In July 2006 the HSE published a revised version of the guidance "Five Steps to Risk Assessment" which was first published in 1993. This is part of the HSE sensible risk assessment initiative. The revision is written in more straightforward language and it places greater emphasis on making sure that decisions are actually put into practice. The guidance is on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/risk and hard copies are available from HSE Books (01787 881165 Ref INDG163 (Rev 2).

The HSE has also published a list of principles of sensible risk management. This includes a statement that risk management is about balancing benefits and risks and enabling innovation and learning, not stifling them. Sensible risk management is not about creating a totally risk-free society, generating useless paperwork mountains or frightening people by exaggerating or publicising trivial risks.