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 AssessmentFREEPDFPaint Mixing and Solvent Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a paint mixing and solvent handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPaint, Coatings and Ink Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free paint, coatings and ink manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPainters and Decorators Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free painters and decorators fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPainting Risk AssessmentFree painting risk assessment template. Covers paint fumes, solvents, fall hazards, fire risk, lead paint & more. Download PDF, fully editable and HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPallet Racking Use, Loading and Inspection Risk AssessmentDownload a free pallet racking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPallet Truck Risk AssessmentDownload a free pallet truck risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for warehouses.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPallet Truck Risk AssessmentDownload a free pallet truck risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food warehouses. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPallet Trucks and Manual Handling for Retail and Service Industries Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free pallet trucks risk assessment template for retail stockrooms. Includes hazards, control measures and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPalletising and Depalletising Risk AssessmentDownload a free palletising and depalletising risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPanel Saw and Dimension Saw Risk AssessmentDownload a free panel saw risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for operators.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPaper and Board Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free paper and board manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFParcel Cage Movement Risk AssessmentFree parcel cage movement risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tipping, runaway cages, collisions and manual handling. HSE‑compliant, download PDF. Logistics and warehouse safety.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFParcel Handover and Chain of Custody Risk AssessmentDownload a free parcel handover risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFParents’ Evenings, Open Days and Evening Events Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for school evenings, open days and events. Includes hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFParts Department and Stores Handling Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a parts department and stores handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for motor trade.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFParts Racking, Shelving and Heavy Parts Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a parts racking and shelving risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPass and Credential Checking Risk AssessmentIdentify and control hazards for pass and credential checking at event entry points – security, data protection and health & safety guidance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPasteurisation and UHT Processing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pasteurisation and UHT processing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for dairy manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPatio and Flag Paving Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free patio and flag paving installation risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPavement and Carriageway Inspection Risk AssessmentDownload a free pavement and carriageway inspection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPaving Risk AssessmentFree paving risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls for manual handling, slips, vibration, dust, traffic and more. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPCV Bus and Coach Driver Training Risk AssessmentDownload a PCV bus and coach driver training risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPeak-Hour City Driving and Congestion Stress Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for peak-hour city driving stress. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPedestrian and Vehicle Movement in Car Parks Risk AssessmentIdentify and control hazards for pedestrians and vehicles in car parks – collisions, trips, falls and reversing risks.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPedestrian and Vehicle Segregation Risk AssessmentFree pedestrian and vehicle segregation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPedestrian and Vehicle Segregation Risk AssessmentDownload a free pedestrian and vehicle segregation risk assessment template for public events. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Fully editab...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPedestrian Circulation Risk AssessmentDownload a free pedestrian circulation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for public spaces.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPerformer Aerialist Stunt Risk AssessmentDownload a performer aerialist stunt risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPergola, Trellis and Arch Risk AssessmentFree pergola, trellis and arch risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping projects.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPergola, Trellis and Arch Risk AssessmentFree pergola, trellis and arch risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping projects.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPerimeter Fencing, Barriers, and Bollards Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for installing and maintaining perimeter fencing, barriers, and bollards. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPerimeter Hoarding Risk AssessmentFree perimeter hoarding risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for public protection, dust and noise control, temporary fencing compliance. HSE‑aligned, fully editable and shareable.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPeriodic Inspection and Testing Risk AssessmentDownload a free periodic inspection and testing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPeripatetic and Visiting Staff Risk AssessmentDownload a peripatetic staff risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and safeguarding guidance for schools. Editable PDF for music and spo...Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPermit to Work System Risk AssessmentDownload a free permit to work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPersonal Alarms, Panic Systems & Radios Risk AssessmentDownload a retail‑specific risk assessment for personal alarms, panic systems and radios. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with HSW Act 1974.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPersonal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP) Risk AssessmentDownload a PEEP risk assessment template for schools, with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPersonal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) Fire Risk AssessmentFree PEEPs fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for housing managers.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPersonal Protective Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free PPE risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislation notes. Editable PDF for workplace safety.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPersonal Search Risk AssessmentDownload a free personal search risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPersonal Training and 1-2-1 Coaching Sessions Risk AssessmentDownload a personal training risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure centres.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPest and Vermin Control Risk AssessmentDownload a pest and vermin control risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPest Control Risk Assessment for Food Premises & Kitchens Risk AssessmentComprehensive pest control risk assessment for restaurants, catering facilities and commercial kitchens. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance refe...Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPesticide and Plant Protection Product Storage Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for safe storage of pesticides and plant protection products on farms – hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPesticide Mixing and Container Filling Risk AssessmentDownload a pesticide mixing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farm use.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPet Food Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pet food manufacturing risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for food producers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPet Shop and Animal Retail Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a pet shop risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for retail animal handling.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPetrol and Two-Stroke Equipment Refuelling and Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free petrol and two‑stroke refuelling and storage risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for landsca...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPetrol Forecourt Fuel Dispensing Risk AssessmentDownload a petrol forecourt risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance. Editable PDF for forecourt staff.