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 AssessmentFREEPDFHostel and Budget Accommodation Risk AssessmentDownload a hostel risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for budget accommodation operators.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHostel Dormitory and Shared-Facility Risk AssessmentDownload a hostel dormitory risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for accommodation staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHostel Guest Behaviour, Intoxication and Security Risk AssessmentDownload a hostel guest behaviour, intoxication and security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and HSE Act 1974 compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHostel Shared Kitchen Risk AssessmentDownload a hostel shared kitchen risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for hostel staff and guests.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHostile Vehicle Mitigation Risk AssessmentDownload a free hostile vehicle mitigation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Air Welder Risk AssessmentFree hot air welder risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for fire, burns, fumes, electrical and confined‑space. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Beverage Preparation Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot beverage preparation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for catering. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Bitumen Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot bitumen risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Desking and Shared Workspaces Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot desking risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Oil and Fat Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot oil risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Surfaces Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot surfaces risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER and COSHH.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Tub and Spa Pool Risk Assessment for Hospitality and AccommodationDownload a hot tub risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for hospitality spas. Editable PDF for staff and guests.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Water Cylinder Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot water cylinder installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Weather and Sun Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot weather and sun safety risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK health and safety law.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Work Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot work fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for welding, cutting and grinding. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Work Permit-to-Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Works Risk AssessmentFree hot works (welding/cutting) risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance – download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Banqueting and Function Service Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for hotel banqueting and function service staff – manual handling, hot food, crowding, candles and fire safety controls.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Bar and Lounge Service Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel bar and lounge service risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Bathroom and Wet‑Area Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel bathroom and wet‑area cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and COSHH compliance. Fully editable.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Bed-Making and Mattress Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel bed‑making and mattress handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for housekeep...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Breakfast Buffet Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel breakfast buffet risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Concierge and Guest Services Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel concierge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Corridors and Stairwells Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel corridor risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for facilities staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Electrical Safety and PAT Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel electrical safety and PAT risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Front Desk Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel front desk risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Goods-In, Deliveries and Loading Bay Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel goods-in risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Grounds Car Park Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel grounds and car park risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for facilities staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Accommodation Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free hotel security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Evacuation Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel guest evacuation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Gym and Fitness Room Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel gym risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Interaction Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel guest interaction risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for dining, bar and lounge staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Lift Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel guest lift risk assessment template with hazards, controls and LOLER compliance. Editable PDF for facilities teams.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Medical Emergencies and First Aid Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel guest medical emergencies risk assessment template with first‑aid and AED controls. Fully editable for duty managers.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel guest safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Guest Shuttle and Courtesy Transport Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel guest shuttle risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for hospitality staff. Editable PDF.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Housekeeper Lone Working & Panic Alarm Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel housekeeper lone working and panic alarm risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance with UK health and safety regulations.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Housekeeping Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel housekeeping risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Housekeeping Trolley and Linen Handling Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for hotel housekeeping staff handling trolleys and linen, with controls aligned to Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Incident, Accident and RIDDOR Management Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel incident and RIDDOR management risk assessment template with controls and compliance guidance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Industrial Washer, Dryer, Calender and Ironer Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel laundry risk assessment template covering washers, dryers, calenders and ironers. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Kids’ Club Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel kids' club risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for hospitality managers.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Laundry Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel laundry risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Legionella and Water-System Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel legionella risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Maintenance and Guest‑Room Repairs Risk AssessmentHotel maintenance risk assessment covering electrical, plumbing, height work, fire risk and more. Fully editable and compliant with UK health and safety legi...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Minibar and In‑Room Amenity Restocking Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel minibar restocking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for housekeeping staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Night Porter and Lone Night Working Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for hotel night porters working alone at night, covering aggression, fire, medical emergencies, fatigue and control...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel operations risk assessment template covering heritage fire safety, electrical hazards, evacuation and maintenance controls.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Pool Plant and Water Treatment Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel pool plant and water treatment risk assessment template with chemical handling controls, compliant with COSHH.