Reimagining Risk Assessments for the Modern Workplace: A Student’s Innovative Take

At RHG we champion forward-thinking approaches to health and safety—especially when they come from one of our apprentices. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight Umayya Rahman’s recent success as a runner-up in the IOSH Student Member Competition, where Umayya tackled a timely and complex challenge: how risk assessments must evolve to meet the demands of today’s dynamic work environments.

The competition called for a five-minute recorded speech on the future of risk assessments in light of shifting employment landscapes—think COVID-19, hybrid models, and remote working. Umayya’s response was not only thoughtful but also refreshingly innovative. She proposed a four-pillar strategy that reframes risk assessments as adaptable, inclusive, and holistic tools for modern safety management.

Her four pillars—Cybersecurity, Accessibility and Communication, Ergonomics, and Wellbeing—reflect a deep understanding of the typical risks facing today’s workforce. For instance, she highlighted how cybersecurity risks are amplified in remote settings, where employees may be working from unsecured networks. She advocated for targeted training and supervision, tailored to the individual’s working location and digital exposure.

Equally compelling was her focus on monitoring and fairness. In hybrid and remote contexts, the risk of underperformance or burnout is real. Umayya proposed dynamic risk assessments that include structured work schedules, regular feedback loops, and inclusive policies to mitigate bias between remote and on-site staff. This approach ensures that risk assessments are not just reactive tools but proactive frameworks for equity and engagement.

Her insights into ergonomics and wellbeing were particularly resonant. She explored how hybrid workers face travel-related fatigue and cybersecurity threats, while remote workers may struggle with isolation and blurred work-life boundaries. Umayya called for risk assessments to address both mental and physical health—through data-driven feedback, promotion of healthy habits, and open conversations around mental wellbeing.

Perhaps most inspiring was her emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. She urged organisations to design risk assessments that account for diverse needs, including learning difficulties and neurodivergent conditions. This aligns closely with RHG values – safety strategies must be inclusive by design, not as an afterthought.

To tie it all together, Umayya recommended a hybrid model of risk assessment—blending the flexibility of dynamic assessments with the structure of standard documentation. This dual approach ensures that safety protocols remain both agile and accountable.

Umayya’s achievement—earning runner-up status and a £150 prize—is a testament to the power of fresh perspectives in shaping the future of workplace safety.

Congratulations Umayya, we are really proud of you and we look forward to seeing how your ideas continue to influence the future of health and safety.