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPharmaceutical Drug Storage Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free pharmaceutical drug storage security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and UK compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPharmaceutical Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pharmaceutical manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPharmacy and Retail Dispensary Counter Risk AssessmentDownload a pharmacy and retail dispensary counter risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPhased Return to Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free phased return to work mental health risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPhosphating and Chemical Conversion Coating Risk AssessmentDownload a free phosphating and chemical conversion coating risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPhysical Intervention and Restraint Risk AssessmentDownload a free physical intervention and restraint risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPhysics Practicals & Electrical Experiments Risk AssessmentDownload a physics practical risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for secondary schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPick-Your-Own Operations and Public Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a pick‑your‑own risk assessment template for garden centres, covering public safety, vehicle traffic and slip hazards.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPicker Truck Operations at Height Risk AssessmentFree picker truck operations at height risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for tip‑over, load shift, collisions. HSE‑compliant, download PDF. UK logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPicket Line Risk AssessmentDownload a free picket line risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPicking Under Dispatch Pressure and Error Fatigue Risk AssessmentFree picking under dispatch pressure risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for warehouse picking, error fatigue, manual handling and equipment safety. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPicking Under Dispatch Pressure Risk AssessmentDownload a free picking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for warehouses under dispatch pressure.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPickling, Etching & Acid Baths Risk AssessmentFree pickling, etching and acid baths risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, COSHH and PUWER compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPig Handling and Housing Risk AssessmentDownload a pig handling and housing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farm workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPig Unit Operation and Welfare Risk AssessmentDownload a free pig unit operation and welfare risk assessment template with hazards, control measures and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPiling Risk AssessmentFree piling risk assessment template. Includes hazards for driven, bored & vibro piles, control measures, CDM compliance. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPillar and Bench Drilling Machine Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for pillar and bench drilling machines. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPipe Bender Risk AssessmentFree pipe bender risk assessment template with hazards, controls, compliant with HSE. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPipe Installation Risk AssessmentFree pipe installation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for manual handling, confined space, welding, pressure testing & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPipe Insulation and Lagging Risk AssessmentDownload a free pipe insulation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for plumbing works.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPit-Stop and Wheel-Change Risk AssessmentDownload a ready-made pit-stop and wheel-change risk assessment for motorsport events. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPitch Invasion Risk AssessmentDownload a free pitch invasion risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event security.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPitch, Court and Arena-Floor Changeover Risk AssessmentDownload a detailed risk assessment for pitch, court and arena-floor changeover operations. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Manual Handling R...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPizza Oven Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free pizza oven risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for wood‑fired and gas ovens. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlaces of Worship Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free security risk assessment template for churches, mosques, temples and other religious premises. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlaner and Thicknesser Risk AssessmentDownload a free planer and thicknesser risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlanned Preventive Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a free planned preventive maintenance risk assessment template for factories. Includes hazards, controls and UK legal compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlant and Machinery Operators Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for plant and machinery operators. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK fire safety law.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlant and Machinery Theft Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload a free plant and machinery theft prevention risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlant Hire and Equipment Hire Depot Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free plant hire depot security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for site managers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlant Immobilisation Risk AssessmentDownload a free plant immobilisation risk assessment template with keyless security and CESAR marking controls. Editable PDF for site safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlant Sap Allergen Risk AssessmentFree template for landscaping teams to manage hogweed and Euphorbia sap exposure risks. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlanting Trees, Shrubs and Hedging Risk AssessmentDownload a free planting trees, shrubs and hedging risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlasma Cutting Risk AssessmentDownload a free plasma cutting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlasterboarding Risk AssessmentDownload a free plasterboarding risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures and scoring for drylining work – HSE compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlastering Risk AssessmentDownload a free plastering risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards and controls for manual handling, dust, falls, noise & more – HSE compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlastic & Push‑Fit Pipework Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for plastic and push‑fit pipework installation. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlastic Extrusion Risk AssessmentFree plastic extrusion risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlastics and Rubber Manufacturing Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for plastics and rubber manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK fire safety legislation.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlastics Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free plastics manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factory sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlate Compactor Risk AssessmentDownload a free plate compactor risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for landscaping projects.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlate Compactor Risk AssessmentFree plate compactor risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PDF download – HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlayground and Break-Time Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a playground supervision risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlayground Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a playground equipment inspection and maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance guidance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlayground Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Risk AssessmentDownload a free playground inspection and maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for grounds staff.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlumbers and Heating Engineers Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for plumbers and heating engineers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlumbing Confined Space Risk AssessmentDownload a free plumbing confined space risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlumbing Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free plumbing installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlumbing Risk AssessmentDownload a free plumbing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlumbing Risk AssessmentFree plumbing risk assessment template. Covers pipework, sanitary ware, hot water systems, soldering, confined spaces and heavy fixtures. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPlumbing Work at Height Risk AssessmentDownload a free plumbing work at height risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Plumbing

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.