Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

Create a Risk Assessment in 4 easy to use steps

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 AssessmentFREEPDFGuest House and B&B Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a guest house risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for B&B operators.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGuest Mental-Health, Self-Harm and Welfare Incident Response Risk AssessmentDownload a guest mental health risk assessment template for hotels. Includes self‑harm response, welfare checks and compliance guidance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGuillotine and Metal Shearing Risk AssessmentDownload a free guillotine and metal shearing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGully Emptying and Drainage Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free gully emptying and drainage cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadwo...Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGutter and Roof Cleaning Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a gutter and roof cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for farm buildings.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGutter Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free gutter cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for grounds staff.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGutter Cleaning Risk AssessmentFree gutter cleaning risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls for ladders, slips, falling debris & more. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGutter Installation Risk AssessmentFree gutter installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PDF download. HSE‑compliant for roof work.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGuttering and Rainwater System Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free guttering and rainwater system installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK legislation references. Editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGuy Ropes, Pegs, Stakes & Structure Trip & Impalement Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for festival crews covering guy ropes, pegs, stakes and trip/impalement hazards to ensure safe erection and strike of temporary...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGym Air Conditioning Risk AssessmentDownload a gym air conditioning and refrigerant plant maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGym Equipment Inspection & Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a gym equipment inspection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for facilities staff.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGym Floor Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a gym floor supervision risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGym Medical Conditions & Disabilities Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a gym risk assessment template to support members with heart conditions, epilepsy, mobility needs and more. Fully editable, compliant with Equality...Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGym Member Health Screening Risk AssessmentDownload a gym health screening risk assessment template with pre‑filled PAR‑Q hazards and controls. Editable for gyms.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGym Mirror and Glass Wall Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a gym mirror and glass wall safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance guidance for facilities staff.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFGymnastics, Trampolining and Apparatus Risk AssessmentDownload a gymnastics risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for schools and clubs.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHair and Beauty Vocational Salon Risk AssessmentDownload a hair and beauty risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for school vocational salons.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHair Salon and Barber Retail Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a hair salon and barber risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for retail beauty businesses.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHairdressers and Beauty Salons Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment for hairdressers and beauty salons. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK fire safety regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHalloween Retail Risk AssessmentDownload a Halloween retail risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for costumes, decorations, and face paint.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHalls of Residence and Dormitory Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment for student accommodation covering fire, electrical, slip, trip and security hazards. Editable template for university halls.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHammer Risk AssessmentFree hammer risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and safety tips for construction and DIY. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Arm Vibration Risk AssessmentDownload a free hand arm vibration risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Car Wash Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a hand car wash operations risk assessment template with chemical, high‑pressure and slip hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Harvesting Risk AssessmentHand harvesting risk assessment template with farm‑specific hazards, control measures and legal compliance for UK agricultural workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Soldering Risk AssessmentDownload a free hand soldering risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for electronics manufacturing. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Tool Use Risk AssessmentFree hand tool use risk assessment template for landscaping. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK HSE guidance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Tools Risk AssessmentFree hand tools risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and PDF download. HSE‑compliant for construction and maintenance.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Weeding and Border Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a free hand weeding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for landscaping sites.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand-Arm Vibration Risk AssessmentDownload a free hand‑arm vibration risk assessment template for landscaping. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand-Arm Vibration Risk AssessmentDownload a free hand‑arm vibration risk assessment template for roadworks tools. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK vibration regulations.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand-Arm Vibration Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a hand‑arm vibration risk assessment for farm chainsaws, hedge trimmers and tools. Includes hazards, controls and UK regulation compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand-Arm Vibration Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a hand-arm vibration risk assessment template for motor trade workshops. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand-Laying and Raking Hot Asphalt Risk AssessmentDownload a free hand‑laying and raking hot asphalt risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHandball Deliveries and Repetitive Manual Handling Risk AssessmentFree handball deliveries risk assessment template with hazards, manual handling controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHandling Acids and Alkalis in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free handling acids and alkalis risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHandling and Storing Seized Items Risk AssessmentDownload a free template for safely handling and storing seized drugs, weapons and evidence, with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHandling Biological Agents and GM Materials Risk AssessmentDownload a handling biological agents and GM materials risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for university labs.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHandling Found, Lost, and Unattended Property Risk AssessmentDownload a free handling found, lost, and unattended property risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHandling Sick, Injured or Casualty Farm Animals Risk AssessmentDownload a farm animal handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHard Shoulder and Verge Working on High-Speed Roads Risk AssessmentDownload a free hard shoulder and verge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for high‑speed road traffic management.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHardwood Floor Cleaning and Mopping Risk AssessmentDownload a free hardwood floor cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning teams.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHAVS Risk Assessment for Concerts Festivals and EventsDownload a HAVS risk assessment template for event build crews. Includes tool vibration hazards, controls, and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHay and Straw Stacking and Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a hay and straw stacking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for farmers and agricultural workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHay, Straw and Crop Storage Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for hay, straw and crop storage. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHazardous Substances Patrol Risk AssessmentDownload a free hazardous substances patrol risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHazardous Substances Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free hazardous substances storage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for industrial sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHazardous Waste Storage and Disposal Risk AssessmentDownload a free hazardous waste storage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat and Cold Exposure Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for security guards working outdoors, covering heat stress, cold stress, dehydration, sunburn and control measures.