RA_HO_09 — Confidential Data Handling¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA_HO_09 |
| Issue Date | 04/07/2025 |
| Next Review | 04/07/2026 |
| Assessed By | Sean Ashton (HSQE Consultant) |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
| Classification | Controlled |
Download this risk assessment
The page below is the canonical record. The Word document is the same content as a downloadable snapshot — use it for offline copies, paper records or sign-off briefings.
Related: APP_07 Hazard Identification Log · APP_08 OHS Hazard Assessments Register
Task/Activity¶
Handling, storing, and disposing of confidential information
Location¶
All work locations including home offices
Persons at Risk¶
- Client-facing staff
- Data subjects
- Company reputation
- Regulatory compliance
Hazards and Controls¶
| Hazard | Existing Controls | S | L | R | Additional Controls | S | L | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breach of client confidentiality | Clear desk policy, locked storage | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Enhanced training, audit programme | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| WIRS data exposure | Access controls, training | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Regular reviews, secure systems | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Commercial sensitivity breach | Confidentiality agreements, procedures | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Secure disposal verification, monitoring | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Paper document mishandling | Lockable filing, shredding policy | 2 | 2 | 🟢 4 | Confidential waste bins, collection service | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Screen privacy in public | Privacy screens, awareness | 2 | 3 | 🟡 6 | Mandatory privacy filters, positioning guidance | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Verbal disclosure | Training, private spaces | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Sound masking, meeting protocols | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Device theft/loss | Encryption, remote wipe | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Device tracking, biometric locks | 3 | 1 | 🟢 3 |
| Printing errors | Secure print release, collection | 2 | 2 | 🟢 4 | Pull printing, watermarking | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
PPE Requirements¶
- Not applicable
Training Requirements¶
- Data protection training
- Confidentiality awareness
- Secure disposal methods
- GDPR requirements
- Information classification
- Clean desk procedures
Emergency Procedures¶
- Data breach response
- Containment procedures
- Notification protocols
- Investigation process
- Remedial actions
- Regulatory reporting
Monitoring¶
- Disposal records
- Incident tracking
Risk Assessment Summary¶
Risk Scoring Matrix¶
- Severity (S): 1=Negligible, 2=Minor, 3=Serious, 4=Catastrophic
- Likelihood (L): 1=Remote, 2=Unlikely, 3=Likely, 4=Almost Certain
- Risk Rating: 🟢 Low (1-5), 🟡 Medium (6-11), 🔴 High (12-16)
Document Control¶
- All risk assessments reviewed annually
- Update following incidents or changes
- Approved by senior management
- Communicated to all relevant parties
Related Documents¶
- APP_07 Hazard Identification Log
- IMS Manual (MAN_01)
- Safe Systems of Work
- Method Statements
- Training Matrix
Risk Scoring Matrix (4 × 4)¶
- Severity (S): 1 = Negligible · 2 = Minor · 3 = Serious · 4 = Catastrophic
- Likelihood (L): 1 = Remote · 2 = Unlikely · 3 = Likely · 4 = Almost Certain
- Risk Rating (R = S × L): 🟢 Low (1-5) · 🟡 Medium (6-11) · 🔴 High (12-16)
This RA uses the same 4 × 4 matrix applied across APP_07, APP_08 and all sister RAs for auditor consistency.
How this document is approved
This document is maintained under AMWS's continuous-compliance model. Substantive revisions are reviewed and signed off by the Directors at the standing weekly Director / HSQE compliance call (Sean Ashton, Onyx + Leanne Mason). Currency, cross-references and minor edits are checked at the monthly Onyx site visit. The annual Management Review (September) provides the strategic-level confirmation. Compliance is therefore continuous, not gated on a single annual meeting.