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 AssessmentFREEPDFPlunge Saw / Track Saw Risk AssessmentPlunge saw risk assessment template. Includes hazards, control measures, and SEO content for woodworking and construction.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPneumatic Conveying of Powders Risk AssessmentDownload a free pneumatic conveying risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPneumatic Staple Gun Risk AssessmentFree pneumatic staple gun risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and safety guidance for construction and workshop use. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPneumatic Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free pneumatic systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPneumatic Tools Risk AssessmentFree pneumatic tools risk assessment template. Includes hazards, control measures, noise, vibration, air blast safety. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPOD Capture at Doorstep Risk AssessmentFree POD capture at doorstep risk assessment template. Includes hazards for slips, vehicle traffic, weather, pets and manual handling. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPOD Capture at Doorstep Risk AssessmentFree POD capture at doorstep risk assessment template. Includes hazards for slips, vehicle traffic, weather, pets and manual handling. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPole Pruner and Pole Saw Risk AssessmentDownload a free pole pruner and pole saw risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPolice and Emergency Services Event Risk AssessmentDownload a free police and emergency services event risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for organis...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPolishing, Buffing and Linishing Risk AssessmentDownload a free polishing, buffing and linishing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPolytunnel and Glasshouse Work Risk AssessmentDownload a polytunnel and glasshouse work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPond and Water Feature Risk AssessmentDownload a free pond and water feature risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPond, Lake and Water Feature Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free pond and lake cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPool Chemical Delivery, Storage and Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a pool chemical delivery, storage and handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPool Cover and Movable Floor Risk AssessmentDownload a pool cover and movable floor risk assessment template with hazards, controls and HSG179 compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPool Emergency Action Plan Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a pool emergency action plan risk assessment template for gyms and leisure facilities. Includes hazards, controls and HSG179 compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPool Hoist and Assisted Access Risk AssessmentDownload a pool hoist risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for gyms and leisure pools.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPool Inflatables Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a pool inflatables risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPool Plant Room Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a pool plant room operation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and HSG179 compliance for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPoolside Lifeguarding and Supervision Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a poolside lifeguarding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure pools. Fully editable PDF.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPoor Housekeeping Slip/Trip Risk AssessmentFree slip trip risk assessment template for poor housekeeping. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPop-Up Shop Set-Up and Temporary Fit-Out Risk AssessmentDownload a pop-up shop set‑up risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for retail managers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPort Closure/Strike Contingency and Rerouting Risk AssessmentFree template for port closure or strike contingency planning. Includes rerouting hazards, driver fatigue, cargo security and compliance checks.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPort-side Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free port-side operations risk assessment template for high wind and adverse weather. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPort, Dock and Maritime Terminal Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free port security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable and Temporary Heating Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free portable and temporary heating fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Appliance Testing Gym Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a portable appliance testing risk assessment for gyms, pools and leisure facilities with hazards, controls and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989...Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Appliance Testing Risk AssessmentDownload a free portable appliance testing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Cabin Risk AssessmentDownload a free portable cabin risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for site offices and welfare units.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Dancefloor and Staging Hire Set-Up Risk AssessmentDownload a portable dancefloor and staging set‑up risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Electrical Equipment and Overheating Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment for portable electrical equipment, covering overheating, faulty cords, charging safety and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Two-Way Temporary Traffic Signals Risk AssessmentDownload a free portable two-way temporary traffic signals risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Variable Message Sign Risk AssessmentDownload a free portable variable message sign risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortioning and Weighing Food Risk AssessmentDownload a free portioning and weighing food risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering and manufacturing.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPositive Handling & Restraint Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for positive handling, restraint and physical intervention in schools. Includes hazards, controls and KCSIE compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPost Construction Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free post‑construction cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Includes dust, chemicals and asbestos. PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPost Incident Trauma Risk AssessmentDownload a free post incident trauma risk assessment template with pre‑filled psychological hazards, controls and compliance notes for security staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPost Knockers and Fencing Machinery Risk AssessmentDownload a post knockers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for farmers and contractors.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPost Office Counter Risk AssessmentDownload a post office counter risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for retail services.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPost-Match Crowd Dispersal Risk AssessmentDownload a free post-match crowd dispersal risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for stadiums and event venues.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPostal sack and tray manual handling Risk AssessmentFree postal sack and tray manual handling risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls, and safe lifting guidance for postal workers. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPotato and Root Crop Harvesting Risk AssessmentDownload a free potato and root crop harvesting risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for farm use.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPotato Store CO2 & Sprout Suppressants Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment for potato and root crop stores handling CO2 and sprout suppressants. Includes hazards, controls, and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPothole Repair and Patching Risk AssessmentDownload a free pothole repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPoultry Egg Production Risk AssessmentDownload a poultry egg production risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for free‑range and housed hens.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPoultry Handling and Catching Risk AssessmentDownload a poultry handling and catching risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farm workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPoultry Processing and Evisceration Risk AssessmentDownload a free poultry processing and evisceration risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPowder Coating Line Risk AssessmentDownload a free powder coating line risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPowder Drying, Milling and Sieving Risk AssessmentDownload a free powder drying, milling and sieving risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPower Flushing Central Heating Risk AssessmentFree power flushing central heating risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Download editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPower Press Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a free power press risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPower Take‑Off (PTO) Shaft Entanglement Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for PTO shaft entanglement on farms. Includes hazards, control measures and PUWER 1998 legal references for safe agricultural use.