Risk assessments are not just paperwork—they’re one of the most important tools in your health and safety arsenal. But a common question we hear at FTS Safety is:
“How often do we need to update our risk assessment?”
The short answer? More often than you think.
In this blog, we’ll break down when, why, and how often you should be conducting risk assessments—and what’s at stake if you don’t.
⚠️ What Is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a formal process of:
- Identifying hazards in your workplace or on site,
- Evaluating the level of risk they pose,
- And putting measures in place to control or eliminate those risks.
It’s required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993) and forms part of your construction safety file.
📅 So, How Often Should You Do One?
There’s no single rule that applies to all workplaces. But here are key triggers and timelines:
✅ 1. At the Start of Every New Project or Activity
Each site or job has its own risks. You must complete a baseline risk assessment before work begins.
✅ 2. When Site Conditions Change
This includes:
- Introducing new machinery
- Hiring new subcontractors
- Weather changes that affect safety
- Starting new phases of construction
Change = new risks.
✅ 3. After an Incident or Near Miss
A serious incident is a sign your existing control measures may not be effective. You must review your risk assessments and update them accordingly.
✅ 4. At Regular Intervals (Recommended: Monthly or Quarterly)
Even if nothing has changed, you should schedule periodic reviews to ensure:
- Controls are still in place
- Risks are still relevant
- The right people are trained and appointed
✅ 5. When Required by Law or Your Client
Some principal contractors and sectors (like mining, energy, and public infrastructure) demand weekly or fortnightly reviews.
🔁 Types of Risk Assessments to Know
| Type | When It's Done | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline Risk Assessment | At the start of a new project | Identifies all initial hazards |
| Issue-Based Assessment | When new tasks or changes occur | Focuses on specific activities |
| Continuous/Dynamic | Ongoing (e.g. daily site walk-throughs) | Spot-checks for emerging risks |
| Review Assessment | Scheduled (e.g. monthly or quarterly) | Ensures existing controls are still valid |
🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Keep It Updated?
- Failed safety file audits
- Non-compliance notices from the Department of Labour
- Increased chance of incidents or injuries
- Legal liability for your business and site supervisor
✅ FTS Safety Tip:
Review your risk assessments at least once a month or immediately after any change in your site or task.
Better yet—schedule recurring reminders and keep documentation easily accessible and signed by competent persons.
📩 Need Help With Risk Assessments?
FTS Safety offers:
- Onsite risk assessment workshops
- Assistance compiling baseline, issue-based, and dynamic assessments
- Training for supervisors to conduct and update assessments correctly
📞 Call us on 031 569 1555