Risk Assessment Techniques

Overview

This is Lesson 3 of 6 in the unit Workplace Health Essentials designed for Year 13 students (aged 17-18), with SEND support, focusing on employability and life skills. The lesson introduces students to the risk assessment process in workplace settings in line with the National Curriculum for England expectations on Health and Safety in Employment (DfE, 2015, PSHE and Employability strands). Students will develop evaluative skills and risk mitigation strategies through practical, real-life examples.

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National Curriculum Links

• PSHE and Employability (Post-16)

  • Understanding health and safety responsibilities in the workplace.
  • Develop competence in identifying and managing risks to self and others.
  • Prepare for independent working through real-world workplace scenarios.

• Health and Safety Education (Statutory requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related guidance)

• Cross-curricular ties: Citizenship (responsible behaviour), English (communication), Maths (risk quantification).

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT identify and describe hazards in workplace environments.
• WALT apply the five-step risk assessment process to evaluate workplace risks.
• WALT devise practical strategies to reduce or control identified risks.
• WALT work collaboratively to communicate risk assessments effectively.

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Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

• List common workplace hazards with examples.
• Explain the 5 steps of risk assessment clearly.
• Complete a simple risk assessment form with identified hazards, risk levels, and control measures.
• Suggest relevant and realistic control strategies for common risks.
• Present their risk assessment with confidence and clarity.

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Resources Needed

• Printed simplified risk assessment templates
• Real-life workplace scenario cards (e.g. office, warehouse, kitchen)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Visual aids/posters summarising the 5-step risk assessment process
• Tablets or laptops (optional, for digital risk assessment tools)
• Safety equipment samples (e.g. gloves, helmets) for tactile exploration

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Timing and Activities

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation
0-5 mins	Starter: Hazard Spotting Quiz	Quick interactive quiz where teacher shows images of workplaces; students shout out hazards they see.	Use pictorial prompts for lower literacy. Provide word banks for vocabulary support.
5-15 mins	Introduction to Risk Assessment Process	Teacher-led explanation of the 5 steps: Identify hazards, decide who might be harmed, evaluate risks, record findings, review assessment. Use visual posters.	Use simplified language and visual aids; pair SEND learners with peers; check understanding frequently.
15-25 mins	Group Activity: Risk Assessment Practice	Students in groups of 3-4 receive scenario cards. They identify hazards, assess risks, and propose controls on the worksheet.	Mixed ability groups; offer templates with guiding questions for those who need support. Challenge higher ability groups to quantify likelihood and severity of hazards using simple scoring.
25-35 mins	Skills Development: Risk Level Rating	Teacher models how to rate risks (High, Medium, Low). Students rate hazards from their scenario and compare results.	Provide a clearly colour-coded risk matrix.
35-50 mins	Role-Play Presentations	Each group presents their risk assessment and control measures to class. Others provide feedback - focus on clarity and practicality.	Allow alternative presentation forms: verbal, written, or pictorial depending on communication needs.
50-55 mins	Plenary Discussion	Whole class discuss importance of risk assessments and how this skill applies to employability.	Encourage contributions from all learners, prompt with scaffolded questions.
55-60 mins	Extension Task (Homework or Challenge)	Create a personal risk assessment for a familiar environment (home or journey to work).	Extension for advanced learners: research UK workplace safety legislation and write a short explanation of employer and employee responsibilities.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual supports: Use pictures, symbols and colour-coded worksheets.
• Scaffolded worksheets: Step-by-step prompts to guide completion.
• Peer support: Pair SEND learners with supportive peers for activities.
• Varied outputs: Allow students to demonstrate understanding through speech, drawing, or writing.
• Pacing: Allow extra time or break tasks into smaller steps where necessary.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during group work and presentations.
• Check completed risk assessment worksheets for accuracy and completeness.
• Use questioning to assess understanding of key concepts.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Investigate different risk assessment models used in various UK industries (e.g. construction vs retail).
• Analyse a real workplace accident report and identify risk assessment failures.
• Draft a simplified workplace health and safety policy incorporating risk assessment procedures.

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Teacher Reflection Prompts

• Were the visual aids and scaffolds effective in supporting all learners?
• Did students demonstrate an ability to apply the 5-step process independently?
• How could the role-play activity be improved to further engage communication skills?
• Were extension learners adequately challenged without feeling isolated?

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Summary

This lesson ensures students gain hands-on experience and confidence in conducting risk assessments, a vital life skill for workplace safety and personal responsibility. The activities follow the National Curriculum for England PSHE and Employability standards, with careful consideration for SEND learners, preparing students for real-world employability challenges.