Risk Assessment: Confidential Data Handling¶

Document Reference: RA_HO_09
Issue Date: 04/07/2025
Review Date: 04/07/2026
Assessed By: HSQE Consultant Approved By: Aaron Mason

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

APP_07 Hazard Identification Log
IMS Manual (MAN_01)
Safe Systems of Work
Method Statements
Training Matrix

These Risk Assessments form part of A M Water Services Limited's Integrated Management System and should be read in conjunction with the IMS Manual (MAN_01) and relevant Standard Operating Procedures.