Risk assessment
What is an occupational health and safety risk assessment?
A risk assessment is a systematic examination of workplace hazards that may endanger employees' health or safety. It identifies risks, evaluates whether they can be eliminated or reduced, and determines the necessary preventive measures to avoid accidents and occupational health damage.
Is a risk assessment required for all workplaces?
Yes. All employers are legally required to carry out an occupational health and safety risk assessment. Every type of work involves some level of risk — including office-based and screen-based work.
Is this requirement specific to Hungary?
No. The obligation to carry out a risk assessment is based on European Union directives and applies to all EU Member States. National legislation implements these requirements at country level.
What types of risks must be assessed?
Employers must assess all risks that may affect employees' health and safety, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial risks. Where necessary, risks must be evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively.
What happens after the risks are identified?
Based on the risk assessment, the employer must introduce preventive and protective measures aimed at improving working conditions and reducing risks. These measures must be integrated into all levels of management and daily operations.
How often must a risk assessment be reviewed?
Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever significant changes occur, such as changes in work processes, technology, workplace conditions or legislation, or following a workplace accident or incident.
In addition, even in the absence of such changes, a risk assessment should be reviewed and updated at least every five years to ensure it remains current, effective and compliant.
Who needs a risk assessment?
Every employer who employs at least one employee is required to have an occupational health and safety risk assessment in place.
Who is authorised to carry out a risk assessment?
Carrying out a risk assessment is considered a specialist occupational health and safety activity. It must be prepared jointly by a qualified occupational health and safety professional and an appropriately authorised occupational health professional.
How long must the document be retained?
In accordance with the applicable specific legislation, the risk assessment documentation must be retained for at least five years.
The process of preparing a risk assessment
Following the scheduling of an appointment, the process begins with an on-site inspection, a review of existing documentation, and professional consultation. Depending on the size and complexity of the organisation, this initial phase typically takes 1 to 3 days.
Subsequently, using our own internal resources and at our own offices, we proceed with the preparation of the risk assessment documentation. The duration of this phase generally ranges from 5 to 30 days, depending on the nature of the activities, the number of work equipment and machinery, the presence and quantity of chemical substances and mixtures, as well as the number and complexity of other risk factors involved.
The completed documentation is provided both in hard copy and in electronic format.
The results of the risk assessment must be communicated to workplace management, the affected employees, and the employee representatives.
As the essential findings of the risk assessment must always be communicated to employees, the process concludes with a training session. The format of this training may be selected by the client, in accordance with what is most suitable for their organisation and workforce.