Controlling Risks

Controlling risk starts with seeing it, then choosing structured controls. Optical practice risks are usually low to medium, but frequency is high, so controls need to be robust, quick to apply, and easy to check.^[1][3]

The five steps to risk assessment

Identify hazards. Decide who might be harmed and how. Evaluate the risk and choose controls. Record findings and implement. Review and update when things change or incidents occur.^[1]

Focusing on real work helps. Watching a clinic run, not just a checklist, reveals where people reach, carry, plug, clean, and move. Asking what gets in the way on a busy Saturday supports controls that still work then.^[4]

• Hierarchy of control: eliminate the hazard; substitute with a safer option; use engineering controls (guards, cable covers); use administrative controls (procedures, training, scheduling); supply PPE as the last line of defence.^[2]

Choosing controls that stick

Elimination and substitution often give the biggest gains.

Removing clutter, ditching unstable stools, and picking low-irritant cleaners are typical examples. Engineering controls prevent errors during pressure, such as cable covers that stop trips even when the phone is ringing.^[2]

Administrative controls help where engineered fixes are limited. Simple SOPs for room resets, labelled drawers, and agreed buffer times can reduce cognitive overload. PPE remains important for specific tasks, while not being the main defence.^[2]

Recording what was chosen and why

Each assessment can stay to one page. Stating the hazard, people at risk, chosen controls, who owns the change, and the review date keeps it practical. A brief "why" explaining the choice is useful, especially when costs ruled out a higher control level.^[1]

After incidents, revisiting the assessment allows updates to controls, assignment of owners, and a date to check effectiveness. Tracking whether related near misses fall over the next quarter shows impact.^[5]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Risk assessment: Steps needed to manage risk — Health and Safety Executive (2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) to control risks at work: Managing risk using PPE — Health and Safety Executive (2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Standards for optical businesses — General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Antonacci, G.; Lennox, L.; Barlow, J.; Evans, L.; Reed, J. Process mapping in healthcare: a systematic review — BMC Health Services Research (2021) Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Near‑miss Book: Recording and reporting near misses at work — HSE Books (February 2021) Find (opens in a new tab)