Risk Assessment Generator
Create a Risk Assessments in 4 easy to use steps
Create Your Free Risk Assessment – Simple, Fast, and HSE-Compliant
Create a free risk assessment quickly and easily in 4 simple steps with our free Risk Assessment Templates. Simply complete the form below to generate a customised standard risk assessment for your workplace activities. Our templates follow HSE best-practice guidance and are suitable for all industries, helping you identify hazards, evaluate risks, and apply the appropriate control measures. Choose from over 100 ready-made risk assessment templates ready to add to your task, or create your own using our 4-step risk assessment generator. Get started now—complete the form below and create your own free standard risk assessment today.
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Risk Assessments
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Risk Assessment Matrix
Likelihood
- 5 = Certain
- 4 = Likely
- 3 = Possible
- 2 = Unlikely
- 1 = Remote
Severity
- 5 = Fatality
- 4 = Major Injury
- 3 = Lost Time Injury
- 2 = Minor injury
- 1 = Trivial Injury
Risk Rating [L x S]
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Get Started — Create Your Free Risk Assessment in 4 Easy Steps
What Is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards in the workplace, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining the appropriate control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level. It is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law and forms the foundation of any effective safety management system.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a risk assessment as “simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.” Every employer, self-employed person, and contractor with five or more employees must record their risk assessments in writing.
Why Do You Need a Risk Assessment?
Risk assessments are not just good practice — they are a legal obligation. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), employers have a general duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone affected by their work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) make this more specific by requiring employers to:
- Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks to employees and others
- Implement preventive and protective measures based on the assessment findings
- Appoint competent persons to assist with health and safety arrangements
- Provide appropriate training and information to employees about risks and control measures
- Review and update assessments whenever there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid
Failure to conduct adequate risk assessments can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution. Under the Sentencing Guidelines for Health and Safety Offences, fines for serious breaches can reach millions of pounds, with custodial sentences possible for the most serious failures.
The HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment Process
The HSE recommends a straightforward 5-step approach to risk assessment that our free risk assessment generator is designed to follow:
Step 1: Identify the Hazards
Walk around your workplace and look at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm. Consider activities, processes, substances, equipment, and working conditions. Our generator includes a library of over 100 pre-populated risk templates covering common hazards across construction, healthcare, transport, manufacturing, and general workplace environments.
Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How
For each hazard, identify who could be affected — employees, contractors, visitors, members of the public, or vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant employees, or those with disabilities. Consider how the harm could occur and the potential severity.
Step 3: Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Control Measures
Assess the likelihood and severity of each risk using a risk matrix. Our generator automatically calculates risk ratings and provides suggested control measures following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Them
Document your assessment, communicate the findings to employees, and put control measures in place. Our generator produces a professional, fully formatted risk assessment document that you can save, share electronically, and collect digital signatures from workers to confirm they have read and understood the assessment.
Step 5: Review and Update Regularly
Risk assessments are living documents. Review them when work practices change, after an incident, when new equipment or substances are introduced, or at least annually. Our platform stores your assessments in your user dashboard so you can easily update and re-issue them.
Who Needs a Risk Assessment?
Every employer in the UK must conduct risk assessments, regardless of industry or business size. Specific regulations also require risk assessments for particular activities and situations, including:
- Construction — Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) require risk assessments as part of the construction phase plan
- Manual Handling — Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require assessment of manual handling tasks
- Hazardous Substances — COSHH Regulations 2002 require assessment of exposure to hazardous substances
- Display Screen Equipment — DSE Regulations 1992 require workstation assessments for habitual users
- Working at Height — Work at Height Regulations 2005 require risk assessment before any work at height
- Fire Safety — Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a fire risk assessment for all non-domestic premises
- Noise — Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require assessment of noise exposure levels
Self-employed workers, landlords, and anyone managing non-domestic premises also have legal duties to assess risks. Our free risk assessment templates cover all these scenarios and more.
Why Use Our Free Risk Assessment Generator?
