Generic Risk Assessment
Stock collection
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the Generic Risk Assessment for stock collection
Download a printable copy of the Explanatory Notes
Explanatory Notes
This is a sample risk assessment for charity stock collection schemes. It is intended to provide an indication of the kind of risk control measures that should be considered. Although some of the control measures listed are required by law, not all of them should be considered as compulsory. These control measures should also not be seen as an exhaustive list of the means by which charities can eliminate or control risks in stock collection schemes.
This is a general risk assessment. A separate risk assessment of Manual Handling Operations is required by law.
It is a generic risk assessment and is, therefore, to be treated as a guide or a model for conducting scheme-specific assessments of individual stock collection schemes. It would be good practice for a charity to:
- amend the recommended control measures on this generic sample, adding and deleting as appropriate
- assess each individual stock collection scheme using the revised template to check whether the control measures are in operation and, if not, what further action is required, when, and by whom to reduce the remaining risks to an acceptable level
This sample risk assessment assumes that the main stock collection activities are house-to-house collections, one-off collections from private homes and the redistribution of stock between shops. There is space on the penultimate page for additional activities to be assessed, such as emptying banks, collecting/delivering furniture and collecting from companies.
This sample risk assessment also assumes that the vehicle driver is a paid employee of the charity and that the stock collectors assisting him are either employees or volunteers. It also assumes that the vehicle is owned, leased or hired by the charity. Significant amendments to this sample risk assessment would, therefore, be required to assess stock collection schemes that are:
- occasional, ad hoc schemes
- operated by self-employed drivers using their own vehicles
- operated by volunteers using their own vehicles
The risk assessment should be reviewed within 3 years and when:
- there is reason to believe it is no longer valid
- there have been significant changes to working practices or personnel
- or because there has been a serious accident or incident
Examples of significant changes to working practices would include:
- changes to the range of products collected (e.g. furniture)
- changes to the activities undertaken or equipment used, such as introducing the emptying of clothing banks
All staff involved should be informed about the significant findings of the risk assessment and the control measures they need to follow. There is space at the end of the risk assessment for recording details of how and when this is done. It is recommended that a copy of the assessment should be kept on file at the location from which the scheme .
This information is to provide charities with background information and guidance and is not a substitute for advice provided by the Health and Safety Executive or a suitably qualified professional advisor. For any queries about the implications of the contents of this pack on your charity, or require specific advice on the facts of your situation, please seek professional advice.
Please note that the Health and Safety Project is a joint Charity Retail Association/Oxfam project, funded in part by the European Agency for Health and Safety at work, and as a result, may be used by any charities. Please ensure that you read the explanatory notes below before using the pack.