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 AssessmentFREEPDFLoad Carriage and Body-Worn Equipment Risk AssessmentFree load carriage and body-worn equipment risk assessment template for security staff. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoad Securing with Straps, Chains, Edge Protection Risk AssessmentFree load securing risk assessment template for straps, chains and edge protection. Includes hazards, controls, compliance and PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoad shift in transit and re-securing at stop points Risk AssessmentFree load shift in transit risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards, control measures, and safety checks for logistics. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoad-In and Load-Out Flight-Case Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a load in and load out flight case handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading and Unloading Livestock Risk AssessmentDownload a loading and unloading livestock risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Fully editable PDF.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading and Unloading Plant Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading and unloading plant risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for highway mainten...Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading and Unloading Refrigerated Vehicles Risk AssessmentFree template for loading and unloading refrigerated vehicles in food distribution. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading and Unloading TM Vehicles Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading and unloading traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading and Unloading Vehicles Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading and unloading vehicles risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading at Customer Sites Risk AssessmentFree loading at customer sites risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance for temporary loading areas.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading Bay & Goods Delivery Security Duties Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for security duties in loading bays and goods delivery covering unauthorised access, vehicle collisions, manual handling and ot...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading Bay and Vehicle Loading and Unloading Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading bay risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading Mixed Consignments Risk AssessmentFree loading mixed consignments risk assessment template. Warehouse hazards, control measures, download PDF. HSE‑compliant.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading Mixed Consignments Risk AssessmentDownload a loading mixed consignments risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading Muck Away Wagons Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading muck away wagons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for groundworks sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading Stacking Cones Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading and stacking cones risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management depots.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading, Unloading and Vehicle Movement Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading/unloading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for yard safety. Editable PDF for logistics staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLocal Exhaust Ventilation Risk AssessmentDownload a free LEV risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLockdown and Intruder Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free lockdown and intruder response risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoft Insulation Risk AssessmentFree loft insulation risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and downloadable PDF for UK construction projects.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLogistics Overflow Volume Risk AssessmentDownload a free logistics overflow volume risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for seasonal peaks.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Courier Deliveries in High-Crime Areas Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for lone courier deliveries in high‑crime areas. Includes robbery, vehicle safety, fatigue, weather controls. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Courier Delivery Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone courier delivery risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics and courier companies.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Driver Welfare Checks Risk AssessmentFree lone driver welfare checks risk assessment template. Covers fatigue, breakdown, medical emergency, isolation. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Staff Facing Guest Harassment and Assault Risk AssessmentDownload a hospitality risk assessment for lone housekeepers and night porters facing guest harassment and assault. Includes hazards, controls and legal comp...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Static Guarding Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone static guarding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for security sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Worker Devices Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone worker devices risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working at Events Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working at events risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable for concert crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working for Caretakers and Site Staff Risk AssessmentDownload a lone working risk assessment template for school caretakers and site staff, compliant with Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working in Landscaping Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working landscaping risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for grounds maintenance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working in Leisure Facilities Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive lone working risk assessment for gyms, pools and sports centres. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with MHSWR 1999.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working in Retail Stores Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive lone working risk assessment for retail stores with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for store managers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working in Unfamiliar or Temporary Locations Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for security personnel working alone in unfamiliar or temporary locations. Includes hazards, controls and legal references.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working on Farms Risk AssessmentDownload a farm lone working risk assessment template with communication checks, hazards and controls for agriculture.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working on Highway Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working highway maintenance risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working risk assessment template for factories. Includes pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working risk assessment template for food premises and kitchens. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working risk assessment template for security guards. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for any workplace.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a lone working risk assessment template for motor trade workshops. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Security Control Room Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working security control room risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for security...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Traffic Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone-Worker Fire Safety Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free Lone-Worker Fire Safety fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for isolated work.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLong-haul HGV Trunking Risk AssessmentFree long-haul HGV trunking risk assessment template. Nighttime motorway hazards, fatigue, load security, weather. HSE‑compliant PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLong-Reach and Telescopic Hedge Trimming Risk AssessmentDownload a free long-reach hedge trimming risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping professionals.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLookout and Safety Officer Duties Risk AssessmentFree lookout and safety officer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management sites.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoss Prevention and Store Detective Duties Risk AssessmentIdentify and control hazards for store detectives and loss prevention staff in retail settings. Includes shoplifting, confrontation, manual handling, and more.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLost Child Reunification Procedures Risk AssessmentDownload a free lost child reunification risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for public safety teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLost or Missing Child Response Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a free lost child response risk assessment template for gyms, pools and leisure centres. