Risk assessments exist for two reasons. The first is to protect the organisation legally. The second is to actually help leaders think through the hazards in an activity and plan appropriate responses. Most risk assessments achieve the first goal and fall short of the second because they are written to satisfy a checklist rather than to genuinely engage with the risks of the specific activity on the specific day.

Start With the Specific Activity

A generic risk assessment for "bushwalking" is less useful than one written for the specific route, with the specific group, in the anticipated conditions. The hazards on a 4km grade 2 track with a group of 12-year-olds on a summer day are different to those on a 15km grade 4 route with adults in winter. Start with the specific facts and write from there.

Hazard, Likelihood, Consequence

The standard risk matrix rates each hazard by its likelihood and consequence. A high-likelihood, low-consequence event, like minor blisters, is managed differently to a low-likelihood, high-consequence event like a serious fall. The matrix is a tool for prioritising attention and resources, not for ticking boxes. Focus the detail of your assessment on the hazards that would genuinely matter if they occurred.

Control Measures That Are Actually Implemented

The control measure column is where most risk assessments become theoretical. Writing "ensure all participants wear appropriate footwear" is only a control measure if someone actually checks footwear before the activity starts. If you list a control, you need a plan for how it gets implemented in practice and who is responsible for it.

Review It Before You Go

A risk assessment written two weeks before an activity needs to be reviewed the day before against the current forecast and any changed conditions. Weather, water levels, participant numbers, and team capability can all change between writing and running the activity. The risk assessment should reflect the conditions you are actually going into.

LogsKeptSimple Risk Assessment Library

The risk assessment tools in LogsKeptSimple include a library of pre-built risk assessments for common outdoor activities. These can be customised for your specific activity, saved to your account, and linked to your activity plan and log. Having the risk assessment, activity plan, and log record in the same place simplifies documentation and review.