Health & Safety Glossary

Complete definitions of UK health and safety terms, risk assessment terminology, and workplace safety concepts.

Core Concepts

Risk Assessment: A systematic process of identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing control measures. Required by law under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Hazard: Something with the potential to cause harm. Examples include chemicals, electricity, working at height, or trailing cables.
Risk: The likelihood that harm will occur, combined with the severity of that harm. Risk = Likelihood × Severity.
Control Measure: An action or measure taken to eliminate or reduce the risk of harm. Can include engineering controls, administrative controls, or PPE.
Dynamic Risk Assessment: An ongoing, informal assessment of risks as they arise. Used when conditions change rapidly or unexpected hazards appear.
Residual Risk: The risk remaining after control measures have been implemented. Should be as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
ALARP: As Low As Reasonably Practicable. The principle that risks should be reduced to the lowest practical level considering costs and benefits.

RAMS: Risk Assessment and Method Statement. A combined document that identifies risks and sets out the step-by-step method for completing a task safely.
Method Statement: A document that describes how a task will be carried out safely. Often required alongside a risk assessment for high-risk activities.
Safe System of Work: A formal procedure designed to eliminate or control hazards. Often documented as a method statement.
Permit to Work: A formal written system for controlling high-risk activities. Required for hot work, confined spaces, and other hazardous operations.

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. Regulations requiring employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances.
CDM: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Sets out duties for managing health and safety on construction projects.
PUWER: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Requires work equipment to be suitable, safe, and maintained.
LOLER: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Governs the safe use of lifting equipment.
RIDDOR: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. Requires employers to report certain workplace incidents.

DSE: Display Screen Equipment. Computer screens, laptops, and other display devices. Employers must assess DSE workstation risks.
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment. Equipment worn to protect against health and safety risks. Should be the last resort after other controls.

HSE: Health and Safety Executive. The UK government agency responsible for workplace health and safety regulation and enforcement.

Risk Rating Matrix: A grid used to assess risk levels by combining likelihood scores with severity scores. Typically uses a 5x5 scale.

Fire Risk Assessment: A specific assessment required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Identifies fire hazards and protective measures.
Legionella Risk Assessment: An assessment of water systems to identify and control the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Required for commercial premises.
First Aid Needs Assessment: An assessment to determine appropriate first aid provision including equipment, facilities, and trained personnel.

Work at Height: Work in any place where a person could fall and injure themselves. Includes work above ground level or at ground level near an opening.
Confined Space: A space that is substantially enclosed, where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions.
Lone Working: Working alone without close or direct supervision. Requires specific risk assessment and communication procedures.
Hot Work: Work involving open flames, sparks, or heat sources. Includes welding, cutting, and grinding. Requires a permit to work.
Manual Handling: Transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. A major cause of workplace injuries requiring specific assessment.

Near Miss: An incident that did not cause injury or damage but had the potential to do so. Should be reported and investigated.
Dangerous Occurrence: A specified hazardous event that must be reported under RIDDOR, even if no one is injured.

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