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLost or Missing Children in Retail Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for managing lost or missing children in stores, supermarkets and shopping centres. Includes hazards and controls.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLow Vision Workers Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for low vision workers – hazards, controls and legal compliance. Download and customise.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLow-Temperature Drying and Dehydration of Food Products Risk AssessmentDownload a free freeze drying risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLower Limb Amputation Risk AssessmentFree lower limb amputation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLP13 Light Arrow Board Vehicle Risk AssessmentDownload a free LP13 Light Arrow Board vehicle risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operati...Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLPG and Gas Cylinder Use and Storage Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free LPG and gas cylinder fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe storage and use.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLPG and Gas Cylinders Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use LPG risk assessment for food‑trucks, with hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLPG and Gas Use at Market and Food Stalls Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive LPG and gas use risk assessment for market and food stalls, with hazards, controls, and compliance with DSEAR 2002.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMacerator and Pumped Waste Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free macerator and pumped waste installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachine Decommissioning Risk AssessmentDownload a free machine decommissioning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachine Installation and Commissioning Risk AssessmentDownload a free machine installation and commissioning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for factories. Editabl...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachine Operator Risk AssessmentDownload a free machine operator risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachine Polishing and Paint Correction Risk AssessmentDownload a machine polishing and paint correction risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for detailing staff.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachine Setting and Adjustment Risk AssessmentDownload a free machine setting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing environments.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachinery Cleaning Risk AssessmentFree machinery cleaning risk assessment template with isolation procedures, chemical safety and PUWER compliance for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachinery Entanglement & Amputation – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDetailed manufacturing risk assessment for machinery entanglement, guarding, LOTO and amputation prevention.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachinery Guarding Risk AssessmentDownload a free machinery guarding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, PUWER controls and COSHH notes. Fully editable for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMachinery, GPS & Tool Theft Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload a farm-focused risk assessment for preventing theft of machinery, GPS devices and tools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMailroom and Parcel Screening Risk AssessmentDownload a free mailroom risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMaintenance Engineer and Fitter Risk AssessmentDownload a free maintenance engineer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMajor and Multiple-Casualty Incident Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free major incident response risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for emergency services.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Aggressive or Abusive Customers Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a risk assessment template for gyms, pools and leisure centres covering verbal and physical aggression, lone staff risks and control measures.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Capacity and Door Counts Risk AssessmentDownload a free capacity and door counts risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venues.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Confrontations Between Members of the Public Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for managing public confrontations, with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Crowds and Congestion in Retail Stores Risk AssessmentDownload a crowd management risk assessment template for retail stores with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for store managers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Disabled Spectators Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for managing disabled spectators and accessible areas at events. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Event Staff Safety and Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for managing event staff safety and supervision. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK health and safety...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Intoxicated Customers in Bars and Retail Risk AssessmentA comprehensive risk assessment for bar and retail staff handling intoxicated customers, with legal compliance and practical control measures.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Intoxicated Persons Risk AssessmentFree template for managing intoxicated patrons at licensed premises. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK licensing law.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Protests and Demonstrations Risk AssessmentDownload a free managing protests risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Sensory Environments and Overstimulation Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for managing sensory overload and overstimulation for neurodivergent workers. Includes hazards, controls and legal c...Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging the Public and Last Orders in Bars Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment for managing public safety and last orders in bars. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Licensing Act 2003 and Challen...Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManaging Violence and Aggression from Guests Risk AssessmentDownload a violence and aggression risk assessment template for hotels and accommodation. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManhole and Chamber Construction Risk AssessmentDownload a free manhole and chamber construction risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Centre Lathe Operation Risk AssessmentFree manual centre lathe operation risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER & COSHH compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling and Load-In Risk AssessmentDownload a manual handling and load‑in risk assessment template for market stalls and events. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling of Boilers, Baths & Radiators Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling risk assessment for boilers, baths and radiators. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling of Food Deliveries Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling food deliveries risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering and retail.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling of Gym Equipment and Stock Risk AssessmentDownload a manual handling gym risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling of Kerbs, Slabs and Road Materials Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for manual handling of kerbs, slabs and road materials. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling of Pool Lane Ropes Risk AssessmentDownload a manual handling pool lane ropes risk assessment template for gyms and leisure facilities. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling of Retail Stock and Deliveries Risk AssessmentDownload a manual handling risk assessment for retail stock and deliveries, with hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling of TM Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free traffic management equipment risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. PDF.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Risk AssessmentFree manual handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and scores. Download PDF for construction, manufacturing and general workplaces.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template for landscaping and grounds maintenance. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a manual handling risk assessment template for school staff with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template for new and expectant mothers. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a manual handling risk assessment template for farms. Includes feed, bale, fertiliser and animal handling hazards, controls and compliance with UK r...Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Security Duties Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template for security duties. Includes pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Wheels Batteries Risk AssessmentManual handling wheels and batteries risk assessment for motor trade workshops – pre‑filled hazards and controls.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade

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.