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

Build a Custom Risk Assessment

Build your assessment your way — start from a blank template, or add your own risks and control measures from scratch.

Start Blank Risk Assessment
TypeDocument TitleAction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMusic Technology Hearing Protection Risk AssessmentDownload a music technology hearing protection risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNail Bar and Beauty Treatment Retail Risk AssessmentDownload a nail bar risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for salons and beauty retailers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNail Gun Risk AssessmentFree nail gun risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and PPE for construction use. Download PDF, customize, stay compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNail Technicians Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free nail technicians fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for salons.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNaked Flames, Candles & Table Decorations Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for naked flames, candles and table decorations at events. Includes hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNaked Flames, Candles and Tealights Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for candles, tealights and naked flames. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK fire safety law.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNappy Changing Risk AssessmentDownload a nappy changing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for early years settings.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNarrow Lanes and Lane Restrictions Risk AssessmentDownload a free narrow lanes and lane restrictions risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic...Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Casual Leisure Staff Induction Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a concise leisure staff induction risk assessment template for gyms, pools and sports facilities. Includes hazards, controls and MHSWR 1999 compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Expectant Mothers Exposure to Substances and Environmental Conditions Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for pregnant workers covering substances, temperature, noise, vibration and more. Fully editable and compliant.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Expectant Mothers in Farming Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for new and expectant mothers on farms. Includes farm‑specific hazards, control measures and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Expectant Mothers in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for new and expectant mothers in manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER & COSHH compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Expectant Mothers Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for pregnant and breastfeeding workers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for UK workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Expectant Mothers Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for school staff who are pregnant or expecting. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Expectant Mothers Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for pregnant workers and new mothers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew Year Crowd Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free crowd safety risk assessment for New Year celebrations. Includes hazards, controls and UK legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNewsagent and Convenience Store Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a newsagent and convenience store risk assessment template with retail‑specific hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for stores.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight and Low-Light Patrol Risk AssessmentDownload a free night and low-light patrol risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight Shift Fatigue Risk AssessmentDownload a free night shift fatigue risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for security staff. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight Shift Warehouse Risk AssessmentFree night shift warehouse risk assessment template. Covers fatigue, supervision gaps, lighting, manual handling, forklift safety, and additional night‑shift hazards. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight Shift Warehouse Risk AssessmentDownload a free night shift warehouse risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight Working on Roadworks Risk AssessmentDownload a free night working on roadworks risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for highway crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free night working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight-Time Traffic Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free night‑time traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road operators.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight-time Yard Operations Risk AssessmentFree night-time yard operations risk assessment template. Includes hazards for low‑visibility vehicle traffic, forklift safety, fatigue, lighting and security. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNightclub Dance Floor, Haze & Strobe Effects Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for nightclub dance floors, haze machines and strobe lighting. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNitrogen Inerting and Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres Risk AssessmentDownload a free nitrogen inerting and oxygen‑deficient atmospheres risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise and Silica Dust Risk AssessmentDownload a free roadworks risk assessment template for noise and silica dust hazards, with control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise at Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free noise at work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise Exposure from Machinery Risk AssessmentDownload a free noise exposure risk assessment for landscaping machinery. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise Exposure in Gyms and Studios Risk AssessmentDownload a noise exposure risk assessment for gyms, studios and leisure facilities. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise Exposure in Workshop and Bodyshop Risk AssessmentDownload a noise exposure risk assessment template for motor trade workshops, with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise Exposure Risk AssessmentDownload a free noise exposure risk assessment template for food manufacturing plants. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise Exposure Risk AssessmentDownload a free noise exposure risk assessment template for door staff and event security. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK noise regulations.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise Exposure Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a farm-specific noise exposure risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance with Noise Regulations 2005.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise for Event, Stage and Music Crew Risk AssessmentDownload a noise risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Includes PA, monitor and generator hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNumber Plate Making and Fitting Risk AssessmentDownload a number plate making and fitting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for motor trade.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNursery Kitchen Risk AssessmentDownload a nursery kitchen risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for early years settings.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNursery Outdoor Play Area and Garden Risk AssessmentDownload a nursery outdoor play area risk assessment with pre‑filled hazards, controls and EYFS compliance. Editable PDF for early years.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNursery Sleep Room Monitoring Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for nursery sleep room monitoring, covering hazards, control measures and EYFS statutory framework compliance for early years p...Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNursing Mothers Returning to Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for nursing mothers returning to work. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFObstacle Course, Mud Run and Adventure Race Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for obstacle course, mud run and adventure race operations at events. Includes hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOccupational Asthma Respiratory Sensitisers Risk AssessmentDownload a free occupational asthma risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOccupational Dermatitis from Wet Work and Chemicals Risk AssessmentFree template for occupational dermatitis from wet work and chemicals. Includes hazards, controls, COSHH and PUWER compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOccupational Dermatitis Risk AssessmentDownload a free occupational dermatitis risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOccupied Building Risk AssessmentFree occupied building risk assessment template for renovations with occupants. Includes hazards, controls, fully editable and shareable.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOff-Licence Alcohol Retail Sales Risk AssessmentDownload a retail-focused risk assessment for off-licence alcohol sales, covering age verification, robbery, manual handling and more.