If a company has fewer than 5 employees, are risk assessments still required?

Risk assessments are indeed required for companies with fewer than 5 employees, but they do not necessarily need to be documented in writing. This is in line with health and safety regulations that emphasize the importance of identifying and managing risks in the workplace to ensure the safety of all employees, regardless of the size of the company.

For small businesses, although the formal documentation may not be mandated, it is still prudent to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement necessary controls. This ensures that safety measures are in place, contributing to a safe working environment. Documentation serves as a helpful reference, but when the workforce is very small, an informal approach that addresses risks can be deemed sufficient, which aligns with the requirements.