Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

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Free Risk Assessment Templates — Ready-Made, Customisable & HSE-Compliant

Choose from over 2,500+ ready-made risk assessment templates below, or start a blank risk assessment form and build your own using our built-in hazard library. Each template follows HSE best-practice guidance with pre-filled hazards, risk ratings, and control measures — simply review, customise to your workplace, and download as a professional PDF. Suitable for all industries and activities.

Risk Assessment

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TypeDocument TitleAction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF24-Hour Library Risk AssessmentDownload a 24 hour library risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for campus safety.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF3D Printing, Laser Cutting and CNC Risk AssessmentDownload a 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAbandoned or Suspicious Vehicles Risk AssessmentRisk assessment template for handling abandoned or suspicious vehicles, covering hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAbrasive Blasting Risk AssessmentFree abrasive blasting risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls for silica dust, noise, eye protection and more. Fully editable and shareable.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAbusive Customer Management in Retail Stores Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for managing abusive customers and conflict in retail stores. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAccessible Events and Assisting Disabled Guests Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for accessible events, covering wheelchair routes, assistive services, and evacuation for disabled guests.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAccessible Hospitality & Disabled Guests Risk AssessmentHospitality risk assessment to assist disabled guests, ensuring accessible rooms, routes, parking and evacuation, compliant with Equality Act, Building Regs.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAccident and RTC Vehicle Recovery Risk AssessmentDownload a vehicle recovery risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for motor trade and breakdown crews.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAccident Reporting and Investigation Risk AssessmentDownload a free accident reporting and investigation risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and RIDDOR compliance.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAccident, Near-Miss and RIDDOR Reporting Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a compliant risk assessment for accident, near‑miss and RIDDOR reporting in gyms, pools and sports centres. Includes hazards, controls and legal com...Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAccompanied Customer Test Drive Risk AssessmentDownload a compliant accompanied customer test drive risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for motor...Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAcid and Corrosive Substance Attack Response and First Aid Risk AssessmentDownload a free acid and corrosive substance attack response risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and first‑aid steps. Fully editable.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFActive Attacker and Marauding Attack Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free active attacker risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFADAS Sensor Calibration and Recalibration Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for ADAS sensor calibration in vehicle workshops. Covers hazards, controls and legal compliance for technicians.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdBlue Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free AdBlue handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and COSHH compliance for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdBlue Theft Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload a free AdBlue theft prevention risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for vehicle and storage security.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdditive Manufacturing and 3D Printing (Polymer) Risk AssessmentDownload a free additive manufacturing (polymer) risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for UK factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdhesives and Sealants Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free adhesives and sealants manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFADR Road Transport of Dangerous Goods Risk AssessmentFree ADR road transport of dangerous goods risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and compliance guidance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdventure Activities Risk AssessmentDownload an adventure activities risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdverse Weather and Site Evacuation Risk AssessmentDownload an adverse weather risk assessment template for concerts and festivals, with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdverse Weather Risk AssessmentDownload a free adverse weather risk assessment template for outdoor public events. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdverse Weather Risk Assessment for Concerts Festivals and EventsDownload an adverse weather risk assessment template for outdoor event crews. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK health and safety regulations.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAdverse Weather Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFree adverse weather traffic management risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for UK roadworks.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAED Use and Cardiac Arrest Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free AED risk assessment template with hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security and public safety teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAerosol Use and Storage Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free aerosol fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAerospace Component Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFree aerospace component manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Download editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAfter-School and Breakfast Club Risk AssessmentDownload a free after‑school and breakfast club risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and EYFS compliance. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAge Verification Risk AssessmentDownload a free age verification risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAge-Restricted Sales – Challenge-25 Risk AssessmentDownload an age‑restricted sales risk assessment template with Challenge‑25 controls, aggression management and Licensing Act 2003 compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAgency and Temporary Workers in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for agency and temporary workers in manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAgency Driver Onboarding and Route Familiarisation Risk AssessmentFree agency driver onboarding risk assessment template. Includes hazards for training, vehicle checks, route planning, fatigue, weather. Download PDF, HSE‑compliant.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAgency, Casual and Seasonal Hospitality Staff Management Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality staff management risk assessment for agency, casual and seasonal workers. Includes induction, supervision, language and compliance gui...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAggregate Quarry Site Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free aggregate quarry site security risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAgricultural Show Risk AssessmentDownload an agricultural show risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for county fairs and country‑fair events.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAgrochemical Spills and Contamination Risk AssessmentDownload a farm‑specific agrochemical spill risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAir Conditioning Installation Risk AssessmentFree air conditioning installation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for heavy units, electrical work, refrigerant handling and roof access. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAir Conditioning Unit Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free air‑conditioning unit cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAir Handling, Ventilation & AC Maintenance Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesComprehensive risk assessment for gym and pool HVAC maintenance. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAir Shows and Aviation Event Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free air show risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for aviation event operations. Editable PDF for even...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAir‑Conditioning Servicing and Refrigerant Recovery Risk AssessmentDetailed risk assessment for vehicle AC servicing and F‑gas recovery with task‑specific hazards, controls and UK legislative references.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAirbag & Pyrotechnic Handling Risk Assessment – Motor Trade Risk AssessmentAirbag and pyrotechnic handling risk assessment template with detailed hazards, controls and legal compliance for motor‑trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAirbags, Fuel Tanks and Batteries Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for handling airbags, fuel tanks and batteries during vehicle dismantling. Includes hazards, controls and DSEAR comp...Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAirport Landside and Terminal Security Support Risk AssessmentDownload a free airport security risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAisle, Gangway & Emergency Route Risk AssessmentDownload a retail-specific aisle, gangway and emergency route risk assessment template with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAlarm Installation Risk AssessmentFree alarm installation risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, work at height, electrical services, battery handling. Download PDF.Category: Construction, Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAlarm Response and Key-Holding Risk AssessmentDownload a free alarm response and key‑holding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAllergen Information and Labelling Risk AssessmentDownload an allergen labelling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance with Natasha's Law and Food Information Regulations 2014.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAllergen Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free allergen management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food service.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAlloy Wheel Refurbishment Risk AssessmentDownload an alloy wheel refurbishment risk assessment with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAmbient Dry Goods Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free ambient dry goods storage risk assessment template with pest prevention controls. Fully editable PDF for food premises.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAmmonia Refrigeration Systems Risk AssessmentFree ammonia refrigeration risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAmphitheatre and Bandstand Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a ready-to-use amphitheatre and bandstand operations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAmpoule and Vial Filling Risk AssessmentDownload a free ampoule and vial filling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pharma staff.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAnaerobic Digestion Biogas Plant Risk AssessmentDownload an anaerobic digestion biogas plant risk assessment template for farms. Includes hazards, controls, and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAnaphylaxis and Allergy Management Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive anaphylaxis and allergy management risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with First‑Aid Re...Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAngle Grinder Risk AssessmentDownload a free angle grinder risk assessment template. Includes metal cutting, grinding and polishing hazards, control measures and compliance with UK HSE regulations.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAnimal Feed Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free animal feed manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAnimals at Events Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive animals at events risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for festivals and concerts.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAnodising Risk AssessmentDownload a free anodising risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing plants. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAnti-Slip Treatment Risk AssessmentDownload a free anti‑slip treatment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping and grounds‑maintenance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAnti-social Behaviour Risk AssessmentDownload a free anti‑social behaviour risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legal compliance. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFApprentice Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free apprentice manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for factory settings.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFApprentices Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a free apprentices supervision risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArmed Robbery Risk AssessmentDownload a free armed robbery risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArson and Deliberate Fire Prevention Fire Risk AssessmentFree arson and deliberate fire prevention fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArson Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free arson response risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for fire crews.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArt and Craft Lessons Risk AssessmentDownload a free art and craft lessons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArt and Craft Lessons Risk AssessmentDownload a free art and craft lessons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArt, Ceramics and Kiln Firing Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use art and ceramics risk assessment template covering kiln burns, fumes, dust and chemical hazards. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArt, Design and Media Studios Risk AssessmentDownload a free art studio risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for universities.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArthritis Risk AssessmentDownload a free arthritis risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArtificial Grass Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free artificial grass installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping t...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArtificial Insemination & Liquid Nitrogen Risk AssessmentDownload a free artificial insemination and liquid nitrogen risk assessment template for farms. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFArtist Hospitality, Rider and Green‑Room Management Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive artist hospitality, rider and green‑room risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsbestos Awareness Risk AssessmentDownload a free asbestos awareness risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsbestos in Farm Buildings (Cement Roof Sheets) Risk AssessmentDownload a farm‑specific asbestos risk assessment template for cement roof sheets. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with Control of Asbestos Regulat...Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsbestos Management in School Buildings Risk AssessmentDownload an asbestos management risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsbestos Removal Risk AssessmentFree asbestos removal risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for licensed & non-licensed work. CAR 2012 compliant, download PDF. UK construction.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsbestos Risk AssessmentFree asbestos risk assessment template for factories. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Download PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsbestos Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a free asbestos risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAseptic and Sterile Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free aseptic and sterile manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pharma cl...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsphalt Paver Operation and Mat Laying Risk AssessmentDownload a free asphalt paver operation and mat laying risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAssembly Workers Risk AssessmentDownload a free assembly workers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAssistance and Guide Dog Access Risk AssessmentDownload a free template for assessing risks of public access for assistance and guide dogs. Includes hazards, controls, and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAssisting Public with Disabilities Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for assisting disabled members of the public. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAssistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment Risk AssessmentFree assistive technology risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK legislation compliance. Editable PDF for care providers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsthma and Chronic Respiratory Conditions Risk AssessmentDownload a free asthma and respiratory condition risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAstro / 3G Pitch Operation and Hire Risk AssessmentDownload the Astro / 3G pitch operation and hire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure centres.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAstroturf Infill & Pitch Line-Marking Risk AssessmentDownload an astroturf infill and pitch line-marking maintenance risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAthletics Javelin Field Events Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for athletics, javelin and field events with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFATM Replenishment and Servicing Risk AssessmentDownload a free ATM replenishment and servicing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFATV Risk AssessmentDownload a free ATV risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAudience Sound Level & Public Noise Exposure Risk AssessmentTemplate for lighting, sound and AV crews to manage audience sound levels and public noise exposure at concerts and festivals, compliant with UK noise regula...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutism Risk AssessmentDownload a free autism risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAuto Electricians and EV Technicians Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment for auto electricians and EV technicians. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutoclave Curing Risk AssessmentDownload a free autoclave curing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for composite manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutomated Cone Laying and Collecting Machine Risk AssessmentFree automated cone laying and collecting machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutomated Guided Vehicles Risk AssessmentDownload a free AGV risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Fully editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutomated Storage and Retrieval System Risk AssessmentDownload a free ASRS risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing