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Pool Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel pool supervision risk assessment with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Portering, Luggage and Trolley Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel portering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Reception Cash & Guest Aggression Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel reception cash handling risk assessment with controls for robbery, aggression, counterfeit money and alarms. Fully editable for staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Restaurant and Waiter Service Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel restaurant and waiter service risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Room Cleaning Chemicals Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel room cleaning chemicals risk assessment template with COSHH compliance, hazards, controls and editable PDF for housekeeping staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Room Service and In‑Room Dining Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel room service risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for F&B staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Spa Sauna Steam Treatment Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel spa risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for spa staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Swimming Pool and Leisure-Club Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel swimming pool risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pool and leisure‑club staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotel Waste, Refuse and Bin-Store Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free hotel waste risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for housekeeping staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHotels and Guest Houses Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free Hotels and Guest Houses fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHouseboat and Canal-Boat Hire Hospitality Risk AssessmentDownload a houseboat hire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHousekeeping and Fire-Load Management Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free housekeeping and fire‑load management fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHousekeeping and Workplace Tidiness Risk AssessmentDownload a free housekeeping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHVAC and Refrigeration (F-Gas) Engineers Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment for HVAC and refrigeration (F‑Gas) engineers, with hazards, controls and UK fire safety and refrigerant legislation.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHVAC Installation Risk AssessmentFree HVAC installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance – download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHydraulic Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free hydraulic systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHydrotherapy Pool Operation Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a hydrotherapy pool operation risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIce and Snow Risk AssessmentFree ice and snow risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and UK compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIce Cream and Frozen Dessert Risk AssessmentDownload a free ice cream risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIce Machine Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free ice machine cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food service.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIce, Snow and Gritting of Public Walkways and Car Parks Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for ice, snow and gritting of public walkways and car parks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFICT, Computing and Robotics Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a free ICT risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for school computing rooms. Editable PDF for staff.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFImmersion Heater Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free immersion heater installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumb...Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFImmune System Disorder Employment Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for employing workers with immune system disorders. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFImpact Driver Risk AssessmentFree impact driver risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, noise, vibration, battery safety for construction trades. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFImpact Protection Vehicle Risk AssessmentDownload a free impact protection vehicle risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIn-Store Bakery Ovens, Provers and Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a bakery oven risk assessment template for retail shops with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for easy use.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIn-Store Children’s Events Risk AssessmentRetail‑focused risk assessment for in‑store children’s events, character appearances and face painting. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIn-Store Electronics and Phone Repair Risk AssessmentDownload a retail electronics repair risk assessment covering battery fire, soldering fumes, cuts and fire safety – fully editable for store use.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIn-Store Promotional Events Risk AssessmentRetail risk assessment for in‑store promotional events covering crowd control, fire, electrical and public interaction hazards. Fully editable.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIn-Store Sampling, Tastings and Product Demonstrations Risk AssessmentDownload an in-store sampling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for retail shops and events.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIncident, RTC and Breakdown Response Risk AssessmentFree template for incident, RTC and breakdown response in temporary traffic‑management sites. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndoor Cycling Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a free indoor cycling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndoor Physical Education and Apparatus Risk AssessmentDownload an indoor PE risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for primary schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndoor Ski Slope Risk AssessmentDownload a free indoor ski slope risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for leisure centres.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndoor Soft Play and Climbing Frames Risk AssessmentIndoor soft play risk assessment template with hazards, controls and EYFS compliance for early years settings. Download now.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFInduction Heating Risk AssessmentDownload a free induction heating risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial and Forklift Battery Charging Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for industrial and forklift battery charging. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Autoclave Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial autoclave risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food processors.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Cleaners Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial cleaners risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Curing and Drying Oven Risk AssessmentFree industrial curing oven risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Grills and Charbroilers Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for industrial grills and charbroilers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK food safety, HSE regulatio...Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Mixers Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial mixers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Mixing and Blending Equipment Risk AssessmentFree industrial mixing and blending equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Oven Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial oven risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers. Editable PDF ready to...Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Radiation Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial radiation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Robot and Robotic Cell Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial robot risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Sewing Machine Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial sewing machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIndustrial Vacuum / Dust Extractor Risk AssessmentFree industrial vacuum risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls for noise, electrical, dust explosion. HSE‑compliant PDF download.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFInfection Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload an infection prevention risk assessment template for schools, colleges and universities. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFInfectious Disease Risk Assessment for Hospitality and AccommodationHospitality infectious disease risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable for accommodation managers.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.