How to Complete an Environmental Risk Assessment

Environmental risk assessments are an essential process for organisations aiming to mitigate the impact of their operations on the environment. 

They identify, evaluate, and manage potential risks that could harm ecosystems, communities, and regulatory compliance for organisations. In order to complete them effectively, organisations must provide and overview of what environmental risk assessments entail, their significance, key components, and practical example illustrate their application.

What Is an Environmental Risk Assessment?

An Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) is a systematic approach to identifying and evaluating potential environmental hazards associated with business operations, projects, or events. Its primary goal is to prevent, reduce, or manage negative impacts on the environment while ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations. 

This process typically involves identifying potential risks to the environment, assessing their likelihood and severity, and developing mitigation strategies. ERAs apply to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and energy, where activities could pose risks to air, water, soil, and biodiversity.

ERAs are also a proactive way for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, improving customer relations.

Why Are Environmental Risk Assessments Important?

Legal Compliance

Many countries enforce strict environmental regulations to protect natural resources and public health. Conducting an ERA ensures that your organisation complies with these laws, avoiding fines, penalties, and reputational damage.

Environmental Protection

By identifying and mitigating potential risks, ERAs play a crucial role in minimising harmful effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources. This helps preserve biodiversity and contributes to broader sustainability goals.

Financial Benefits

Environmental risks, such as pollution incidents or resource depletion, can result in significant financial losses to correct mistakes. ERAs help organisations identify cost-effective mitigation measures, preventing costly liabilities.

Stakeholder Trust

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulators, expect organisations to act responsibly. A thorough ERA signals your commitment to environmental accountability, fostering trust and enhancing your reputation.

What Should Be Included in an Environmental Risk Assessment?

A comprehensive ERA involves the following steps:

Identify Environmental Aspects: Pinpoint activities, products, or services that could interact with the environment. Examples include carbon emissions, waste generation, and resource use.

Determine Potential Risks: Assess how these interactions could negatively impact the environment. Consider air and water pollution, soil contamination, or harm to wildlife.

Assess Likelihood and Severity: Evaluate the probability of each risk occurring and the magnitude of its impact. This is often done using a risk matrix.

Develop Mitigation Strategies: Propose actions to reduce or eliminate risks. This could include using cleaner technologies, improving waste management, or conducting employee training.

Monitor and Review: Regularly review the ERA to ensure its effectiveness and adapt to changes in operations or regulations.

Environmental Risk Assessment Example

To understand the practical application of an ERA, consider a construction project near a river.

Identified Risks

The following examples highlight key environmental risks and mitigation strategies you might encounter in this scenario, and measures an organisation might want to put in place:

Soil Erosion

Risk: Excavation could lead to soil erosion, affecting river water quality.
Mitigation: Use erosion control measures such as silt fences and vegetation barriers.

Water Contamination

Risk: Accidental spillage of construction materials could pollute the river.
Mitigation: Implement strict spill prevention protocols and have spill response kits on-site.

Air Pollution

Risk: Equipment emissions could degrade local air quality.
Mitigation: Use low-emission machinery and suppress dust with water sprays.

Noise Pollution

Risk: Construction noise could disturb nearby wildlife and residents.
Mitigation: Limit noisy activities to daytime hours and use sound barriers.

Waste Generation

Risk: Improper waste disposal could harm the environment.
Mitigation: Develop a waste management plan, ensuring segregation and recycling of materials.

Consider upcoming projects in your organisation, and the hazards that might arise from them as an exercise. If you feel you need more information how to identify them, the NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate is a well renowned course that will provide you with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate the risks within your specific industry.

Our learner and NEBOSH award winner, Michael Davies HSE Business Partner at Ocado, thoroughly enjoyed his time on the course and has already begun to implement changes within his organisation. Find out more about his experience in our interview with him.

5 Common Environmental Risks You Might Want to Consider

There are a number of common risks you that are present across a wide range of industries, which we’d recommend you keep an eye out for.

Air Pollution

Industrial activities and vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution, impacting human health and ecosystems. Mitigation strategies include using cleaner technologies and monitoring emissions.

Water Pollution

Contamination of water sources from chemicals, waste, or spills can harm aquatic life and water quality. Ensure proper waste disposal and spill management protocols are in place.

Soil Contamination

Improper handling of hazardous materials can degrade soil quality, affecting agriculture and ecosystems. Use secure storage and disposal methods to prevent contamination.

Loss of Biodiversity

Development projects often disrupt natural habitats, threatening wildlife. Conduct ecological surveys and implement conservation measures to minimise habitat loss.

Resource Depletion

Overuse of natural resources like water, minerals, and forests can lead to scarcity and environmental imbalance. Embrace sustainable resource management practices and recycling.

By identifying and addressing potential environmental risks, organisations can ensure compliance, protect ecosystems, and enhance their reputation among stakeholders. Whether you're managing a construction project, running a manufacturing facility, or launching a new initiative, it’s imperative you have the correct training to identify risks and impacts to the environment from your work.

The NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate, below, is the perfect course for those looking to achieve new heights in their environmental activities. Sign up with no hidden costs or exam fees, just real value.