, all manual handling activities are assessed in detail, including resident transfers, repositioning, assisted bathing, and the use of mechanical aids such as hoists and slide sheets. Our assessment aligns with Chapter 4 of the General Application Regulations 2007 and considers staffing levels, training records, and the specific mobility needs of your resident population.
Biological hazards are a key focus of our healthcare risk assessments. We evaluate infection prevention and control procedures, hand hygiene compliance, sharps management and disposal, laundry handling protocols, clinical waste management, and the use of personal protective equipment. Our assessment references the HSA's Biological Agents Code of Practice.
We use a structured risk matrix that evaluates each hazard based on two factors: the likelihood of the hazard causing harm and the potential severity of that harm. This produces a risk rating (low, medium, high, or critical) that determines the priority and urgency of control measures, ensuring resources are directed to the most significant risks first.
Yes, we provide detailed, practical control measures for each identified hazard, applying the hierarchy of controls as mandated by the SHWW Act 2005. Each recommendation includes clear implementation guidance, identifies the responsible person, and sets a target completion date. Measures are proportionate to the level of risk and specific to your facility's operations.
You should maintain a comprehensive set of safety records, including the written risk assessment, hazard register, safety statement, incident and accident reports, near-miss records, training records for all staff, equipment maintenance logs, and evidence of regular safety reviews. These records are essential for demonstrating compliance during HIQA inspections and HSA audits.
Yes, Phoenix STS provides risk assessment services to all types of healthcare facilities across Ireland, including nursing homes, hospitals, disability services, mental health centres, respite care, day care, hospices, and all categories of designated centres registered with HIQA under the Health Act 2007.
HIQA requires designated centres to have a comprehensive, documented risk management process as part of the National Standards for Residential Care Settings. This includes an up-to-date risk register, evidence of regular risk assessments, documented control measures, and a clear governance structure for managing identified risks. Inspectors review these documents as part of every announced and unannounced inspection.
The on-site assessment typically takes a half-day to a full day, depending on the size and complexity of your facility. The comprehensive written report is delivered within two weeks of the site visit. We also schedule a follow-up review meeting to discuss findings and agree an implementation plan with your management team.
Our risk assessment covers all areas of your facility, including bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, communal living and dining areas, kitchens, laundries, sluice rooms, staff offices, storage areas, plant rooms, corridors, stairwells, and all outdoor spaces including gardens, car parks, and pathways. No area is excluded from our assessment.
Nationwide Healthcare Risk Assessment Services
Phoenix STS provides healthcare risk assessments across all 26 counties of Ireland.
Related Healthcare Services
Protect Your Residents and Staff with Healthcare Risk Assessments
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