Risk Assessment Training Course
Practical skills and legal knowledge to conduct effective workplace risk assessments in compliance with Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This comprehensive 1-day programme covers hazard identification, risk evaluation, and implementation of control measures. On-site or remote delivery with 3-year certification.
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Course Overview
Risk assessment is the foundation of effective workplace safety management. By systematically identifying hazards and evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential harm, organisations can implement appropriate control measures before incidents occur. This proactive approach is not just good practice; it is a legal requirement under Irish law.
The Risk Assessment Training Course combines legislative knowledge with practical application. You will learn the three-step risk assessment process endorsed by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), understand the General Principles of Prevention, and practice conducting risk assessments using realistic workplace scenarios.
By the end of the course, you will be confident in your ability to identify workplace hazards, evaluate risks systematically, select appropriate control measures, and document your findings in a format that supports your organisation’s Safety Statement.
Why Risk Assessment Training Matters
Every year, thousands of workplace injuries and illnesses occur in Ireland. Many of these incidents are preventable through proper hazard identification and risk control. The Risk Assessment Training Course gives you the skills to identify and manage these risks before incidents occur.
Beyond legal compliance, effective risk assessment delivers real benefits:
🛡️ Prevent Injuries
Identify and control hazards before they cause harm to employees, visitors, or others affected by your work activities.
💼 Reduce Disruption
Avoid business interruption from workplace incidents, investigations, and recovery time.
💰 Lower Costs
Reduce insurance premiums and avoid HSA enforcement action, fines, and prosecution costs.
⚖️ Demonstrate Due Diligence
Documented risk assessments protect against prosecution by showing you took reasonable steps.
👥 Positive Safety Culture
Create a workplace where employees feel valued and safety is prioritised at all levels.
📋 Support Safety Statements
Risk assessments form the basis for your Safety Statement under Section 20 of the SHWW Act.
The Risk Assessment Process
The HSA recommends a straightforward three-step approach to risk assessment. This course teaches you to apply each step systematically:
Identify the Hazards
Walk through your workplace and examine work activities to identify potential hazards. Consider materials, equipment, work methods, the physical environment, and human factors.
Assess the Risks
For each hazard, evaluate the likelihood that harm will occur and the potential severity. Consider who might be harmed and how. This helps you prioritise which risks need the most urgent attention.
Put Controls in Place
Apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or reduce risks. Document your control measures, assign responsibility for implementation, and set review dates.
General Principles of Prevention
Schedule 3 of the SHWW Act 2005 sets out nine General Principles of Prevention. These form a hierarchy of controls that guide your selection of appropriate risk control measures:
The Nine Principles
- 1 Avoidance of Risks: Eliminate the hazard entirely where possible
- 2 Evaluation of Unavoidable Risks: Assess risks that cannot be eliminated
- 3 Combating Risks at Source: Address hazards at their origin, not downstream
- 4 Adapting Work to the Individual: Design workplaces and systems to suit people
- 5 Adapting to Technical Progress: Use improved equipment and methods as they become available
- 6 Replacing the Dangerous: Substitute hazardous substances or processes with safer alternatives
- 7 Developing Prevention Policy: Create a coherent approach covering technology, organisation, and working conditions
- 8 Collective Over Individual Protection: Prioritise measures that protect everyone over individual PPE
- 9 Instruction to Employees: Provide appropriate information and training
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for anyone involved in workplace safety management or those seeking to develop competence in risk assessment:
👷 Health & Safety Officers
Safety officers and managers responsible for workplace health and safety programmes.
🛡️ Safety Representatives
Designated safety representatives who consult on health and safety matters.
👔 Line Managers & Supervisors
Managers and supervisors with responsibility for team safety.
🏢 Facilities Managers
Those overseeing building and workplace safety and compliance.
👤 Business Owners & Directors
Business owners and directors with legal responsibilities for workplace safety.
📋 Competent Persons
Anyone designated as a “competent person” under Section 18 of the SHWW Act.
The course is suitable for all industry sectors. Our instructors tailor examples and discussions to reflect participants’ workplace contexts.
What You’ll Learn
Health & Safety Legislation
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- Section 19 risk assessment requirements
- Section 20 Safety Statement obligations
- General Application Regulations 2007-2020
- Duties of employers, employees, and others
Hazard Identification
- Types: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial
- Systematic identification techniques
- Using accident and incident data
- Consulting employees and safety representatives
- Manufacturer and supplier information
Risk Evaluation
- Understanding likelihood and severity
- Risk rating methodologies
- Identifying who is at risk and how
- Vulnerable groups: young workers, pregnant employees
- Prioritising risks for action
Control Measures
- The nine General Principles of Prevention
- Hierarchy of controls in practice
- Engineering and administrative controls
- Selecting appropriate control measures
- Monitoring and reviewing effectiveness
Documentation & Review
- Recording risk assessments
- Linking to the Safety Statement
- When to review and update assessments
- Communicating findings to employees
- Using the HSA BeSMART tool
Practical Application
- Workshop exercises
- Realistic workplace scenarios
- Group discussions and case studies
- Scenario-based risk assessments
- Q&A with experienced instructors
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Risk Assessment Training Course, you will be able to:
- Explain the legal requirements for risk assessment under Irish legislation
- Identify workplace hazards using systematic techniques
- Evaluate risks by assessing likelihood and severity
- Apply the General Principles of Prevention to select appropriate control measures
- Document risk assessments in a clear, usable format
- Understand how risk assessments inform the Safety Statement
- Recognise when risk assessments should be reviewed
- Communicate risk assessment findings to employees and management
Benefits of Risk Assessment Training
👤 For Individuals
Professional Qualification
Gain a recognised 3-year certificate demonstrating competence in risk assessment.
Practical Skills
Develop skills applicable across all industries and workplace settings.
Legal Knowledge
Understand your responsibilities under Irish health and safety legislation.
Career Enhancement
Enhance your career prospects in health and safety management.
🏢 For Organisations
Legal Compliance
Ensure compliance with Section 19 of the SHWW Act 2005.
Reduced Incidents
Reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and associated costs.
Internal Competence
Build in-house capability for ongoing risk assessment activities.
Due Diligence
Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers, and stakeholders.
Delivery Options
This course is available in two formats, both led by our experienced instructors:
Both delivery formats include the same curriculum, assessment methods, and certification. Course materials are provided digitally for remote participants or as printed handouts for on-site sessions.
Pre-Course Requirements
Before Attending
This course is suitable for beginners and those seeking to refresh their knowledge:
- No prior qualifications required: This course is suitable for those new to risk assessment
- English language proficiency: Ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English
Course Details
Duration
- 7 hours (1 day)
- Full day course
- Includes workshops
Class Size
- Maximum 20 learners
- Interactive learning environment
- Allows adequate workshop time
Training Methods
- Interactive presentations
- Group discussions and case studies
- Practical workshops
- Q&A sessions
Assessment
- Workshop participation
- Scenario-based exercises
- Continuous assessment
- Practical application focus
Certification
Your Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive a Phoenix STS Risk Assessment Training Certificate.
Digital certificate issued via email within 48-72 hours of course completion. We offer a complimentary reminder service to notify you before your certification expires.
Our Instructors
All Phoenix STS instructors hold a minimum QQI Level 8 qualification in their subject matter and a Train-the-Trainer qualification at QQI Level 6 or higher. They bring extensive practical experience in health and safety across multiple industries and are members of professional bodies including:
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Page last updated: January 2026