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOffice Building Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free office security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOffice Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free office cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOffice Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free office safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOffices Fire Risk AssessmentFree offices fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Download editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOil-Fired Boiler Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free oil‑fired boiler installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for engineers.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOlder Workers Health Conditions Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for older workers covering vision, hearing, chronic health and ergonomic hazards. Editable and UK compliant.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOlder Workers Physical Capability Risk AssessmentDownload a free older workers risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers and safety teams.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOn-Farm Slaughter and Fallen Stock Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a practical on‑farm slaughter risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farmers and stockpersons.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOne-to-One Working and Lone Working with Children Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for one‑to‑one and lone working with children, including safeguards, controls and KCSIE references.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOne-way Systems and Crossing-Point Controls Risk AssessmentFree one-way systems and crossing-point controls risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance for construction traffic management.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOpening and Closing a Leisure Facility Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive opening and closing leisure facility risk assessment template with facility‑specific hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOpening and Closing a Retail Store Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use risk assessment for opening and closing retail stores, covering cash handling, security and safety hazards.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOperating Car Park Barriers & Access Gates Risk AssessmentIdentify hazards, evaluate risks and define controls for operating car park barriers and access gates to protect staff and public.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOperating Drones for Security Surveillance Risk AssessmentDownload a free drone risk assessment template for security surveillance. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for site monitoring.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOperating Safes and Time-Delay Cash Protection Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for operating safes and time‑delay cash protection. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOperating Walk‑Through and Hand‑Held Metal Detectors Risk AssessmentIdentify and control hazards when operating walk‑through and hand‑held metal detectors in security settings.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOpioid Medication Risk AssessmentDownload a free opioid medication risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOrbital Sander Risk AssessmentFree orbital sander risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and compliance guidance for woodworking and DIY projects.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOrchard Work and Fruit Picking at Height Risk AssessmentDownload orchard fruit picking at height risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for farmers and contractors.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOrchestra Pit and Fly‑Tower Risk AssessmentDownload a free orchestra pit and fly‑tower risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOrder Picking and Stores Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free order picking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF ready for...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOut-of-Hours and Night-Time Fire Safety Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free out-of-hours fire safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOut-of-Hours and Overnight Lone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free out-of-hours lone working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOut-of-hours Business Park Deliveries Risk AssessmentFree template for out-of-hours business park deliveries. Covers poor lighting hazards, vehicle‑pedestrian safety, manual handling, and security. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOut-of-Hours Deliveries Risk AssessmentDownload a free out-of-hours deliveries risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Catering Risk AssessmentDownload a free outdoor catering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for events.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Fitness and Bootcamp Sessions Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a free outdoor fitness risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Lido Risk AssessmentOutdoor lido risk assessment template with hazards, controls and HSG179 compliance. Editable PDF for pool managers and lifeguards.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Market Public Safety Risk AssessmentDownload an outdoor market public safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor PE and Games Risk AssessmentDownload a ready-to-use outdoor PE and games risk assessment template for primary schools. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Pest Control Risk AssessmentDownload a free outdoor pest control risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Security and Stewarding Risk AssessmentDownload a free outdoor security and stewarding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for security staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site Set‑Up Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive outdoor wedding ceremony and reception site set‑up risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free lightning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for outdoor work safety.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutings and Buggy Walks with Under‑Fives Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for outings and buggy walks with under‑fives. Includes hazards, controls and EYFS compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutside Tap Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free outside tap installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOven and Extraction Hood Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free oven and extraction hood cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOvercrowding and Capacity Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free overcrowding and capacity management risk assessment template for public buildings. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverflow Volume During Seasonal Peaks Risk AssessmentFree overflow volume risk assessment template for Black Friday and Christmas peak periods. Covers warehouse congestion, manual handling, fire risk, IT overload and more. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Crane Risk AssessmentDownload a free overhead crane risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Ideal for construction and manufacturing sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Cranes, Gantries and Hoists Risk AssessmentDownload a free overhead crane risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Line Electrical Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free overhead line electrical work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislation. Editable PDF.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Power Lines Risk AssessmentDownload a free overhead power lines risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Power Lines Risk AssessmentDownload a free overhead power lines risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for site use.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Power Lines Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload an overhead power lines risk assessment for farms. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance for tractors, tippers, irrigation and more.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Rigging and Lifting Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive overhead rigging and lifting risk assessment for concerts and festivals, with hazards, controls and LOLER compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOvernight Multi-Day Event Trading Welfare Risk AssessmentDownload an overnight event trading welfare risk assessment template for retailers and market stalls, with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOversized Load Risk AssessmentDownload a free oversized load risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for fleet logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverweight Axle and Uneven Load Distribution Risk AssessmentFree overweight axle risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards and control measures for heavy vehicle load distribution. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOxy-Fuel and Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for oxy-fuel and oxygen‑enriched atmospheres. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPacking-Line and Packaging Workers Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for packing‑line and packaging operatives in manufacturing covering manual handling, machine guarding, COSHH substances and ergonomics.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPad Printing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pad printing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPaddock Generators, Compressed Air & Nitrogen Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for generators, compressed air and nitrogen used in motorsport events. Includes hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events

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.