Risk Assessment

Market Trader Risk Assessment Guidance

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Ensuring a safe trading environment is essential for both traders and customers. A risk assessment helps identify potential hazards and implement control measures to reduce risks. This document provides guidance on how to complete a risk assessment, along with a completed example.

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Why is a Risk Assessment Important?

A risk assessment ensures that traders take necessary precautions to protect themselves, customers, and staff from harm. Local authorities, event organisers, and your insurance providers will require a completed risk assessment before allowing trading to take place.

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How to Complete a Risk Assessment

1. Identify Hazards – Consider all potential risks related to your market stall, such as slips, trips, adverse weather, fire hazards, and manual handling.

2. Determine Who is at Risk – Traders, customers, staff, and passersby may all be affected by different hazards.

3. Assess the Risk Level – Categorise risks as Low, Medium, or High, based on their likelihood and potential severity.

4. Implement Control Measures – Outline the steps taken to minimise each risk, such as using weights for gazebos, storing electrical cables safely, and following food hygiene regulations.

5. Record Further Actions Required – Note any additional steps necessary to improve safety.

6. Assign Responsibility – Specify who is responsible for implementing each safety measure.

7. Review and Update – Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever trading conditions change.

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Final Notes

Traders must ensure they take appropriate measures to reduce risks at their stalls. By completing a thorough risk assessment, traders create a safer environment for everyone, ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.

For additional guidance, consult your event organiser or local authority on specific safety requirements.

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Provided Template & Trader Responsibility

We have provided a risk assessment template to help traders assess potential risks associated with their stalls. The following example is for reference only and should not be used as a final document. Each trader must carefully review and amend their risk assessment to reflect the specific risks related to their own trading activities. Different stalls, setups, and environments may present unique hazards that must be individually assessed and addressed.