Our online risk assessment generator simplifies the entire process. Instead of starting from a blank template, you can:
- Choose from over 100 pre-built risk templates with defined hazards, risks, and control measures
- Customise every detail — add your own risks, edit control measures, and tailor the assessment to your specific workplace
- Automatic risk calculation — our built-in risk matrix calculates severity, likelihood, and residual risk scores
- Add your company logo for professional, branded documents
- Collect digital signatures — share assessments with workers and collect electronic sign-offs, with up to 100 signatures per document for free users
- Export to PDF — download professional documents ready for site files, audits, or client submissions
- Save and manage — store all your assessments in your dashboard, update them anytime, and track review dates
Whether you are a sole trader completing your first risk assessment or a safety manager creating RAMS for a construction project, our generator saves time while ensuring your assessments meet HSE best-practice guidance and UK regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Risk Assessments
What must a risk assessment include?
A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must identify the hazards present in the workplace, determine who might be harmed and how, evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm, record the existing control measures in place, and identify any additional actions needed to reduce risk. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of their assessment in writing. Our risk assessment generator guides you through each of these elements step by step.
How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?
There is no fixed legal timeframe for reviewing risk assessments, but the HSE recommends reviewing them whenever there is a significant change — such as new equipment, substances, processes, or staff — or after an accident, incident, or near miss. As good practice, most organisations review risk assessments at least annually. Our generator includes a review date feature so you can set reminders and track when assessments are due for review.
Do I need a risk assessment if I am self-employed?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, self-employed workers must conduct risk assessments if their work activities could pose a risk to others, including clients, members of the public, or workers on shared sites. If you employ anyone else, you must assess risks to your employees. Many clients and principal contractors also require self-employed workers to provide written risk assessments before starting work on site.
What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?
A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and determines control measures. A method statement describes the safe system of work — the step-by-step sequence of how a task should be carried out safely, incorporating the control measures identified in the risk assessment. Together they form a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement), which is commonly required on construction sites and for high-risk activities. Health & Safety Zone offers both risk assessment and method statement generators.
What is a risk matrix and how does it work?
A risk matrix (also called a risk assessment matrix) is a tool used to evaluate the level of risk by combining the likelihood of a hazard causing harm with the potential severity of that harm. Each factor is scored on a scale (typically 1–5), and the scores are multiplied to give an overall risk rating. Our risk assessment generator uses a built-in risk matrix that automatically calculates risk scores for each hazard, colour-codes them (green, amber, red), and recalculates the residual risk after control measures are applied.
Is this risk assessment generator really free?
Yes. Our risk assessment generator is completely free to use. You can create a free account, generate risk assessments using our pre-populated templates or your own custom risks, add your company logo, collect up to 100 digital signatures per document, and export to PDF — all at no cost. There are no hidden charges, no trial periods, and no credit card required. We also offer free toolbox talk templates, company policy templates, method statement templates, and COSHH assessment templates.
Can I use these risk assessments for a construction site?
Absolutely. Our template library includes comprehensive construction risk assessments covering working at height, excavation, scaffolding, demolition, electrical safety, confined spaces, asbestos, manual handling, plant and machinery, and many more. These templates are designed to meet the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) and can be customised to your specific site, activity, and project. You can also create RAMS by pairing a risk assessment with one of our method statement templates.
Available Risk and Control Measure Templates
Refrigerants (Freon, Ammonia) Exposure
- Respiratory issues and asphyxiation from inhalation of refrigerants in confined spaces.
- Skin and eye irritation from direct contact with refrigerants.
- Environmental damage due to release of refrigerants affecting ozone depletion and global warming.
Battery Acids (Lead-acid Batteries) Exposure
- Chemical burns from acid leaks or spills.
- Hydrogen gas explosion risk in areas with poor ventilation, particularly during charging.
- Environmental pollution from improper disposal or accidental release.
Fuel (Diesel and Petrol) Exposure
- Fire and explosion risk from vapours coming into contact with ignition sources.
- Skin irritation and dermatitis from direct contact with fuel.
