The Role of Specialist Risk Assessments in Care Homes

Care homes across the UK face a unique combination of health and safety challenges. With vulnerable residents, frequent staff turnover, the use of hazardous substances, and often ageing buildings. There is no room for complacency when it comes to compliance and resident safety.

As we move through 2025, regulatory oversight is becoming more rigorous. Fire services, local authorities, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are increasingly proactive in inspecting care homes. Not only for clinical care standards, but for how well risks are identified and managed. This is why professional, sector-specific risk assessments for care homes in the UK are no longer just best practice. They are essential for legal compliance and the wellbeing of residents.

Why Risk Assessments Are Vital in UK Care Homes

Unlike standard workplaces, care homes operate around the clock. They provide accommodation for highly vulnerable individuals, and manage a variety of health and safety risks. As such, they fall under several UK regulations, including:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)
• Legionella control guidance under ACOP L8

A generic or template-based risk assessment simply isn’t suitable in this complex environment. Instead, tailored care home risk assessments are required to properly identify and mitigate risks while meeting the expectations of UK regulators.

Common Health and Safety Risks in Care Homes

Carrying out a thorough risk assessment in a care home environment should address key hazards, including:

• Fire risks – stemming from oxygen therapy, smoking areas, outdated electrical systems, and obstructed escape routes
• Legionella risk – particularly in underused outlets, poorly maintained plumbing, and stagnant water systems
• Hazardous substances – such as cleaning agents, clinical waste, and aerosol sprays in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
• Gas safety issues – especially where LPG or natural gas is used for cooking or heating

When left unchecked, these risks can result in enforcement action, prosecution, and reputation damage. Or in extreme cases, serious harm to residents and staff.

The HSRA: Experts in Risk Assessment for the Care Sector

At The HSRA, we specialise in risk assessments for care homes across the UK. We understand the day-to-day operational realities of care settings and work considerately around staff, visitors, and residents. Helping to deliver assessments that are comprehensive and easy to action.

Our services include:

• Fire risk assessments, including evacuation strategies tailored for vulnerable residents
• Legionella risk assessments and water safety management plans
• COSHH and DSEAR compliance reviews, ensuring safe handling and storage of hazardous materials
• Clear, CQC-ready reporting, with actionable insights to help you meet both legal obligations and quality standards

We don’t just tick boxes. We act as your compliance partner, helping you foster a safer environment for everyone in your care.

Stay Compliant, Safe, and Inspection-Ready in 2025

Choosing The HSRA means choosing peace of mind. Our bespoke risk assessments for care homes in the UK go far beyond templates and tick lists. We deliver a structured, expert-led process designed to identify risk, drive improvement, and prepare you for any inspection.

Whether you run a single care home or manage a portfolio across multiple regions, we can tailor our services to your specific needs, ensuring compliance, safety, and the highest standards of care. Speak to a member of the The HRSA team today!