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 1,400+ 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
Verge and Vegetation Clearance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free verge and vegetation clearance risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Violence and Aggression in Healthcare Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for managing violence and aggression in healthcare settings. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Violence and Aggression Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free violence and aggression risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for public‑facing staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Visitor Management and Reception Security Duties Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment covering visitor handling, reception desk operations, and security duties to protect staff, visitors and assets.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Visitors and Contractors on Site Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free visitors and contractors on site risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: General
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VMS and Sign Battery and Solar Unit Servicing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free VMS and sign battery servicing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic‑mana...Category: Traffic Management
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Wacker Plate Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree wacker plate risk assessment template. Includes hazards like HAVS, noise, manual handling, fumes & refuelling. Download PDF and stay HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
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Waiting and Table Service Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free waiting staff risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for restaurants and hotels.Category: Food Industry
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Walk-In Cold Storage and Cold Rooms Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free walk‑in freezer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for food premises.Category: Food Industry
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Wall Demolition Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree wall demolition risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and compliance for construction demolition projects.Category: Construction
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Wandering or Vulnerable Adults Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wandering or vulnerable adults risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Warehouse and Storage Operatives Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free warehouse and storage operatives fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Warehouse Seasonal Temporary Labour Controls Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for managing seasonal temporary labour in warehouses. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Warehouse Seasonal Temporary Labour Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free warehouse seasonal temporary labour risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Warehouse Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free warehouse security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Waste Collection Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free waste collection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
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Waste Management and Bin Area Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free waste management risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
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Waste Storage and Bin-Fire Prevention Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free waste storage and bin-fire prevention fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Waste Transport Documentation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free waste transport risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for hazardous waste logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Water Filled Barrier Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a water filled barrier risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
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Water Mains Connection and Repair Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free water mains connection and repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing...Category: Plumbing
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Water Meter Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free water meter installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing works.Category: Plumbing
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Water Safety Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free water safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for lakes, docks and water features. Editable PDF for site...Category: Security and Public Safety
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Water Softener Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free water softener installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers.Category: Plumbing
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Watering & Irrigation Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a watering and irrigation system installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editabl...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Waterjet Cutting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free waterjet cutting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factory...Category: Manufacturing
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Wave and Reflow Soldering Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wave and reflow soldering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for electronics manufacturing. Edit...Category: Manufacturing
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WC and Toilet Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free WC and toilet installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
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Weapons Amnesty Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free weapons amnesty risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Weaving, Knitting and Spinning Machinery Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for weaving, knitting and spinning machinery. Includes hazards, controls and UK compliance notes for textile factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Welders and Metal Fabricators Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for welders and metal fabricators. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Welding and Hot Works Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free welding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for metalwork sites.Category: General
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Welding Fume Exposure Control Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free welding fume exposure control risk assessment template for manufacturing. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Welding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree welding risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for fumes, UV radiation, burns & fire. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Wet Underfloor Heating Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wet underfloor heating risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing works.Category: Plumbing
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Wheel Nut Security and Post-Maintenance Rechecks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree wheel nut security risk assessment template. Includes post‑maintenance recheck checklist, torque controls, and compliance guidance for fleets.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Wheelchair Users and Severely Restricted Mobility Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for wheelchair users and severely restricted mobility workers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Wheelie Bin Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wheelie bin cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
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Whole Body Vibration Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free whole body vibration risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for operators and sites.Category: General
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Wide Belt Sanding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wide belt sanding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Window Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree window installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and safety checklist for fitters. Download PDF, edit, share.Category: Construction
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Windscreen/visibility defects Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree windscreen visibility defects risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for wipers, washers, demist systems. HSE‑compliant, download PDF. Fleet safety.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Winter Gritting and Snow Clearance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree winter gritting and snow clearance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Winter Yard Safety Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree winter yard safety risk assessment template. Snow removal, ice management, gritting hazards and controls. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Wok Cooking Open Flame Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wok cooking on open flame risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for restaurant kitchens.Category: Food Industry
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Wood Chipper Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wood chipper risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping crews.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Wood Dust Extraction and LEV Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free wood dust extraction and LEV risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Woodworking and Sawdust Extraction Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free woodworking and sawdust extraction fire risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and UK fire safety legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Work Experience Placements and School‑Age Visitors Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for work‑experience placements and school‑age visitors, with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislative referen...Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Work Near Underground Services Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free work near underground services risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: General
