Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

Create a Risk Assessments in 4 easy to use steps

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

Choose from over 1,500+ 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.

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TypeDocument TitleAction
RISK ASSESSMENT
POD Capture at Doorstep Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree POD capture at doorstep risk assessment template. Includes hazards for slips, vehicle traffic, weather, pets and manual handling. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pole Pruner and Pole Saw Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pole pruner and pole saw risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Police and Emergency Services Event Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free police and emergency services event risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for organis...Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Polishing, Buffing and Linishing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free polishing, buffing and linishing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pond and Water Feature Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pond and water feature risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Pond, Lake and Water Feature Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pond and lake cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Poor Housekeeping Slip/Trip Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree slip trip risk assessment template for poor housekeeping. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Port Closure/Strike Contingency and Rerouting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for port closure or strike contingency planning. Includes rerouting hazards, driver fatigue, cargo security and compliance checks.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Port-side Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free port-side operations risk assessment template for high wind and adverse weather. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Port, Dock and Maritime Terminal Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free port security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Portable and Temporary Heating Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portable and temporary heating fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Portable Appliance Testing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portable appliance testing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and sites.Category: General
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Portable Appliance Testing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free PAT risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for electrical contractors and facilities managers.Category: Electrical
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Portable Cabin Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portable cabin risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for site offices and welfare units.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Portable Electrical Equipment and Overheating Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment for portable electrical equipment, covering overheating, faulty cords, charging safety and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Portable Two-Way Temporary Traffic Signals Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portable two-way temporary traffic signals risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
Portable Variable Message Sign Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portable variable message sign risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
Portioning and Weighing Food Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portioning and weighing food risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering and manufacturing.Category: Food Industry
RISK ASSESSMENT
Post Construction Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free post‑construction cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Includes dust, chemicals and asbestos. PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Post Incident Trauma Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free post incident trauma risk assessment template with pre‑filled psychological hazards, controls and compliance notes for security staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Post-Match Crowd Dispersal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free post-match crowd dispersal risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for stadiums and event venues.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Postal sack and tray manual handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree postal sack and tray manual handling risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls, and safe lifting guidance for postal workers. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pothole Repair and Patching Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pothole repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Poultry Processing and Evisceration Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free poultry processing and evisceration risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
RISK ASSESSMENT
Powder Coating Line Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free powder coating line risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Powder Drying, Milling and Sieving Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free powder drying, milling and sieving risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Power Flushing Central Heating Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree power flushing central heating risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Download editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Power Press Operation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free power press risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Powered Post-Hole Auger Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free powered post-hole auger risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
PPE for Manufacturing Operatives Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free PPE risk assessment template for manufacturing operatives. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER, COSHH and PPE regulations.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
PPE Selection, Use, and Maintenance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free PPE risk assessment template for security staff, including stab‑resistant and body armour guidance. Editable PDF with hazards and controls.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pre‑Use Inspection and Checks of Traffic Management Equipment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pre‑use inspection TM equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
Premises Search Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free premises, room and locker search risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Preserving Crime Scenes Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free preserving crime scenes risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for law enforcement.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Press Brake Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free press brake risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Press-Fit Pipe Jointing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free press‑fit pipe jointing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for plumbers and fitters.Category: Plumbing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pressure Systems Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pressure systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for engineers and safety manag...Category: General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pressure Testing of Pipework Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pressure testing of pipework risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for sites.Category: Plumbing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pressure Washer Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree pressure washer risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and safety guidance for safe cleaning operations. Download PDF.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pressure Washer Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pressure washer risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pressure Washing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pressure washing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Preventing Burnout and Chronic Workplace Fatigue Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template to assess burnout and chronic workplace fatigue risks. Includes hazards, controls and UK legal compliance for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
RISK ASSESSMENT
Print Finishing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free print finishing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for cutting, binding, laminating. Editable PDF for site...Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Printers and Print Works Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree fire risk assessment template for printers and print works. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with DSEAR and UK fire safety regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Printing and Packaging Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free printing and packaging manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factor...Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Printing Presses Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free printing press risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Production Assembly Line Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free production assembly line risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and legal compliance.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Prolonged Standing and Walking Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment for security patrols involving prolonged standing and walking. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Protester Removal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free protester removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for security teams. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free PUWER risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for workplace safety.Category: General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pruning Shrubs and Small Trees Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree pruning shrubs & small trees risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for landscaping & grounds maintenance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Access Defibrillator Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public access defibrillator risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venues and events.