- Respiratory irritation from inhaling fuel vapours, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
Mould Exposure
- Respiratory issues, including asthma exacerbations, allergic reactions, and other respiratory infections from inhaling mould spores.
- Skin irritation or dermatitis from direct contact with mould.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Exposure
- Cancer risk from long-term exposure to PCBs.
- Immune system suppression, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
- Reproductive system effects, including reduced fertility and birth defects.
- Nervous system effects, potentially leading to learning difficulties and behavioural changes.
- Endocrine system disruption, affecting hormone levels and regulation.
Mercury Exposure
- Neurological and behavioural disorders due to inhalation of mercury vapour or ingestion of mercury-contaminated particles.
- Kidney damage and skin rashes from direct exposure to mercury.
Isocyanates Exposure
- Respiratory issues such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other breathing difficulties due to inhalation.
- Skin irritation, dermatitis, and sensitisation from direct contact.
Solvent Exposure
- Inhalation of solvent vapours leading to respiratory issues, neurological effects, and organ damage.
- Skin contact causing dermatitis, irritation, and chemical burns.
Cement Dust Exposure
- Respiratory issues due to inhalation of cement dust, including chronic bronchitis and silicosis.
- Skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, and chemical burns from wet cement.
Lead-Based Paint Exposure
- Lead poisoning, which can affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive system, and cause developmental disorders in children.
- Dust inhalation and ingestion of lead particles during and after renovation or demolition activities.
Silica Dust Exposure
- Respiratory issues including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from inhaling silica dust.
- Eye irritation or damage due to direct exposure to dust particles.
Legal and Regulatory Changes
- Non-compliance leading to legal penalties and fines
- Increased operational costs to meet new regulatory requirements
- Disruptions to cross-border transportation due to changes in international regulations
Talent Acquisition and Retention
- Reduced operational capacity due to vacancies
- Increased training and recruitment costs
- Potential decline in service quality due to inexperienced staff
Economic and Market Volatility
- Increased operational costs due to fuel price volatility and currency fluctuations
- Reduced demand for services in economic downturns leading to financial strain
- Difficulty in planning and budgeting due to unpredictable market conditions
Health Crises and Pandemics
- Reduced workforce availability due to illness or quarantine measures
- Disruptions in demand patterns, leading to operational inefficiencies
- Supply chain interruptions due to global or local restrictions
Supply Chain Disruptions
- Delays in deliveries leading to customer dissatisfaction and contractual penalties
- Increased costs due to rerouting or expedited shipping
- Loss of business or revenue due to inability to meet demand
Sustainability and Environmental Impact (Fleet & Logistics)
- Non-compliance with environmental regulations leading to legal penalties
- Negative impact on company reputation due to perceived environmental negligence
- Direct harm to the environment through pollution and waste
Miscommunication and Coordination Failures in Management
- Delays in delivery and service provision leading to client dissatisfaction
- Compromised safety due to unclear or incorrect information
- Increased operational costs due to inefficiencies and duplications
Insurance and Liability Issues with Subcontracted Drivers
- Financial losses due to liability claims not covered by insurance
- Legal complications from accidents involving underinsured subcontracted drivers
- Damage to company reputation from incidents involving subcontracted drivers
Lack of Training and Familiarisation for Subcontracted Drivers
- Increased risk of accidents due to unfamiliarity with vehicle controls and handling
- Potential for delays and inefficiencies due to lack of route knowledge
- Increased likelihood of safety protocol breaches
Driver Fatigue Among Subcontracted Drivers
- Increased likelihood of road accidents due to impaired judgment and slower reaction times
- Health issues for drivers due to inadequate rest
- Potential for severe legal and financial repercussions for the company due to non-compliance with driving hours regulations
Subcontractor Compliance and Safety Standards
- Increased risk of accidents due to non-compliance with safety standards
- Legal liabilities and penalties for non-compliance with regulations