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat Gun Risk AssessmentFree heat gun risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and safety measures for paint stripping, drying, and hot‑work. Download PDF, HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat Guns and Hot-Air Tools Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for heat guns and hot‑air tools, with hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat Pump Electrical Connection Risk AssessmentDownload a free heat pump electrical connection risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for installers.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat Stress Risk AssessmentDownload a free heat stress risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat Treatment Furnaces and Quenching Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for heat treatment furnace and quenching operations in factories. Includes hazards, controls and legal references (PUWER, COSHH...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat, Cold and Adverse Weather Risk AssessmentDownload a farm‑specific risk assessment covering heat stress, cold stress, weather planning and controls for outdoor agricultural work.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHeat/Cold Stress for Drivers In-Cab Risk AssessmentFree heat/cold stress risk assessment template for vehicle drivers. Includes hazards, controls, compliance and PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHedge Cutting Risk AssessmentDownload a free hedge cutting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHedge Laying Risk AssessmentDownload a free hedge laying risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK legislation notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHerbicide & Pesticide Application Risk AssessmentDownload a free herbicide and pesticide application risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Ideal for landscaping te...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHGV and Commercial Vehicle Servicing Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload an HGV and commercial vehicle servicing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHGV and LGV Driver Training Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a free HGV and LGV driver training risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for workshops and training centres.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHGV, Van & Commercial Vehicle Wash Risk AssessmentDownload a HGV, van and commercial vehicle wash risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHIAB Crane Risk AssessmentFree HIAB crane risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tip‑over, load swing, overhead lines, traffic exposure. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHigh Pressure Water Jetting Drains Risk AssessmentDownload a free high pressure water jetting drains risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing...Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHigh Voltage Electrical Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free high voltage electrical work risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHigh-value Goods Delivery Risk AssessmentDownload a free high‑value goods delivery risk assessment template with theft and confrontation controls. Editable PDF for logistics firms.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHigh-Value Goods Risk AssessmentDownload a free high-value goods risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHigh-Visibility PPE Risk AssessmentDownload a free high visibility PPE risk assessment template for traffic management crews. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHigh-volume Parcel Hub Sortation Operations Risk AssessmentFree parcel hub sortation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for conveyors, manual handling, forklift safety and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHighway Drainage Risk AssessmentDownload a free highway drainage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHitching Errors on Drawbar Trailers Risk AssessmentFree drawbar trailer hitching risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance for safe coupling and loading.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Camps and Junior Activity Sessions Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive holiday camps and junior activity sessions risk assessment template for gyms and leisure facilities, covering safeguarding and safet...Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Clubs and Wraparound Care Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday clubs risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and EYFS compliance. Editable PDF for schools and volunteers.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Park Grounds and Outdoor Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday park grounds risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for park staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Park Operations and Site Management Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday park operations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Park Pool and Splash Facilities Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday park pool risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for unsupervised guest duty of care.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Park Reception Arrivals and Departures Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday park reception risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Park Roads, Buggies & Pedestrian Segregation Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday park roads risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for campsite staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday Park Utilities Hook-Ups Electrics Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday park utilities risk assessment template with electrical, gas and water safety controls. Editable PDF for campsite staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoliday‑Let Turnaround Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday‑let turnaround cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHome Deliveries to Flats/Stairs Risk AssessmentFree home deliveries risk assessment template. Includes hazards for team lifts, stairs, trolleys, and weather. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHome Delivery and Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a home delivery and installation risk assessment template for retail staff. Includes hazards, controls and Manual Handling Regulations 1992 compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHome Delivery Team Lift Risk AssessmentFree home delivery team lift risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHome Visits to Hostile Households Risk AssessmentDownload a free home visit risk assessment template for hostile households. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHome Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free home working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for remote workers.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHomogenisers and Emulsifiers Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for homogenisers and emulsifiers in dairy processing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHoning and Lapping Risk AssessmentDownload a free honing and lapping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHorse Racing Event Risk AssessmentDownload a horse racing event risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHorticulture and Nursery Production Risk AssessmentDownload a horticulture risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farms and nurseries.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospital Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free hospital security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for healthcare sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Boxes Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality boxes risk assessment template for stadium events. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Contractor and Supplier Management Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality contractor and supplier management risk assessment template with tailored hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Lone Night Working Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality lone night working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Fully editable and shareable.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Manual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality manual handling risk assessment template with hazards for kegs, furniture, linen and luggage. Editable PDF for hotels and B&Bs.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality New-Starter Induction Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality new‑starter induction risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hotels.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Slips, Trips and Falls Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for slips, trips and falls in hospitality venues, covering wet floors, spills, stairs and level changes.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Staff Safety and Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality staff safety and supervision risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Staff Welfare Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality staff welfare risk assessment covering rest breaks, fatigue, shift planning and compliance with WT Regulations 1998 and MHSWR 1999.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHospitality Staff Wellbeing, Stress and Mental Health Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality staff wellbeing, stress and mental health risk assessment template with tailored hazards, controls and compliance guidance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation

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 2563 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 2563 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.