Workplace Risk Assessments for Irish Businesses
Workplace risk assessments are a structured review of your business to find what could cause harm, who might be affected, and what needs to be done to keep people safe. In Ireland, they are a legal requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and related regulations. Every employer, including small and medium businesses, must assess risks and put suitable controls in place.
This applies to offices, retail shops, cafés, restaurants, construction contractors, warehouses and many other workplaces. A proper risk assessment looks at everyday tasks, equipment, chemicals, manual handling, fire safety, slips and trips, and other hazards that could injure staff, customers, or visitors.
By carrying out and updating risk assessments, you help to:
- Comply with Irish health and safety law and HSA guidance
- Reduce workplace accidents, injuries and near-misses
- Lower insurance risk and support safer claims history
- Protect staff, customers and visitors from avoidable harm
- Demonstrate due diligence to inspectors, insurers and clients
- Provide peace of mind that key risks are identified and managed
A typical workplace risk assessment will usually include:
- Site inspection – walk-through of your premises and work activities
- Hazard identification – spotting anything that could cause harm
- Risk rating – assessing how likely and how severe the harm could be
- Control measures – deciding what needs to be done to reduce the risk
- Report – a clear written record of findings and recommended actions
For busy Irish SMEs, a clear, practical risk assessment is a simple way to stay compliant, protect your team, and run a safer, more confident business.
Risk Assessment Pricing for Irish Businesses
Small offices & professional services
Suitable for small offices, consultants, accountants, clinics and similar low‑risk workplaces. Usually includes: on‑site visit (1–2 hours), review of existing safety documentation, identification of key hazards, a clear written risk assessment report, practical recommendations to improve compliance, and a short follow‑up call to answer questions. Final pricing depends on office size, number of staff and any specific risks (e.g. lone working, client visits).
Typically €280–€450 + VAT
Retail shops & salons
For boutiques, convenience stores, barbers, hair and beauty salons, and similar premises. Pricing reflects customer footfall and manual handling risks. Typically includes: site walk‑through, review of stock storage and display areas, assessment of slips, trips and falls, fire and emergency arrangements, a written report with prioritised actions, and a follow‑up call. Final quote varies with floor area, stock levels, and number of locations.
Typically €320–€520 + VAT
Cafés & restaurants
Designed for cafés, takeaways, restaurants and small food production kitchens. Usually includes: on‑site visit covering kitchen, storage and customer areas, review of food‑related hazards, hot surfaces, cleaning chemicals and manual handling, a written risk assessment report aligned with Irish legislation, clear recommendations for staff training and procedures, and a follow‑up call. Final cost depends on kitchen complexity, opening hours and multiple outlets.
Typically €380–€650 + VAT
Small warehouses & light industrial units
For small warehouses, workshops, and light manufacturing units with moderate machinery or vehicle movements. Typically includes: site inspection of storage racking, loading bays and workstations, review of machinery and equipment risks, assessment of traffic routes and pedestrian safety, a detailed written report with practical control measures, and a follow‑up call. Final pricing depends on unit size, number of employees, and nature of equipment used.
Typically €450–€780 + VAT
Small construction & trades businesses
Suitable for small builders, electricians, plumbers, landscapers and similar trades, usually for project‑specific or company‑wide risk assessments. Typically includes: review of planned works or typical activities, site visit where required, assessment of key hazards (work at height, tools, vehicles, public interface), a written risk assessment or method statement with clear controls, and a follow‑up call. Final quote depends strongly on project size, number of sites and higher‑risk activities involved.
From €420 for simple jobs; €420–€900+ + VAT
All prices above are indicative only and are provided to give Irish business owners a transparent starting point. Final quotes are always confirmed in advance and depend on the size and layout of your premises, the number of locations, the nature of your work, and any specific or higher‑risk activities. Our aim is to provide clear, practical advice and fair, upfront pricing so you know exactly what is included before you proceed.
Risk Assessments for Irish Businesses – FAQs
How often should we do a risk assessment?
Under Irish law you must review risk assessments regularly, at least annually, and whenever there are significant changes in work, staff, equipment or incidents.
Do we legally need a written risk assessment report?
Yes. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to identify hazards, assess risks and keep a written record as part of the Safety Statement.
Can you update our existing Safety Statement instead of starting again?
In most cases yes. We review your current Safety Statement, update outdated sections, add missing risk assessments and ensure it reflects your present operations.
What affects the price of a risk assessment?
Cost depends mainly on business size, number of locations, type of activities, existing documentation quality and whether you need on-site visits, training or follow‑up support.
How long does a typical on-site visit take?
Most small to medium premises take 2–4 hours. Larger or higher‑risk sites may require a full day or multiple visits, especially with several departments or locations.
Is there a fixed price list for all businesses?
No. To stay fair and compliant, pricing is tailored to your sector, risk level and scope of work agreed in advance.
Ready for a compliant, tailored quote?