- Damage to company reputation due to subcontractors’ actions
HGV Overloading
- Increased risk of vehicle accidents due to decreased stability and increased stopping distances
- Enhanced wear and tear on road infrastructure leading to damage
- Potential legal penalties and fines for overloading
Non-Compliance with LGV Regulations
- Legal penalties and fines for non-compliance
- Increased accident risk due to non-adherence to vehicle safety standards
- Potential for invalidation of insurance coverage
Inadequate Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance
- Increased likelihood of vehicle breakdowns
- Higher risk of accidents due to vehicle malfunctions
- Delayed deliveries and operational inefficiencies
Vehicle Defects Leading to Accidents
- Vehicle breakdowns causing accidents or road blockages
- Increased risk of collisions due to malfunctioning vehicle components
- Potential for injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident
Driver Licensing and Certification Risks
- Increased risk of accidents due to lack of skill or knowledge
- Legal penalties and fines for non-compliance with licensing requirements
- Increased insurance premiums
Fuel Price Fluctuation and Management
- Increased operational costs
- Reduced profit margins
- Challenges in budgeting and financial planning
Cross-border Transportation Challenges
- Delays due to customs clearance and border checks
- Financial losses from fines or penalties for non-compliance with customs regulations
- Disruptions in supply chain due to political instability
Health and Safety Risks in Warehousing and Material Handling
- Injuries from manual handling (e.g., musculoskeletal disorders)
- Accidents involving warehouse machinery and equipment (e.g., forklifts)
- Slips, trips, and falls due to poor warehouse conditions
Cybersecurity Threats in Fleet Management Systems
- Unauthorized access to sensitive information
- Disruption of fleet operations
- Potential for controlled vehicles to cause accidents
Environmental Conditions and Natural Disasters
- Delays and disruptions in deliveries
- Increased risk of vehicle accidents
- Damage to goods and infrastructure
Compliance with Transportation Regulations
- Legal penalties including fines and sanctions
- Increased risk of accidents due to non-compliance with safety standards
- Damage to reputation and potential loss of business licenses
Mechanical Failures Leading to Road Incidents
- Vehicle breakdowns leading to road incidents
- Collisions due to brake failure or tyre blowouts
- Increased risk of accidents due to faulty lights or signals
Incorrect Cargo Loading
- Vehicle overturning due to imbalance
- Damage to goods leading to financial loss
- Road accidents causing injury or fatality
Cargo Theft
- Financial loss
- Physical harm during theft incidents
- Loss of sensitive information (if the cargo includes data-bearing devices)
Vehicle Accidents Due to Driver Fatigue
- Decreased alertness and reaction time
- Increased likelihood of vehicle accidents
- Potential for serious injury or fatality
Electrical Hazards (Traffic Management)
- Risk of electrocution from accidental contact with overhead power lines while handling tall equipment or machinery.
- Potential for electric shock, burns, or secondary injuries from digging or drilling into underground power cables during the installation of traffic management devices.
- Disruption of electrical services causing additional hazards or delays in traffic management operations.
Adverse Weather Conditions (Traffic Management)
- Health risks such as hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or dehydration from working in extreme cold, heat, or direct sunlight.
- Increased risk of slips, trips, and falls due to icy, wet, or windy conditions affecting the stability of traffic management equipment and the safety of the work environment.
- Reduced visibility in fog, heavy rain, or snow, impacting the effectiveness of traffic management measures and increasing the risk of accidents.
Manual Handling (Traffic Management)
Operatives involved in the physical tasks of lifting, carrying, and setting up traffic management equipment such as cones, signs, barriers, and temporary traffic lights.
Slips, Trips, and Falls (Traffic Management)
- Slips due to wet, icy, or oily surfaces within the work zone.
- Trips from uneven surfaces, exposed cables, or debris in areas where traffic management activities are taking place.
- Falls from height while installing or removing signage, barriers, or other traffic management equipment.
Struck by Moving Equipment
- Operatives struck by vehicles or equipment being used within the work zone for traffic management purposes, such as arrow boards, light towers, and variable message signs (VMS).
