What is the difference between Initial Risk and Residual Risk?

Initial Risk is the level of risk before any safety measures are applied. Residual Risk is the remaining risk after all specified control measures (guards, PPE, training, isolations) have been implemented. Work must never commence if the residual risk remains high.

Building engineer conducting risk assessment survey and thermal hazard inspection

PRACTICAL APPLICATION // RISK METHODOLOGY

How to Write a Risk AssessmentA practical, structured guide for commercial engineering and maintenance contractors.

Creating an audit-ready risk assessment is a practical skill that protects your workforce and satisfies commercial client compliance. Follow this structured 5-stage guide to identify hazards, calculate initial and residual risk scores, and apply proportionate control measures.

Explore the 5 Stages Below What Is a Risk Assessment?

5 Stages

Practical Workflow

HSE aligned methodology

ERICPD

Control Hierarchy

Eliminate → Reduce → Isolate

Residual Score

Target Mitigation

Low to medium required

Quick Summary // 8 min read

UK Compliance Standard

How do you structure and write a commercial risk assessment?

Writing a risk assessment involves: (1) Identifying workplace hazards across physical tasks, tools, and environments, (2) Deciding who might be harmed and how, (3) Evaluating the initial risk score, (4) Specifying control measures using the ERICPD hierarchy to achieve a safe residual risk score, and (5) Recording findings and reviewing regularly.

Essential Takeaways:

Stage 1: Walk the site or inspect drawings to spot genuine hazards
Stage 2: Specify all affected persons (engineers, tenants, cleaners, public)
Stage 3: Calculate Initial Risk = Likelihood × Severity
Stage 4: Apply controls until Residual Risk reaches acceptable levels

AUTHORING BLUEPRINT

Step-by-Step: Writing an Audit-Proof Risk Assessment

A strong risk assessment is not about generating reams of paperwork. It is about systematically examining the work, applying practical safeguards, and recording evidence of clear technical competence.

5-STAGE METHODOLOGY

HSE-Aligned 5-Step Risk Assessment Workflow

The statutory UK standard for commercial contractor risk management.

STEP 01Stage 1

Identify the Hazards

Observe the physical workspace and task: electrical shock, working at height, moving machinery parts, manual handling, noise, vibration, slips/trips, and hazardous chemical substances (COSHH).

STEP 02Stage 2

Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How

Identify everyone exposed: site engineers, apprentices, building occupants, maintenance staff, visitors, and members of the public. Specify the exact mechanism of injury (e.g. burns from hot water calorifiers, crushing from dropped loads).

STEP 03Stage 3

Evaluate the Risks & Decide on Controls (ERICPD)

Score the initial unmitigated risk using a 5x5 matrix. Then apply the ERICPD hierarchy: Eliminate the hazard, Reduce exposure, Isolate from people, implement Technical controls, supply PPE, and enforce site Discipline.

STEP 04Stage 4

Record Your Significant Findings & Calculate Residual Risk

Document the agreed control measures on your risk assessment form. Re-score the hazard to verify that the Residual Risk score has dropped to an acceptable (Low/Medium) level before work begins.

STEP 05Stage 5

Review Your Assessment & Update if Necessary

Review the assessment when site conditions change, new machinery is introduced, new personnel arrive, or after any incident or near miss. For ongoing contracts, review at least annually.

WORKED EXAMPLE

Plantroom Risk Assessment Matrix: Replacing a Heating Pump

Here is how an engineer applies initial scoring, ERICPD control measures, and residual scoring for a commercial pump replacement:

Hazard	Who Harmed	Initial (L×S)	Control Measures (ERICPD)	Residual (L×S)
Live Electricity (400V 3-Phase)	Site Engineer	3 × 5 = 15 (High)	Isolate circuit breaker; apply LOTO padlock; test dead using calibrated 2-pole voltage indicator and proving unit; secure keys with lead engineer.	1 × 5 = 5 (Low)
Scalding Water & Pressure	Site Engineer & Apprentice	4 × 4 = 16 (High)	Allow heating circuit to cool below 40°C; close isolating valves before and after pump; drain pump casing via drain cock to bucket; check pressure gauge reads 0 bar.	1 × 4 = 4 (Low)
Heavy Pump Manual Handling (45kg)	Site Engineers	3 × 3 = 9 (Medium)	Two-person lift; use hydraulic lifting trolley to transport pump across plantroom floor; clear slip and trip hazards along transport route.	1 × 3 = 3 (Low)

RISK ASSESSMENT FAQS

Common Authoring Questions

Clear guidance on ERICPD, scoring calculations, and dynamic risk reviews.

ERICPD is the established hierarchy for controlling health and safety risks: Eliminate the hazard completely; Reduce the hazard through safer substitutes; Isolate workers from the hazard (e.g. barriers or enclosures); Control through engineering means; PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as a last line of defence; and Discipline (training, supervision, and procedures).

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