Dear all - My employer owns the buildings (including kitchens) on a multi site operation but have contracted out the catering service. We (owner) need to risk assess the kitchen area from an 'owner/ultimate building controller' point of view and the catering service needs to also, both task and area risk assessments. As such would you carry out the 'area risk assessments' separately so that the liability issues in case of accidents are kept clearer, or would you carry out joint assessments in the spirit of 'communication and cooperation'.

As above, ideally you need to engage contractors in the process, whether that is by reviewing their risk assessments etc or doing them jointly is a matter of preference. However, the latter is the better choice and particularly if this is to be a long standing arrangement. It's all about co-operation as both the employers and contractor will have duties to fulfil.

Thanks for your replies - helpful and has confirmed our actions up to now and my thoughts for future progression. Bilbo - interesting point ref: the contract wording - it's an inherited contract and is the worst I've ever seen. Thoroughly wooly with an eternal ability to have extra charges levelled at us for items which we have no control over. That's quite a different discussion however! Have a marvellous Xmas everyone.

Bilbo you didn't mention Fire Safety. It should have been covered also. As the response from mootoppers advises that the contract is not a good one then I would go for the H&S and Fire Safety of the facility and fixture/fittings lying with mootoppers employers.

Son of skywalker