The carrying out a risk assessment is a routine event in the dental workplace to ensure the health and safety of all persons on the premises. Which one of the following actions should be the first stage of those listed?

The first stage in a risk assessment is identifying the risk. This initial step is crucial because it involves recognizing potential hazards that could cause harm to patients, staff, or visitors within the dental workplace. By identifying the risks, you lay the groundwork for more detailed assessments that follow, such as evaluating the risks and determining who might be affected by them.

Understanding risks allows the dental team to create a comprehensive action plan for managing those identified hazards. This proactive approach ensures that appropriate controls can then be put in place to minimize or eliminate the risk to everyone's health and safety. Effective risk identification sets the tone for the entire risk assessment process, making it an essential starting point for promoting a safe working environment.