A workplace risk assessment is one of the key tools for improving occupational safety and health conditions at work. Thus it plays an important role in protecting workers and businesses, as well as complying with the laws in many countries. It helps everyone focus on the risks that really matter in the workplace – the ones with the potential to cause real harm. In many instances, straightforward measures can readily control risks, for example providing drinking water to prevent dehydration, window blinds to reduce temperature gain in buildings, ensuring spillages are cleaned up promptly so people do not slip, or cupboard drawers are kept closed to ensure people do not trip. For most, that means simple, cheap and effective measures to ensure workers, businesses most valuable asset, are protected. A well conducted workplace risk assessment will contribute to the protection of workers by eliminating or minimizing work related hazards and risks. It should also benefit businesses through better organization of working practices potentially increasing productivity. The ILO “Training Package on Workplace Risk Assessments and Management for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” available at http://www.ilo. org/safework/info/instr/WCMS_215344/lang--en/index.htm provides further information on this subject. The methodology described in this guide is not the only way to conduct risk assessments, there are other methods that work well, particularly for more complex risks and circumstances. However, we believe this method is the most straightforward for the majority of organizations, in particular small and medium sized enterprises.