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 AssessmentFREEPDFAutomatic and Rollover Car Wash Risk AssessmentDownload an automatic and rollover car wash risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable for forecourt staff.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutomatic Revolving and Powered Doors Risk AssessmentDownload a free automatic revolving and powered door risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK legislation references. Editable PDF for building...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutomotive Electrical Diagnostics Risk AssessmentDownload a detailed automotive electrical diagnostics risk assessment with trade‑specific hazards, controls and UK compliance for workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAutomotive Manufacturing and Assembly Risk AssessmentDownload a free automotive manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAV and Presentation Support at Conferences Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use AV and presentation support risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for conference events.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAV, LED Video-Wall and Projection Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free AV, LED video-wall and projection installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAviation and Maritime Port Security Support Duties Risk AssessmentDownload a free aviation and maritime port security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for securit...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAwards Ceremony and Gala Dinner Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive awards ceremony and gala dinner risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and fire safety compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAway Supporter Escort and Management Risk AssessmentFree template for escorting and managing away supporters with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFB&B Owner Lone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a B&B owner lone working risk assessment template with tailored hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for home‑based accommodation.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBaby Room Bottle Preparation and Weaning Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for baby room bottle preparation, formula sterilisation and weaning. Includes hazards, controls and EYFS 2024 compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBack Injury Risk AssessmentDownload a free back injury risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBackfilling and Compaction Risk AssessmentDownload a free backfilling and compaction risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for roadworks. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBackflow Prevention Device Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free backflow prevention device installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBackhoe Risk AssessmentFree backhoe risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tip‑over, swing radius, bucket drop & road travel. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBackline and Instrument Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a backline and instrument handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance for concert crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBackstage, Dressing‑Room & Green‑Room Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a backstage risk assessment template covering trips, electrical safety, fire, heat stress and more for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBackwashing and Pool Filter Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a pool filter backwash risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBagging and Sacking Machines Risk AssessmentDownload a free bagging and sacking machines risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBagging, Packing and Checkout Assistance Risk AssessmentDownload a retail bagging and packing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for checkout staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBakeries Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free bakeries fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food businesses.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBaking and Pastry Production Risk AssessmentDownload a free baking and pastry production risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food industry.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBalconies and Windows Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel balcony and window risk assessment template with guest fall prevention controls. Compliant with HSE regulations.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBale Handling with Grabs and Spikes Risk AssessmentDownload a bale handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBale Stack Building and Dismantling Risk AssessmentDownload a free bale stack risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBalers and Compactors Risk AssessmentDownload a free balers and compactors risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBall Sports and Indoor Court Risk AssessmentDownload a ball sports and indoor court risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for leisure centres.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBank and Building Society Branch Counter and Public Service Risk AssessmentDownload a bank branch counter risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for banking staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBank Branch Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free bank branch security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for financial services.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBanksman/Signaller Controlled Reversing Risk AssessmentFree banksman controlled reversing risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, communication controls, load safety for construction and warehouse vehicles. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBanned Individuals Re-Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for handling barred persons trying to re‑enter premises. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for securit...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBanqueting & Silver-Service Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a banqueting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for event staff.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBar Serving and Front-of-Bar Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a bar serving risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for retail venues.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBar Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free bar work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality venues.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBarbers Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free Barbers fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for salons.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBathroom Installation Risk AssessmentFree bathroom installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers, contractors and DIY enthusiasts.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBathroom Installation Risk AssessmentFree bathroom installation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tiling, plumbing, electrical work and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBattery Changing and Recharging Risk AssessmentFree battery changing and recharging risk assessment template for temporary traffic signals – hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBattery Energy Storage System Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free battery energy storage system installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBattery Failure and Jump-Start Risk AssessmentFree battery failure jump-start risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for acid spills, electric shock, fire. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBattery-powered Parcel (Lithium) Segregation and Fire Controls Risk AssessmentFree battery-powered parcel (lithium) segregation and fire controls risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, compliant with HSE guidance.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBattery-Powered Parcel Risk AssessmentDownload a free template for handling and segregating lithium battery parcels, with fire controls, segregation guidance and compliance notes.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBay Docking with Trailer Restraint/Chocks Risk AssessmentFree bay docking with trailer restraint/chocks risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and PDF download for logistics and transport.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBeach, River & Open-Water Educational Visits Risk AssessmentRisk assessment template for beach, river and open‑water educational visits. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with HSWA Section 3.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBeauty and Cosmetics Counter Retail (Testers and Sampling) Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use beauty counter risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for retailers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBedding and Border Planting Risk AssessmentDownload a free bedding and border planting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBeekeeping Risk AssessmentDownload a free beekeeping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for farm workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBeer Festival Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a beer festival operations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBeer Garden and Outdoor Drinking Area Risk AssessmentDownload a beer garden risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance for licensed venues. Fully editable PDF.