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Address and Emergency Communication Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public address risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for crowd safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public and Communal Areas Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree public and communal areas fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Fireworks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public fireworks risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for safe event planning.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Health Emergency PPE Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public health emergency PPE risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Interface Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree public interface risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for construction groundworks.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Photography Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public photography risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for security and public safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Safety at Beaches, Marinas, and Open-Water Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public safety risk assessment template for beaches, marinas and open‑water sites. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Safety at Festivals Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for public safety at religious and cultural festivals. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Safety Drive‑In and Drive‑Through Event Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public safety drive‑in and drive‑through event risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Safety Filming and Broadcast Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a comprehensive risk assessment template for public safety during filming, broadcast and media events, with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Safety Maintenance and Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for public safety during maintenance and cleaning works, with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Sanitation, Water & Welfare Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree public sanitation, water and welfare provision risk assessment template for events. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Seating Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public seating risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venues.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Toilet Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public toilet risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK legislation references. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Use of Passenger Lifts Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free passenger lift risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for public use. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public Weather Exposure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for public weather exposure, covering heat and cold hazards with controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Public-Facing Security Work Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public-facing security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for infectious disease outbreaks.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pubs and Bars Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pubs and bars fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venues.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Punching, Stamping and Notching Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree manufacturing risk assessment for punching, stamping and notching. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER and COSHH.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Push / Rotary Pedestrian Mower Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free push/rotary pedestrian mower risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pyrotechnic and Flare Incidents Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pyrotechnic risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for sports events. Editable PDF for organisers and security...Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Pyrotechnics and Firework Displays Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pyrotechnics fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event organisers.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Quarantine and Isolation Area Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free quarantine and isolation area risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for security and health teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Queue Management at Event Entry Points Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control hazards for queues at event entry points, covering crowding, security and slip risks.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Radiator Installation and Replacement Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree radiator installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers.Category: Plumbing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Radio and Communication Use in TM Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free radio communication risk assessment template for traffic management. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
Raising and Lowering Ironwork Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free raising and lowering ironwork risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road works.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Raw Meat and Poultry Preparation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free raw meat and poultry risk assessment template with cross‑contamination controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Food Industry
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reach Truck Operation at High Racking Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree reach truck operation at high racking risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for warehouse safety.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reach Trucks Cold Storage Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free reach trucks risk assessment for cold storage facilities. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics, Food Industry
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reactive Maintenance and Breakdown Repair Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free reactive maintenance and breakdown repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reactor Vessels Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free reactor vessels risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Ready Meal Assembly Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ready meal assembly risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Fully editable for food manufactur...Category: Food Industry
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reasonable Adjustments Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free reasonable adjustments risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
RISK ASSESSMENT
Rebar Works Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree rebar works risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance for construction. Download PDF.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reciprocating Saw Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree reciprocating saw risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls for demolition & cutting wood/metal. Download PDF.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Recover Stolen Goods – Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control risks when recovering stolen goods, covering confrontation, hazardous items, transport safety, mental health, and operational hazards.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Recycling and Waste Management Workers Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for recycling and waste workers. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK fire safety legislation.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reefer Container Plug-in Safety Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free reefer container plug‑in risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics and fleet operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Reefer Container Plug-In/Disconnection Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree reefer container plug-in/disconnection risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF now.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Refuelling and On-Site Fuel Storage Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free refuelling and on‑site fuel storage fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Refuelling at Depot Pumps Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree refuelling risk assessment template for diesel, petrol and AdBlue. Includes hazards, controls and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Refuelling at Public Forecourts Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree refuelling at public forecourts risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for spills, static, fire, crowd safety. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Refurbishment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree refurbishment risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls for demolition, asbestos, dust, manual handling. HSE-compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Refusing Entry Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree refusing entry risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Removing and Decommissioning Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree traffic management decommissioning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
Removing Unauthorised Encampments Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for safely removing unauthorised encampments and squatters. Includes hazards, controls, and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Render & Exterior Wall Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free render and exterior wall cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for maintenan...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance

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 1513 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no signup required for guests, 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 1513 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

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

No — guests can generate and download risk assessments for free without signing up. Register a free account if you want to save documents to your dashboard, edit them later, or 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.