- Injuries resulting from moving or adjusting heavy traffic management devices, including barriers, cones, and signage.
- Risk of collision with equipment during deployment, retrieval, or transportation phases, especially in confined or complex work zones.
Vehicle Collisions (Traffic Management)
- Operatives being struck by moving vehicles while setting up, modifying, or removing traffic management equipment such as cones, signs, and barriers.
- Public or drivers experiencing confusion due to unclear traffic management instructions or setups, leading to unintentional incursions into work zones.
- Risk of collisions between public vehicles and traffic management equipment or temporary structures, potentially leading to secondary accidents affecting operatives and other road users.
Emergency Vehicle Access (Traffic Management)
- Delayed emergency response times due to barriers created by traffic management setups, potentially impacting outcomes in critical situations.
- Risk of collisions or obstructions when emergency vehicles attempt to navigate through or around traffic management setups.
- Increased stress and safety risks for operatives managing emergency situations amidst ongoing traffic management activities.
Traffic Delays and Public Frustration
- Risk of confrontations with the public, potentially leading to verbal or physical aggression towards workers.
- Unsafe driving behaviors from frustrated drivers, including speeding through work zones or ignoring traffic controls, endangering workers and other road users.
- Increased stress and potential for accidents among operatives due to dealing with aggressive behavior or managing high-risk situations prompted by public frustration.
Psychological Stress from High-Risk Environment
- Mental health risks from working in high-stress environments, including anxiety and stress-related illnesses, which can affect concentration, decision-making, and overall well-being.
- Increased risk of accidents due to impaired judgment or reduced attention to safety procedures as a result of stress.
- Potential for long-term psychological effects, including PTSD, from exposure to traumatic incidents in high-risk work zones.
Night Work and Reduced Visibility
- Reduced visibility for both workers and road users during hours of darkness, leading to an increased likelihood of accidents.
- Difficulty in seeing and being seen by others, increasing the risk of collisions and near-misses.
- Potential for misinterpretation of signals or instructions due to poor visibility, leading to unsafe actions.
Equipment Failure
- Unsafe conditions for both workers and the public due to the failure of traffic management equipment such as temporary traffic lights, cones, and signs
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries resulting from inadequate or missing traffic control measures
- Potential for confusion and disruption of traffic flow, leading to congestion and possible collisions
Miscommunication Among Team Members
- Confusion leading to incorrect implementation of traffic management plans
- Unsafe work practices due to unclear instructions or misunderstandings
- Potential accidents resulting from misaligned actions or lack of coordination
Vehicle Incursions into Work Zones
- Risk of injury or fatality to workers due to collisions with vehicles unintentionally entering work zones
- Potential harm to the public driving through or near work zones
- Damage to construction equipment and infrastructure
Lack of Training (Traffic Management)
- Increased accident rates due to operatives not being adequately trained in traffic management procedures
- Misuse of equipment leading to potential injuries or damage
- Inadequate response to emergencies, potentially exacerbating incidents
Inadequate Traffic Control Measures
- Accidents due to insufficient or poorly implemented traffic control plans
- Inadequate signage, barriers, or signals leading to confusion and potential collisions
- Inability to safely manage the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic around work zones, increasing the risk of injury or fatality
Accessibility and Accommodation for Disabilities (Healthcare)
- Inadequate access to facilities and services for individuals with disabilities, leading to exclusion or injury.
- Ineffective communication with patients who have hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments.
- Risk of injury or discomfort for patients with mobility issues due to unsuitable furniture or equipment.
Patient Allergies and Specific Needs
- Adverse reactions or anaphylaxis due to unrecognized or undocumented patient allergies.
- Incorrect medication or treatment being administered, leading to harm or ineffective treatment.
- Lack of awareness of patient-specific needs affecting the quality of care and patient safety.
Lack of Emergency Preparedness (Healthcare)
- Inability to respond effectively to emergency situations such as fires, natural disasters, or medical emergencies, leading to potential harm or fatalities.
