Why Remote Risk Assessments Are on the Rise
Traditionally, a health and safety consultant would visit your premises in person, walk the floor, and take notes for an assessment. That still works well for many businesses, but it’s no longer the only option. Thanks to smartphones, video tools, and secure file sharing, much of this process can now be handled remotely.
A remote assessment might include:
- A video walkthrough of the premises (recorded or live)
- Photos and descriptions of specific work areas or equipment
- Online consultations with managers and staff
- Shared access to documents like floorplans, previous assessments, or incident logs
This method is not only convenient it’s often faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive to your business.
The Technology Behind It: Video, AI and Better Communication
Technology is playing a crucial role in making remote assessments viable and robust. For example:
📹 Video walkthroughs
A simple smartphone video can provide an assessor with a clear view of the working environment, from hazards on the floor to PPE use, lighting, and signage. These walkthroughs can be live (via a video call) or pre-recorded, depending on what works best.
🤖 AI assistance
Artificial Intelligence tools can support assessors by reviewing footage or images for hazards. For example, AI might highlight blocked exits, missing safety signage, or even detect incorrect lifting posture. While AI doesn’t replace a trained human assessor, it adds a valuable second layer of review, and it’s improving fast.
🌍 Cross-border and multi-site support
Remote assessments mean companies with multiple locations, hybrid workers or even international teams can be supported equally. What used to be a geographic limitation is now simply a scheduling question.
Remote Doesn’t Mean Lower Quality
One concern some businesses raise is whether a remote assessment is as thorough as an in-person one. The answer lies in the process. A good assessor will still:
- Gather detailed information about work activities and hazards
- Identify who might be affected (staff, contractors, visitors)
- Evaluate the likelihood and severity of risks
- Recommend control measures or improvements
- Provide written documentation and advice
All of this can be done remotely, with high-quality outcomes, provided there is good communication and clear visuals.
What About Remote Workers?
The rise in hybrid and home working means more people are now based outside traditional offices. Employers still have a legal duty to ensure their staff are working safely, even from home. Remote assessments are an ideal solution for reviewing workstation setups, equipment use, and general wellbeing for remote staff.
It also encourages a more inclusive and modern view of risk, acknowledging that workplace hazards can exist anywhere work happens.
The Future of Health and Safety Is Flexible
Remote assessments are not just a temporary solution, they’re a natural evolution in how we manage risk in a modern workplace. They help save time, reduce disruption, and open up access to expert advice regardless of where your business is based.
Whether you're a small team in a shared office, a warehouse with multiple sites, or a growing business with remote staff across the UK and beyond, remote assessments can help keep your people safe, and your business compliant.
Need a fresh look at your workplace risks? At What No Safety, we carry out fully compliant health and safety and risk assessments - remotely or in person - supported by modern tools and expert advice.