Quick answer
Review when there is reason to question the assessment or when relevant changes affect the risks or controls. Incidents, near misses, worker concerns and evidence of ineffective controls can trigger a review. A planned date helps manage the work, but does not justify waiting when conditions change.
Why changing the review date is not enough
A review asks whether the assessment still describes the work and whether the controls protect people. Simply signing the same document again may miss a changed task or a control that no longer works. HSE’s risk-assessment guidance includes checking controls and reviewing them where circumstances or evidence require it.
This guide uses GB HSE guidance. Northern Ireland employers should use the relevant HSENI risk-assessment guidance and NI framework.
Use triggers that connect evidence to a decision
| Trigger | Review question | Possible follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| New equipment, substances or methods | What exposure, movement or failure modes have changed? | Assess the change before relying on the old controls. |
| Layout, workload or staffing change | Can people still follow the method safely? | Observe the work and revise arrangements where needed. |
| Incident, near miss or worker concern | What does this reveal about the assessment or controls? | Investigate, address immediate risk and update relevant findings. |
| Defect or poor control performance | Is the control still suitable and effective? | Put safeguards in place and obtain competent help if necessary. |
| Planned review point | Have relevant changes or missed actions accumulated? | Confirm evidence, ownership and the next review arrangements. |
A trigger starts a proportionate review. It does not mean every minor change automatically requires rewriting every unrelated assessment.
Review the task, evidence and action together
- Confirm what work and people the assessment covers, including non-routine activities where relevant.
- Talk to the people doing the job and examine relevant incident, defect or monitoring information.
- Check whether the hazards, affected people and controls still match reality.
- Decide what needs changing and address immediate risks.
- Assign actions, dates and the evidence that will show completion.
- Communicate changes and check that the revised controls work.
HSE’s risk-management steps connect reviewing controls with involving workers and keeping relevant findings up to date. A review should lead to a decision, including a reasoned confirmation where no change is needed.
Example: a changed delivery route
A café changes its stock-delivery arrangements. Boxes now arrive during service and are moved through a route used by kitchen staff. The earlier assessment described a clear route before opening.
The manager reviews the actual timing, route, handling and people affected before relying on that assessment. The agreed arrangement allocates responsibility for receiving deliveries and maintaining the route, with a follow-up observation during a real delivery. The review records what changed and how the control was checked.
Set a review schedule without inventing an expiry date
Choose planned review arrangements appropriate to the work, risk and other applicable duties. Record the owner, the next planned check and the events that require an earlier review. There is no universal annual expiry date that makes every workplace assessment valid until that day.
Keep the current version identifiable and communicate relevant changes to affected people. Link actions to completion evidence, rather than leaving a list of proposed improvements attached to a newly signed document.
Common review failures
- Waiting for the annual date after a significant change.
- Updating the document without observing the task.
- Closing an action because equipment was ordered, without checking installation and use.
- Making changes without informing the people affected.
Related questions
Can a review conclude that the existing controls remain suitable?
Yes, if the review considers relevant evidence and the assessment remains appropriate. Record the decision and any checks or follow-up, rather than making changes solely to produce a new version.
Next steps
Select one assessment affected by a recent change or concern. Review the task with the workers, close any action gaps and record both the next planned check and the triggers for an earlier review.
Relevant next resource
Level 3 Health & Safety in the Workplace
The current Level 3 Health and Safety course includes risk assessment and monitoring for supervisors and managers; the business must still review its own tasks and controls.
From £43.50 GBP
Available
View certification