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 AssessmentFREEPDFSmall Accommodation Fire Safety and Guest Evacuation Risk AssessmentDownload a small accommodation fire safety risk assessment template with guest evacuation controls. Editable for B&B owners.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSmall Accommodation Guest Room and Breakfast Service Risk AssessmentCompliant risk assessment for guest house breakfast service covering hot cooking, allergens, slips, manual handling and more.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSmall-Venue and Grassroots Music Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a small-venue music risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSMART and Mobile Cosmetic Paint and Dent Repair Risk AssessmentDownload a SMART mobile cosmetic paint and dent repair risk assessment with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. PDF for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSmoke, Haze, CO2 & Cryo Effects Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for smoke, haze, CO2 and cryo effects in concerts and festivals, with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSmoking and Curing Food Products Risk AssessmentDownload a free smoking and curing food risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food processors.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSmoking and Vaping Areas Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free Smoking and Vaping Areas fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSmoking and Vaping Risk AssessmentDownload a free smoking and vaping risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSnow and Ice Clearance Risk AssessmentFree snow and ice clearance risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance references. Fully editable PDF for grounds teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSoap, Detergent and Cleaning Product Risk AssessmentFree template with hazards, controls and compliance for soap and detergent manufacturing. Download PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSoffit, Fascia and Cladding Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free soffit, fascia and cladding cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSoft Play Centre Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a ready‑to‑use soft play centre risk assessment with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSoil Preparation, Digging and Rotavating Risk AssessmentDownload a free soil preparation, digging and rotavating risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping t...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSoil, Waste and Below‑Ground Drainage Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for soil, waste and below‑ground drainage installation with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSolar Panel Installation Risk AssessmentFree solar panel installation risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for roof work, electrical safety, manual handling. Download PDF.Category: Construction, Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSolar PV and Battery Storage Installers Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for solar PV and battery storage installers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with HSE guidance.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSolar PV System Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a free solar PV system maintenance risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for installers.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSoldering Risk AssessmentFree soldering risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for burns, fumes, eye injury & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSolvent Use and Storage Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free solvent use and storage fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSound, PA and Line‑Array Set‑Up and Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for sound, PA and line‑array operation. Includes noise, manual handling, electrical safety and compliance UK regulations.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSous Vide Cooking Risk AssessmentDownload a free sous vide cooking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food production.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpa and Beauty Treatment Rooms Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a spa and beauty treatment rooms risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and COSHH compliance. Editable for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpa Pool, Sauna and Steam Room Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a spa pool, sauna and steam room risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpa Resort and Wellness Retreat Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a spa risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for spa, sauna and treatment staff. Fully editable PDF.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpa Thermal Facilities Risk AssessmentDownload a spa thermal facilities risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for hospitality staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpa Treatment-Room and Therapist Lone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a spa treatment-room risk assessment template covering lone working, manual handling, chemicals, burns, heat stress and more. Fully editable for spa...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpeed and Positioning Control Risk AssessmentDownload a free speed and positioning control traffic management risk assessment template for 12C mobile lane closures. Includes hazards, controls and compli...Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpill Response Kits and First-Response Capability Checks Risk AssessmentFree spill response kits risk assessment template. Includes checklist for kit inspection, first‑response capability, and compliance guidance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpill/Leak Response from Damaged Packages Risk AssessmentFree spill/leak response risk assessment template for damaged packages. Includes hazards, controls, PPE, containment and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpillage and Wet Floor Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free wet floor risk assessment template with pre‑filled slip hazards, controls and compliance notes for public areas. Editable PDF for facilities...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpillage Response and Wet-Floor Management Risk AssessmentDownload a spillage response and wet-floor management risk assessment template for retail stores. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpindle Moulder and Tenoner Risk AssessmentDownload a free spindle moulder and tenoner risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK compliance notes for factory operators.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSports Day and Athletics Events Risk AssessmentDownload a sports day risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for primary schools. Editable PDF.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSports Fixtures and Spectator Management Risk AssessmentDownload a sports fixtures and spectator management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for schools. PDF.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSports Hall and Indoor Courts Risk AssessmentDownload a sports hall risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for leisure centres.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSports Hall Gym Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free sports hall gym equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSports Massage and Physiotherapy Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a sports massage and physiotherapy risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSports Pitch and Amenity Turf Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a free sports pitch and amenity turf maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for grounds staff.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpray Booth Painting and Refinishing Risk AssessmentDownload a spray booth painting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for vehicle bodyshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpray Drying Risk AssessmentDownload a free spray drying risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers. Editable PDF for plant safety.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpray Painting and Finishing Booth Risk AssessmentDownload a free spray painting and finishing booth risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufact...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpray Painting Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free spray painting fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe work.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSpray Painting Risk AssessmentDownload a free spray painting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSquash Court Glass Wall Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a squash court glass wall risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStacking and Racking Risk AssessmentDownload a free stacking and racking risk assessment template for food warehouses. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStadium and Arena Venue Event Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a stadium event risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals. Editable PDF for venue crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStadium Cleaning and Post-Event Turnaround Risk AssessmentDownload a stadium cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venue operations.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStadium Spectator Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a free stadium spectator entry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStaff Kitchen and Break-Room Appliances Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for staff kitchen and break‑room appliances. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with fire safety legislation.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStaff Live Music & DJ Noise Exposure Risk AssessmentDownload a staff noise exposure risk assessment for live music and DJ venues. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK noise regulations.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStaff Safe Travel Home After Late and Night Shifts Risk AssessmentDownload a staff safe travel home risk assessment template for hospitality night‑shift staff. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with MHSWR 1999.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStage and Rostra Construction Risk AssessmentDownload a stage and rostra construction risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for concert production crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStage Automation, Motors and Moving‑Stage Risk AssessmentDownload a stage automation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and LOLER compliance for concerts and festivals. Fully editable PDF.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStage Front‑of‑Stage Pit and Barrier Security Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for stage front‑of‑stage pit and barrier security – hazards, controls and legal compliance for live events.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStage Lighting Rig Risk AssessmentDownload a stage lighting rig risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStandby Generator Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free standby generator installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for electrical works.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStatic Caravan and Lodge Cleaning and Turnaround Risk AssessmentDownload a static caravan cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for holiday parks.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStatic Caravan Gas, LPG and Appliance Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a static caravan gas risk assessment template covering LPG leaks, CO hazards, flue checks and compliance with UK gas safety regulations.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStatic Caravan Holiday-Home Guest Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a static caravan guest safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for holiday parks.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStatic High Speed Traffic Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free static high speed traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStatic Lane Closures Risk AssessmentFree static lane closures risk assessment template for motorways and high‑speed dual carriageways. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteam Cleaning of Carpets and Upholstery Risk AssessmentDownload a free steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for cleaners.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteam Cooking and Pressure Vessels Risk AssessmentDownload a free steam cooking and pressure vessels risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteam Systems and Hot Water – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for steam and hot‑water systems in manufacturing plants, covering hazards, controls and legal compliance (PUWER, COSHH).Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteel and Primary Metal Production Risk AssessmentDownload a free steel production risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteel Fixing Risk AssessmentFree steel fixing risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for rebar handling, cutting, bending, working at height & weather. UK construction compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteel Installation Risk AssessmentFree steel installation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for lifting, bolting, crane work and fall protection. HSE‑compliant, download PDF. UK construction.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStep Ladders Risk AssessmentFree step ladders risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with Work at Height Regulations. Download and customise.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteps, Ramps & Handrails Risk AssessmentDownload a free steps, ramps and handrails risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for public areas. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteps, Ramps, Level-Changes and Handrails Risk AssessmentDownload a tailored risk assessment for event steps, ramps and handrails. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK health & safety law.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStewarding at Major Public Events Risk AssessmentDownload a free stewarding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for major public events.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStock Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free stock security risk assessment template for distribution centres. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStocktaking and Production Counts Risk AssessmentDownload a free stocktaking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStop/Go Board Traffic Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free stop/go board risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStopcock and Valve Replacement Risk AssessmentDownload a free stopcock and valve replacement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStorage and Handling of Raw and Cooked Foods Risk AssessmentDownload a free template for segregating raw and cooked foods in kitchens, with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStorage of Fertilisers and Oxidising Agents (incl. Ammonium Nitrate) Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment for storing fertilisers and oxidising agents, including ammonium nitrate. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation...Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStorage of Materials and Racking Risk AssessmentDownload a free storage of materials risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for warehouses.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStorage of Paper, Records and Archives Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for paper archives. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for offices and records centres.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStore Evacuation Risk AssessmentDownload a retail‑specific store evacuation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStoring Oils, Lubricants and Auto Chemicals Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment for storing oils, lubricants and automotive chemicals in motor trade workshops. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStorm Damage and Fallen Tree Clearance Risk AssessmentDownload a storm damage and fallen tree clearance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStray Animal Risk AssessmentDownload a free stray animal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for public areas. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStreet Food Stall Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free street food stall risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food trucks and market stalls.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStreet Lighting Column Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a street lighting column installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStreet Party, Carnival & Parade Risk AssessmentDownload a street party risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for festivals and parades.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStreet Stewarding Risk AssessmentDownload a free street stewarding and event marshalling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStreet Works Excavation and Reinstatement Risk AssessmentDownload a free street works excavation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStress and Wellbeing Risk AssessmentDownload a stress and wellbeing risk assessment template for retail staff, with hazards, controls and compliance guidance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStress and Wellbeing Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a stress and wellbeing risk assessment template for gyms, pools and sports facilities. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStress and Workload Risk AssessmentDownload a stress and workload risk assessment template for teaching staff. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with MHSWR 1999.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStress, Fatigue and Mental Health in Farming Risk AssessmentDownload a farming stress, fatigue and mental health risk assessment template, tailored for farmers and contractors with practical controls.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStrimmer Risk AssessmentFree strimmer risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and PPE. Download PDF, HSE‑compliant for landscaping and garden work.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStrimming and Brushcutting Risk AssessmentDownload a free strimming and brushcutting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping professionals.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStrip Out Risk AssessmentFree strip out risk assessment template. Covers asbestos, silica dust, manual handling, electrical, collapse, noise & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStudent Accommodation Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free student accommodation security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for housing managers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStudent Kitchen Risk AssessmentDownload a student kitchen risk assessment template with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance. Editable PDF for university halls.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStudent Placements and Work-Based Learning Risk AssessmentDownload a student placements risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for universities and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStudent Union Bar and Licensed Venue Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for university bars covering crowd management, glass safety, alcohol‑related harm and fire evacuation with legal references.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFStudio Group Exercise Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a studio group exercise risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities

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.