- Delayed evacuation or inadequate shelter-in-place procedures, increasing risk to individuals on premises.
- Lack of knowledge or confusion among staff and visitors during emergencies, exacerbating situations.
Laser Hazards (Healthcare)
- Eye injuries from direct or scattered laser light exposure.
- Skin burns from exposure to high-intensity laser beams.
- Fire hazards due to the ignition of flammable materials by laser equipment.
Improper Waste Disposal (Healthcare)
- Environmental contamination leading to health risks from exposure to hazardous waste.
- Spread of infection due to improper disposal of clinical waste.
- Injury from sharps and other dangerous waste not correctly disposed of.
Confidentiality Breaches
- Unauthorised access to patient records leading to privacy violations.
- Disclosure of sensitive information, causing harm to patient reputation and trust.
- Potential legal and regulatory consequences for the healthcare provider.
Patient Elopement
- Patients, especially those with cognitive impairments or in need of constant care, leaving the healthcare facility without authorisation.
- Potential harm or injury to eloped patients due to lack of supervision and exposure to external risks.
- Liability and safety concerns for the healthcare facility.
Inadequate Infection Control
- Spread of infectious diseases within the healthcare setting, leading to outbreaks.
- Increased risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients, staff, and visitors.
- Cross-contamination between patients, staff, and equipment.
Anesthetic Gases
- Exposure to waste anesthetic gases, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems, headaches, and dizziness.
- Long-term exposure risks including reproductive health issues and chronic neurological effects.
- Potential for environmental contamination affecting non-targeted individuals.
Pharmaceutical Errors
- Adverse drug reactions or overdose due to incorrect medication or dosage.
- Delay in treatment effectiveness from dispensing the wrong medication.
- Increased risk of patient harm or fatality from critical medication errors.
Medical Equipment Malfunction
- Incorrect diagnosis or treatment due to equipment failure, leading to patient harm.
- Delays in critical care delivery, potentially resulting in adverse patient outcomes.
- Injuries to staff or patients from malfunctioning equipment.
Electrical Safety (Healthcare)
- Electric shock or burns from contact with live electrical components.
- Fires caused by faulty electrical equipment or improper use.
- Tripping hazards from poorly managed cables and wires.
Ergonomic Injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) from tasks that involve repetitive movements or poor posture.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from inappropriate workstation setup or manual handling.
- Visual strain from prolonged computer use without adequate breaks or poorly configured screens.
Mental Health and Stress
- High workload and long hours leading to stress and burnout.
- Exposure to traumatic events or difficult situations resulting in emotional distress.
- Lack of support for personal or work-related issues, contributing to anxiety and depression.
Slips, Trips, and Falls (Healthcare)
- Wet or uneven flooring leading to slip hazards.
- Obstructions and clutter in walkways causing trip hazards.
- Poor lighting contributing to the risk of falls.
Workplace Violence (Healthcare)
- Physical assaults by patients, visitors, or intruders leading to injuries.
- Verbal abuse and threats causing psychological stress and anxiety.
- Aggressive behaviour resulting in a hostile work environment.
Radiation Exposure (Healthcare)
- Acute health effects from high-level radiation exposure, including burns and radiation sickness.
- Long-term health risks such as cancer from chronic low-level exposure.
- Potential harm to developing fetuses from exposure to pregnant staff or visitors.
Chemical Exposure
- Skin irritation or burns from direct contact with hazardous chemicals.
- Respiratory issues from inhaling toxic fumes or aerosols.
- Long-term health effects, including cancers and organ damage, from chronic exposure to certain chemicals.
- Accidental ingestion of chemicals, leading to poisoning.
Needlestick Injuries
- Transmission of blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C) through accidental punctures.
- Psychological stress and anxiety following potential exposure to infectious diseases.
- Secondary infection at the puncture site.
Exposure to Infectious Diseases
- Transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, MRSA, and hepatitis.
- Potential for outbreaks within healthcare settings, affecting staff, visitors, and the wider public.