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBeer Line Cleaning Cellar Chemical Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a beer line cleaning and cellar chemical safety risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and COSHH compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBelt Sander Risk AssessmentFree belt sander risk assessment template. Includes hazards, control measures, and downloadable PDF for woodworking and metalworking safety.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBench Grinder Risk AssessmentDownload a free bench grinder risk assessment template. Includes grinding, sharpening and polishing hazards, control measures and UK HSE compliance.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBench, Street Furniture and Sign Repair Risk AssessmentDownload a free bench, street furniture and sign repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBereavement Risk AssessmentDownload a free bereavement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Supports workers experiencing grief.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBetting Shop Counter Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a betting shop counter risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for retail gambling venues.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBin Store and Refuse Area Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free bin store and refuse area cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for site teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiogas and Anaerobic Digestion Plant Fire Safety Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for biogas and anaerobic digestion plants, covering hazards, control measures and compliance with relevant regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiohazard and Bodily-Fluid Decontamination Risk AssessmentDownload a free biohazard decontamination risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiological Hazards Risk AssessmentDownload a free biological hazards risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiology Practicals and Dissection Risk AssessmentDownload a biology practicals and dissection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for secondary schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiomass and Straw Boiler Fire Safety Fire Risk AssessmentFree biomass and straw boiler fire safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plant managers.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiomass Boiler Risk AssessmentDownload a biomass boiler risk assessment template with farm‑specific hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for agricultural use.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBird Fouling and Guano Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free bird fouling and guano cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBirthday Parties and Group Bookings Risk AssessmentDownload a birthday parties risk assessment for gyms, pools and leisure facilities, with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiscuit and Cracker Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free biscuit and cracker manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food indu...Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBiting, Scratching and Peer Injury Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for early years settings covering biting, scratching, peer injury, infection control and safeguarding measures.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlast Chiller Risk AssessmentDownload a free blast chiller risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlind Workers Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for employing blind or severely sight‑impaired workers. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlister Packing Risk AssessmentDownload a free blister packing risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for pharma manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlock Paving Risk AssessmentDownload a free block paving risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlood Borne Pathogens and Sharps Injuries Risk AssessmentDownload a free, editable risk assessment for blood‑borne pathogens and sharps injuries, with hazards, controls and legal compliance for healthcare settings.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlood-Borne Pathogens and Sharps Injuries Risk AssessmentDownload a blood-borne pathogens and sharps injuries risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlow Moulding – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentComprehensive blow moulding risk assessment for factory operatives – hazards, controls and UK legal references (PUWER, COSHH).Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlowtorch, Brazing & Soldering Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for blowtorch, brazing and soldering work. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBoat Show, Regatta Watersports Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for boat show, regatta and watersports event operations. Includes hazards, controls and MCA/RNLI compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBobcat Risk AssessmentFree Bobcat risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tip‑over, hydraulic failure, visibility and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBody Worn Camera Risk AssessmentDownload a free body worn camera risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBollard Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free bollard and street furniture installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBomb Threat Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free bomb threat response risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBone Saw Risk AssessmentDownload a free bone saw risk assessment template for butchery with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for meat processors.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBonfire Night Risk AssessmentDownload a bonfire night risk assessment template for schools with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance. Editable PDF for event organisers.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBonfires and Controlled Outdoor Burning Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free Bonfires and Controlled Outdoor Burning fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBoom Lift Risk AssessmentFree boom lift risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for articulating, telescopic & knuckle boom lifts – tip‑over, falls, catapult effect & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBooster Pump Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free booster pump installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing contract...Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBottling Line Risk AssessmentDownload a free bottling line risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBottling Up and Restocking a Bar Risk AssessmentDownload a bar bottling up and restocking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for retail bars and e...Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBox Office and Ticketing Risk AssessmentDownload a box office risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for concerts and festivals. Editable PDF.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBoxing and Martial Arts Training Studio Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a boxing and martial arts risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for gyms and leisure facilit...Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBrake Inspection and Replacement Risk AssessmentDownload a brake inspection and replacement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for motor‑trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBrake, Steering, Mirror and Lighting Failures in Service Risk AssessmentFree brake, steering, mirror and lighting risk assessment template for vehicle service workshops. Includes hazards, controls and PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBrand Activation Risk AssessmentDownload a brand activation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBrash Chipping and Shredding Risk AssessmentDownload a free brash chipping and shredding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBrazing and Furnace Brazing Risk AssessmentDownload a free brazing and furnace brazing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBread Dough Proving Risk AssessmentDownload a free bread dough proving risk assessment template with pre‑filled bakery hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBreaking Out Concrete Risk AssessmentFree breaking out concrete risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for dust, noise, vibration, flying debris, manual handling. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBreaking Out Road Surfaces Risk AssessmentDownload a free breaking out road surfaces risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for roadworks...Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBreakout Networking Hospitality Area Set‑Up Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for breakout, networking and hospitality area set‑up at concerts and festivals. Includes hazards, controls and compliance...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBrick, Block and Masonry Products Risk AssessmentDownload a free brick, block and masonry risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBricklaying Risk AssessmentDownload a free bricklaying risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and HSE‑compliant guidance for UK construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBroaching Machine Risk AssessmentDownload a free broaching machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing

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.