How to choose the right risk assessment template

  1. Browse by industry or category

    Use the search box or category filter to find a template that matches your workplace, activity, or industry.

  2. Open the template

    Click "Create" to open the template in our free interactive 4-step Risk Assessment generator with the HSE 5x5 risk matrix.

  3. Customise hazards and controls

    Edit risks, control measures, persons at risk, and severity ratings to match your specific workplace operation.

  4. Download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF

    Sign, then download as a PDF ready for compliance, audit, or sharing with your team.

Frequently asked questions

Are these risk assessment templates really free to download?

Yes — completely free. Over 2558 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no paywall. Customise to your workplace and download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF in minutes.

Can I download risk assessment templates in PDF or Word format?

Risk assessments download as a professional, HSE-compliant PDF — ready to print and file as-is. Word (.docx) export is not available for risk assessments, but you can fully customise every hazard, control measure, persons-at-risk entry and rating online before you download.

Are the risk assessment templates HSE-compliant?

Yes. Every template aligns with HSE guidance and the HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment process. They cover the requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH 2002, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and other relevant UK regulations.

What industries do the risk assessment templates cover?

Every UK industry — painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, concrete, solar panel installation, asbestos, scaffolding, working at height, manual handling, fall protection, hot works, confined space entry, lifting operations, kitchen fitting, drywall, tiling, plastering, and many more.

What's the difference between a risk assessment form and a risk assessment template?

A risk assessment form is the blank document; a risk assessment template is a pre-filled form ready to customise. Our generator gives you both — a free interactive form you fill in plus over 2558 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

Do I need to create an account to use the risk assessment templates?

You can build and preview a risk assessment without an account. To download the PDF you'll need a free account — it takes less than a minute, costs nothing, and also lets you save documents to your dashboard, edit them later, and share them for digital signatures.

Can I customise the risk assessment templates to my workplace?

Yes — fully. Edit hazards, control measures, persons at risk, likelihood and severity ratings, PPE requirements, and review schedules. Each template is a starting point you tailor to your specific operation.

How many risks can I add to a single risk assessment?

The number of risks (hazards) you can include in one assessment depends on your plan: guests get unlimited risks, Free accounts unlimited risks, Standard unlimited risks, Pro unlimited risks, and Enterprise unlimited risks per assessment. You can add and preview every risk in a template, then tick the ones to include up to your plan limit — upgrade any time for more. See our pricing page for the full plan comparison.

Are these risk assessment templates valid for UK construction work?

Yes. Our construction-specific risk assessment templates align with HSE construction guidance, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Templates cover scaffolding, working at height, concrete pouring, excavation, roofing, electrical installation, and more.

How often should I update my risk assessment?

Whenever there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid — after workplace changes, near-misses, accidents, new equipment, new substances, or new processes. HSE guidance recommends an annual formal review at minimum.

What is the HSE 5-step risk assessment process?

Step 1: Identify the hazards. Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how. Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. Step 4: Record findings and implement them. Step 5: Review the assessment and update if necessary. Our interactive generator walks you through all 5 steps.

Can I use these risk assessment templates for self-employed work?

Yes. Self-employed workers are required to assess risks to themselves and anyone affected by their work. Our templates are suitable for sole traders, contractors, and small businesses.

Do you have RIDDOR-aligned risk assessment templates?

Yes. Several templates cover RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) requirements — including accident reporting and investigation risk assessments. All RA templates support incident logging and review.

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: 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.

Calculating Risk Assessments

Establish the Severity (S), Likelihood (L) and Risk Factor (RF) by reference to the Matrix below: RF = S x L 

REMEMBER: The risk rating must be calculated both before and after ERCPD and its resulting controls have been applied. This risk rating helps to identify and prioritise areas that require more to be done to reduce the risk. 

Low risk factor (1-5)  normal safe working methods should suffice. Fine tune controls to further reduce the risk, if possible. 

Medium risk factor (6-12) further improvement to control measures need to be considered to reduce the risk. 

High risk factor (15-25) improve controls now, consider stopping the activity. Seek advice as appropriate.