- Psychological stress and anxiety related to the risk of disease exposure.
Patient Handling
- Musculoskeletal injuries from incorrect lifting or moving techniques.
- Slips, trips, and falls during patient transfers or movements, potentially affecting both staff and visitors.
- Psychological stress from handling patients without adequate support or training.
Worker Fatigue
- Decreased concentration and alertness, leading to a higher risk of accidents and errors.
- Impaired decision-making and slower reaction times.
- Increased risk of health problems, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders.
Water and Flooding
- Slip and fall injuries due to wet surfaces.
- Electrical hazards from water contact with power tools and machinery.
- Undermining of temporary structures or excavation sites due to water erosion.
- Vehicle control loss on wet or flooded road surfaces, leading to accidents.
Public Interference
- Verbal or physical aggression from frustrated members of the public.
- Unauthorised access to the worksite by members of the public, leading to injury.
- Distraction of operatives and marshals, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Vandalism or tampering with equipment, machinery, or safety barriers.
Plant and Machinery Operation
- Injuries from being struck by or caught in machinery.
- Hearing damage from noise produced by heavy machinery.
- Dust and fume inhalation from machinery operation.
- Accidents due to inadequate training or misuse of machinery.
Night Work (Roadworks)
- Reduced visibility leading to accidents and injuries.
- Increased risk of fatigue among workers affecting concentration and reaction times.
- Potential for increased accidents due to less traffic management and lower public visibility.
Traffic Management (Roadworks)
- Accidents involving site vehicles and public vehicles due to unclear routing.
- Delayed emergency response due to obstructed or unclear access routes.
- Increased risk of vehicle-pedestrian collisions within or near the roadwork site.
- Confusion and potential accidents due to inadequate signage or poorly managed traffic controls.
Electrical Safety
- Electric shock from contact with live cables or equipment.
- Burns from electrical fires or explosions.
- Arc flash incidents from short circuits or equipment malfunctions.
Noise Exposure (Roadworks)
- Hearing damage or loss from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise from machinery, vehicles, and construction activities.
- Communication difficulties leading to safety risks due to the inability to hear warnings or instructions.
Vehicle Collisions (Roadworks)
- Injury or fatality from vehicles entering the worksite.
- Collisions between site vehicles and public vehicles.
- Accidents due to poor visibility or misunderstanding of traffic controls.
Inadequate Worker Training and Supervision
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to lack of knowledge or skills
- Poor work quality leading to rework and project delays
- Misuse of equipment and materials
Psychosocial Risks
- Work-related stress
- Bullying and harassment
- Violence at work
- Work-life balance issues
- Isolation
Noise Pollution
- Hearing loss or damage
- Increased stress levels
- Communication difficulties leading to safety risks
Insufficient Site Security
- Theft or vandalism of tools, equipment, and materials
- Unauthorized access leading to potential accidents or injuries
- Compromised safety of site personnel and visitors
Lack of Emergency Preparedness
- Inability to respond effectively to emergencies, leading to increased injuries or fatalities
- Confusion and panic during evacuation
- Delayed emergency response times
Extreme Weather Conditions
- Heat stress or heatstroke in high temperatures
- Hypothermia or frostbite in cold temperatures
- Dehydration
- Slips, trips, and falls due to rain or ice
- Lightning strikes during thunderstorms
Poor Lighting
- Trips, slips, and falls due to inadequate visibility
- Eye strain and related health issues from poor lighting conditions
- Decreased productivity and increased risk of mistakes leading to accidents
Tool Misuse and Malfunction
- Cuts and lacerations from sharp tools
- Electric shock from power tools
- Injuries from flying debris
- Noise-induced hearing loss
Structural Collapse
- Serious injuries or fatalities from being crushed
- Entrapment under debris
- Psychological trauma
Water Hazards
- Drowning
- Slips, trips, and falls near water bodies
- Waterborne diseases
- Hypothermia in cold water
Scaffolding Collapse
- Serious injuries or fatalities from falls
- Injuries from being struck by falling materials or debris
- Crush injuries from collapsed structures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Non-Compliance
Increased risk of injury from hazards that PPE is designed to protect against, such as head injuries, eye injuries, hearing damage, respiratory problems, cuts, and abrasions.