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Work‑Related Stress Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control work‑related stress hazards to protect employee wellbeing and meet legal duties.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Workers in Recovery Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for workers in recovery from alcohol or drug dependency. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Working Adjacent to Live Traffic Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree working adjacent to live traffic risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
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Working Adjacent to the Public Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for landscaping work near the public in parks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Working Alone in Remote Locations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working alone remote locations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe lone work.Category: General
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Working Around Moving Plant and Vehicles Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for working around moving plant and vehicles on roadworks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Working Around Temporary Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working around temporary traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for highway works.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Working at Height Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working at height risk assessment template for factories. Includes mezzanine, platform and racking hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Working at Height Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working at height risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for site use.Category: General
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Working at Height Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working at height risk assessment template for security camera installation. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working at Height Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree working at height risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for ladders, scaffolds, roofs & MEWPs. HSE-compliant, download PDF. UK construction.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working at Height Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working at height risk assessment template for gutters, roofs, hedges and trees. Fully editable, HSE‑compliant for landscaping professionals.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Working at Road Junctions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for working at road junctions risk assessment. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes for highway maintenance.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Working Beneath Raised Vehicles Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree working beneath raised vehicles risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for pits, lifts, fuel, electrical and crush risks. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Working in a 30mph Urban Speed Zone Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for working in a 30mph urban speed zone roadworks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working in Adverse Weather, Heat and Cold Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment for landscaping work in adverse weather, heat and cold. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with HSE guidance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working in High Winds Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working in high winds risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for any workplace.Category: General
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Working in Highway Confined Spaces Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working in highway confined spaces risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road works.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working in Hostile or High-Crime Environments Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment for hostile or high‑crime environments with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working in Hot Weather and Summer Conditions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot weather risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for outdoor sites.Category: General
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Working in Isolated or Rural Locations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free isolated work risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security and field staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Working in or Near Live Public Transport Environments Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free public transport risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for bus, tram and rail sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Working in Rain and Wet Conditions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for working in rain and wet conditions, with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: General
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Working Near Water Features Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working near water features risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working Near Water Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working near water risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for site use.Category: General
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Working on Motorway Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working on motorway risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks teams.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Working on or Near the Live Carriageway Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working on or near the live carriageway risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roa...Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Working with Gas Installation and Maintenance Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree gas installation fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for engineers and safety officers.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Working Within a Full Road Closure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free roadworks risk assessment for full road closures, with hazards, control measures and compliance with NRSWA, PUWER and CDM regulations.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Working Within a Lane Closure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free lane closure risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks teams.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Working Within Contraflow System – Roadworks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free working within contraflow system risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Workplace Access Egress and Circulation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free workplace access risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Workplace Ergonomics and Workstation Setup Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ergonomics risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices.Category: General
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Workplace Lighting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free workplace lighting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and industrial s...Category: General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Workplace Physical Modifications Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free workplace physical modifications risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for disabled workers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Workplace Stress and Mental Health Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free workplace stress and mental health risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: General
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Workplace Temperature Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free workplace temperature risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for any industry.Category: General
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Workplace Transport Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free workplace transport risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
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Workplace Ventilation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free workplace ventilation and air quality risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: General
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Workplace Violence Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree workplace violence risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Fully editable PDF for any business.Category: General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Works Access Points and Lane Gain/Drop Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for works access points and lane gain/drop on high‑speed roads. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Traffic Management
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Works on Highways Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free works on highways risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Construction
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Workshop Maintenance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree workshop maintenance risk assessment template with lockout/tagout (LOTO) controls. Pre‑filled hazards for electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical energy. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
X‑Ray Baggage and Parcel Screening Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free X‑Ray baggage and parcel screening risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Yard Patrols, Lighting, and Surveillance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free yard patrol, lighting and surveillance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Young and New Workers in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for young manufacturing workers: machine guarding, substance safety, LOTO controls. Compliant with PUWER, COSHH and Young Persons Regulations.Category: Manufacturing
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Young Workers and Work Experience Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for young workers and work experience placements. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: General
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Young Workers Under 18 Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free young workers risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare

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 1498 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 1498 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.