Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

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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 AssessmentFREEPDFSupermarkets and Convenience Stores Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for supermarkets and convenience stores. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with fire safety regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSupervising Detained Persons Risk AssessmentFree template with hazards, controls and compliance for supervising detainees in custody areas. Download PDF now.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSupervising Trainee TM Operatives Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for supervising trainee traffic management operatives on highways. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSupervision Ratios and Headcounts Risk AssessmentDownload a supervision ratios and headcounts risk assessment template for early years settings. Includes EYFS 2024 ratio compliance, hazards and controls.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSupporting Pupils with Complex and Life-Limiting Conditions Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for supporting pupils with complex and life‑limiting conditions. Includes hazards, controls and Equality Act compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSurface and Cylindrical Grinding Machines Risk AssessmentDownload a free grinding machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSurface Dressing and Chip Sealing Risk AssessmentDownload a free surface dressing and chip sealing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road works.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSurface Preparation Risk AssessmentFree surface preparation risk assessment template. Includes hazards for power washing, abrasive blasting, chemical cleaning, manual handling. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSushi and Raw Fish Preparation Risk AssessmentDownload a free sushi and raw fish preparation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for restaurants.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSuspended Ceiling Installation Risk AssessmentFree suspended ceiling installation risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, downloadable PDF. HSE‑compliant for construction projects.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSuspension and Steering Repairs Risk AssessmentDownload a suspension and steering risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for vehicle workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSuspicious Packages Risk AssessmentDownload a free suspicious packages risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance. Editable for venues and public spaces.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSwimming Pool and Water-Based Visits Risk AssessmentDownload a swimming pool risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for school trips.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSwimming Pool Plant and Water Treatment Risk AssessmentDownload a swimming pool plant and water treatment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSwimming Pool Water Treatment and Dosing Risk AssessmentDownload a swimming pool water treatment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSwitchgear Operation and Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a free switchgear operation and maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTable Saw Risk AssessmentFree table saw risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance. Download PDF for workshops and construction.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTablet Pressing and Coating Risk AssessmentDownload a free tablet pressing and coating risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for pharma manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTachograph Compliance and Driver-Hours Limits Risk AssessmentFree tachograph compliance risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for driver fatigue, data loss, legal penalties. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTack Coat and Bitumen Emulsion Spraying Risk AssessmentDownload a tack coat and bitumen emulsion spraying risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTakeaway and Drive-Through Risk AssessmentDownload a free takeaway and drive‑through risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for food service s...Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTakeaway and Restaurant Delivery Driver Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a delivery driver safety risk assessment template for takeaways, restaurants and coffee shops. Includes road, cash and lone‑working hazards and cont...Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTakeaway Order Assembly and Serving Risk AssessmentDownload a takeaway order assembly and serving risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for fast‑food staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTakeaways and Fast-Food Outlets Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for takeaways and fast‑food outlets with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTandoori and Clay Oven Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free tandoori and clay oven risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTank and Silo Filling and Discharge Risk AssessmentDownload a free tank and silo filling and discharge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufac...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTanker and Bulk Tank Loading and Unloading Risk AssessmentDownload a free tanker and bulk tank loading and unloading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTap and Mixer Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free tap and mixer installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTarmac Risk AssessmentDownload a free HSE‑compliant tarmac (asphalt laying) risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and risk matrix for road works.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTarmacking Risk AssessmentDownload a free tarmacking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTattoo and Piercing Studio Risk AssessmentDownload a free tattoo and piercing studio risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for artists and studios.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTaxi Marshalling Risk AssessmentDownload a free taxi marshalling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for transport operators.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTelehandler Operation in Roadworks Risk AssessmentDownload a free telehandler risk assessment template for roadworks. Includes pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTelehandler Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a telehandler operation risk assessment template for farms, with hazards, controls and LOLER compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTelehandler Risk AssessmentFree telehandler risk assessment template. Includes hazards for boom tip‑over, load stability, overhead lines, attachments and ground conditions. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTelehandler Use in Landscaping Risk AssessmentDownload a free telehandler risk assessment template for landscaping. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for site use.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemperature Monitoring Cold Chain Risk AssessmentDownload a free temperature monitoring cold chain risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK regulatory compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Back-of-House and Crew-Catering Risk AssessmentDownload a temporary back-of-house crew-catering risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for festivals and events.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Demountable Structure Inspection Risk AssessmentDownload a temporary demountable structure inspection risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Editable and compliant.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Events and Outdoor Sites Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for temporary events and outdoor sites. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for safe event planning.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Footway and Pedestrian Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free footway and pedestrian management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK traffic signs compliance.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary One-Way System Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary one-way system risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for traffic mana...Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Overflow Storage Impacting Fire/Egress Routes Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for temporary overflow storage affecting fire routes. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance info. