All businesses have risks they need to navigate, but it’s always handy to prevent negative risks before they even occur. Risk registers help you do just that.

What is a risk register?

A risk register is a risk management tool used to identify any risks that may be brought about by a business. They help businesses prevent and manage detrimental risks. 

They are usually large documents or online systems that act as a repository for all risks identified. From this point, businesses can fulfil regulatory compliance while also minimising risk.

With a risk register, businesses can compile and rank all the potential risks that could occur. Management techniques are also provided for each risk. This helps businesses stay on top of all of their risks to ensure that they aren’t venturing too far into dangerous territory.

Having a register of risks is important, as protecting employees, clients and the company should be a business’s number one priority. They help to ensure that businesses are maintaining ethical and safe processes. 

How to use a risk register

Step 1: Identify all risks that could occur in your business, the good and the bad.

Step 2: Create a list of all these risks.

Step 3: Assess the nature of these risks. Are they high risk, medium risk or low risk? Assign a numeric value to all of your risks.

Step 4: Develop a plan detailing how you would respond to the proposed risks.

Step 5: Continually monitor these risks and assign owners of each risk.

Step 6: Make sure everyone is aware of the potential risks, and their corresponding management techniques. Share your risk register with your entire company so that everyone is on the same page. 

Step 7: If any of these risks occur, resolve them using the planned techniques. 

Risk registers should be used for all business projects. By following these steps, businesses will be able to successfully reduce and monitor their risks. 

The benefits of using a register

1. They’re easy to use.
2. Identifying risks helps you prevent them.
3. Having a risk register indicates to those external to your business that you’re responsibly navigating your business procedures.
4. Risk registers ensure that your company responds in a unified manner in the face of risks.
5. Risk registers help your business run more smoothly.
6. Businesses can feel more comfortable taking risks if they know how to manage any negative outcomes.
7. With a risk register, your business will be more organised in the face of risks. Instead of freezing and panicking, you’ll successfully be able to navigate any adversity.

Businesses need to take risks in order to succeed, and with a risk register, the impact of these risks can be monitored, navigated and managed.
Interested in risk registers? Request a demo today.