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You will then need to decide if the precautions already in place are adequate. If they are not, you may need to think about what more you can do. When done formally, this is known as a risk assessment.
If you are an employer
You must complete a risk assessment, and it will need to meet specific requirements. Most importantly, it must identify the steps you will take to meet health and safety regulations.
If you are not an employer
If you own or control premises but are not an employer, you may still have to complete detailed risk assessments for certain hazards, for example, asbestos. These will have to meet specific requirements and, in some cases, you may need specialist support.
Completing risk assessments for your church
The level of detail in your risk assessment should be proportionate to the risk.
Small churches
A small church with a small building, typically set in a rural location, engaged in normal church activities, for example, usual weekend services, a small congregation, and hosting a few – if any – community fundraising events.
For most small churches with few hazards, the risk assessment can be quite simple based on your judgement and reference to appropriate guidance.
Large churches
A large church is one with a large building, or that is very active, with a significant number of employees, volunteers, and visitors, or where there are many diverse activities. Your assessment should reflect this.
Completing risk assessments is not about creating huge amounts of paperwork - it is about identifying sensible precautions for your church.
A risk assessment alone won’t prevent accidents from happening. It is important that you take the precautions you have identified and maintain these actions.
Want to know more?
For more information about church risk assessments, why not download our guides?