Ask a solicitor: Does it really matter if I haven't done a risk assessment?

I know I am supposed to have a health and safety statement in place and Risk Assessment Document, but I have kept putting it off. What it is the importance of this?

I know I am supposed to have a health and safety statement in place and Risk Assessment Document, but I have kept putting it off. What it is the importance of this?

Dear Karen, 

I am operating a dairy farm and am self-employed with no employees. I obviously have family members come onto the farm from time to time, and contractors etc.