Traffic Accidents
- Vehicle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Reversing vehicles hitting persons
- Load falling from vehicles
Stress and Mental Health Issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Burnout
- Reduced productivity
- Increased absenteeism
Radiation Exposure
- Skin burns
- Acute radiation syndrome
- Long-term health effects, including cancer
- Genetic damage
Biological Hazards
- Infections from bacteria and viruses
- Allergic reactions to moulds and fungi
- Illnesses from exposure to vermin and contaminated materials
- Bloodborne pathogens from sharp injuries
Chemical Exposure
- Chemical burns
- Respiratory problems
- Poisoning
- Skin and eye irritation
Cold Stress
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite
- Chilblains
- Trench foot
Heat Stress
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
- Dehydration
- Heat cramps
- Heat rashes
Electrical Hazards
- Electric shock
- Burns from electrical arcs or blasts
- Fire from faulty electrical equipment or wiring
- Explosions in areas with flammable atmospheres
Confined Spaces
- Suffocation
- Poisoning from toxic gases
- Explosions
- Drowning (if the space is prone to flooding)
- Difficulty in rescue operations
Asbestos Exposure
- Asbestosis (a chronic lung disease)
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma (a type of cancer that is found in the lining of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart)
- Pleural thickening
Falling Objects
- Head injuries
- Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Fatal injuries
Digging near underground pipes, cables and equipment
- Operatives and pedestrians could become severely injured by: burns to hands, face and body, electric shock, electrocution, chemical burns.
- Damaged gas pipes could explode and result in fatalities/severe or minor injury.
- Damaged water pipes and sewers can cause injury from jets of water and spraying hard objects/stones from the ground. Can also result in flooding and support collapse. Can also pollute local area.
- Other pipelines damaged can result in fire/explosion, poisoning, asphyxiation when toxic or flammable gas/liquid is released.
Working on National Highways under adverse weather conditions
Operatives and pedestrians being stuck by a moving vehicle – Plant and equipment being struck by oncoming traffic
Working on National Highways
Operatives and pedestrians being stuck by a moving vehicle
Fire
Fatality, Smoke Inhalation, Burns
Dust/Fume Inhalation
Breathing Difficulties, Coughing, Sickness, Lung Disease, Long term Related Health Issues
Use of Sthil Saw/Abrasive Wheels
Blade Ejection, Fatality, Lacerations, Severe Bleeding
Use of Hand Tools
Injury, Projectiles
Excavation Work/Collapse of Excavation
Service Strikes, Entrapment, Crushing
HAVS
Damage to the nerves, blood vessels and joints of the hand wrist and arm. Severely disabling , Vibration White Finger
Environment Spillages/Use of Hazardous Substances, Use of Concrete
Accidental releases of oils and fuel, soil and water pollution, Refuse and waste, Occupational Dermatitis, Burns
Noise Exposure
Temporary and or permanent deafness, Tinnitus, ringing in the ears
Slips, Trips and Falls, Poor Housekeeping
Puncture wounds, Lacerations, Head Injuries, Contusions
Manual Handling
Back Strains, muscular skeletal injuries, Serious Injury
Working at Height
Falls from height, materials falling from height operatives and third parties, Property Damage, Serious Injury,
Mobile Phone Use on Site
Distractions, Walking into restricted areas, collision with plant or machinery. Slips trip falls. Serious Injury, Death.
Moving/Use of Plant and Machinery, Re-fuelling of Plant
Contact or collision with plant and machinery, Entrapment, Serious Injury, Death, Explosion, Lifting Equipment Failure
Use of Electric Leads/Power Tools
Contact with live electricity, Contact with Moving Parts, Entanglement, Serious injury, Death, Slips, Trips
General Site Working, Access to the Work
Unsafe Working