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPowered Post-Hole Auger Risk AssessmentDownload a free powered post-hole auger risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPPE for Manufacturing Operatives Risk AssessmentDownload a free PPE risk assessment template for manufacturing operatives. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER, COSHH and PPE regulations.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPPE in the Motor Vehicle Repair Workshop Risk AssessmentDownload a PPE risk assessment template for motor workshops. Includes eye, hand, foot and respiratory protection controls. Editable PDF.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPPE Selection, Use, and Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a free PPE risk assessment template for security staff, including stab‑resistant and body armour guidance. Editable PDF with hazards and controls.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPre‑Use Inspection and Checks of Traffic Management Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free pre‑use inspection TM equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPregnant Workers and New Mothers Risk AssessmentDownload a free pregnant workers risk assessment template for retail, with hazards, controls and compliance with Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPremises Search Risk AssessmentDownload a free premises, room and locker search risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPreserving Crime Scenes Risk AssessmentDownload a free preserving crime scenes risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for law enforcement.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPress Brake Risk AssessmentDownload a free press brake risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPress-Fit Pipe Jointing Risk AssessmentDownload a free press‑fit pipe jointing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for plumbers and fitters.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for engineers and safety manag...Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Testing of Pipework Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure testing of pipework risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for sites.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Washer Risk AssessmentFree pressure washer risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and safety guidance for safe cleaning operations. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Washer Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure washer risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Washer Use on Farms Risk AssessmentDownload a pressure washer risk assessment template for farms with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for agriculture.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Washing and Vehicle Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a pressure washing vehicle cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for motor trade st...Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Washing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure washing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPreventing Burnout and Chronic Workplace Fatigue Risk AssessmentFree template to assess burnout and chronic workplace fatigue risks. Includes hazards, controls and UK legal compliance for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPrimary Design & Technology Junk Modelling Risk AssessmentDownload a primary design and technology risk assessment template for schools, with hazards, control measures and PUWER compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPrimary Science Investigations Risk AssessmentDownload a primary science investigations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPrint Finishing Risk AssessmentDownload a free print finishing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for cutting, binding, laminating. Editable PDF for site...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPrinters and Print Works Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for printers and print works. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with DSEAR and UK fire safety regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPrinting and Packaging Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free printing and packaging manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factor...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPrinting Presses Risk AssessmentDownload a free printing press risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProcess and Plant Operators Risk AssessmentDownload a free process and plant operators risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing s...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProcess Pipework & Valve Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for process pipework and valve operations with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProcess Sampling and Testing Risk AssessmentDownload a free process sampling and testing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProduct Changeover and CIP Risk AssessmentDownload a free product changeover and cleaning‑in‑place risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProduct Launch and Corporate-Event Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a product launch and corporate-event risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event managers.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProduction Assembly Line Risk AssessmentDownload a free production assembly line risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and legal compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProduction Line Operatives Risk AssessmentDownload a free production line operatives risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProlonged Standing and Walking Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for security patrols involving prolonged standing and walking. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProtester Removal Risk AssessmentDownload a free protester removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for security teams. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProvision and Use of Work Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free PUWER risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for workplace safety.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPruning Shrubs and Small Trees Risk AssessmentFree pruning shrubs & small trees risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for landscaping & grounds maintenance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPub Cellar Gas (CO2/N2) and Keg Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a pub cellar gas (CO2/N2) and keg handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance. Editable PDF for licensed venues.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Access Defibrillator Risk AssessmentDownload a free public access defibrillator risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venues and events.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Access Footpaths and Open Farm Visitors Risk AssessmentDownload a public access footpaths and open farm visitors risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Address and Emergency Communication Risk AssessmentDownload a free public address risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for crowd safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic and Communal Areas Fire Risk AssessmentFree public and communal areas fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Electrical Safety at Events Risk AssessmentDownload an electrical safety risk assessment template for concerts and festivals, RCD and cable cover controls, complying with EW Regulations 1989 and BS 7909.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Exposure to Special Effects Risk AssessmentDownload a public exposure to special effects risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Fireworks Risk AssessmentDownload a free public fireworks risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for safe event planning.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Health Emergency PPE Risk AssessmentDownload a free public health emergency PPE risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Heat, Cold, Shade and Hydration Risk AssessmentDownload a public heat, cold, shade and hydration risk assessment template for events. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Interface Risk AssessmentFree public interface risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for construction groundworks.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Photography Risk AssessmentDownload a free public photography risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for security and public safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPublic Safety at Beaches, Marinas, and Open-Water Risk AssessmentDownload a free public safety risk assessment template for beaches, marinas and open‑water sites. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety

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.