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Overflow Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary overflow storage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Pedestrian and School Crossing Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary pedestrian and school crossing management risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Power Distribution and Event Electrics Risk AssessmentDownload a temporary power distribution risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Includes BS 7909 controls, generator safety and cable management.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Retail Unit Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a temporary retail unit risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pop‑up shops and market st...Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Road Closures and Diversions Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary road closures risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references. Fully editable for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Road Marking Removal Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary road marking removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Road Marking Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary road marking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for high‑speed road works.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Safety Barrier Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary safety barrier risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Site Electrical Supplies (110V) Risk AssessmentFree 110V temporary electrical supplies template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Speed Limit and Average Speed Camera Setup Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary speed limit and camera risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for teams.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Structures Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary structures risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for stages, marquees and grandstands.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Traffic Management Site Inspection, Maintenance and Replacing Displaced Equipment Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for TM operatives inspecting, maintaining and replacing displaced traffic management equipment – hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Traffic Signal Risk AssessmentDownload a free temporary traffic signal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management crews.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary Works Risk AssessmentFree temporary works risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for scaffolding, shoring, formwork & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTextile and Clothing Manufacturers Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for textile and clothing manufacturers. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTextile and Clothing Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free textile and clothing manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTextiles, Sewing Machines and Irons Risk AssessmentDownload a textiles, sewing machines and irons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTheatre Get-In and Get-Out Risk AssessmentDownload a theatre get-in and get-out risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for venue staff.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTheatre Venue Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a theatre venue risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for stage rigging and operations.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTheft of Plant Components Risk AssessmentDownload a free theft of plant risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction and plant hire.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTheme Park and Activity Centre Visits Risk AssessmentDownload a theme park and activity centre visits risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFThermographic Survey of Electrical Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free thermographic survey electrical systems risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFThreading and Tapping Machines Risk AssessmentDownload a free threading and tapping machine risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFThree-Phase Power Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free three‑phase power installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for electricians.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTile Cutter (Electric) Risk AssessmentFree electric tile cutter risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and safety measures for cutting ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles. Download PDF, HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTiling Risk AssessmentFree tiling risk assessment template. Covers hazards like manual handling, electric cutters, adhesives, slip risks and more. Download PDF for construction projects.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTilting Kettle & Bratt Pan Risk AssessmentDownload a free tilting kettle and bratt pan risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for bulk catering.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTiming Belt Replacement Risk AssessmentDownload a timing belt replacement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for motor trade.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTipper Lorry and Wagon Tipping Risk AssessmentDownload a free tipper lorry and wagon tipping risk assessment template for roadworks. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTMA-Protected Mobile and Rolling Works Risk AssessmentDownload a free TMA-Protected Mobile and Rolling Works risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFToilet and Sanitary Facilities Risk AssessmentDownload a free toilet and sanitary facilities risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFToilet Blocks, Portaloos and Waste Servicing Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for festival toilet blocks, portaloos and waste servicing, with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFToilet Training Risk AssessmentDownload a toilet training risk assessment template with hazards, controls and EYFS compliance for early years settings.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTool and Equipment Theft Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template to protect tools and equipment from theft in work vehicles. Includes controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTool and Small Equipment Theft Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload a free tool and small equipment theft risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTooling, Die & Mould Making Risk AssessmentDownload a free tooling, die and mould making risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFToolmaker Risk AssessmentDownload a free toolmaker and tool setter risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTopiary Pruning Risk AssessmentDownload a free topiary pruning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTorque Wrench Risk AssessmentFree torque wrench risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, noise, vibration, battery safety for construction and maintenance. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTouring and On-the-Road Crew Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a touring crew risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for event production.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTouring Caravan and Camping-Park Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a touring caravan risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for holiday parks. Editable PDF for staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTouring Caravan Site Risk AssessmentDownload a touring caravan site risk assessment template with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance for holiday parks.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTower Light and Site Lighting Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a tower light risk assessment template for concerts and festivals, with hazards, controls and EWOR 1989 compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTower Scaffold Risk AssessmentDownload a free tower scaffold risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping and outdoor maintenance.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTower Scaffolds Risk AssessmentFree tower scaffolds risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards and control measures. HSE compliant, fully editable and shareable for construction and maintenance.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTrack Recovery Incident Response and Rescue Risk AssessmentDownload a track recovery incident response and rescue risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for motorsport events.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTrackside Marshalling and Flag Signalling Risk AssessmentDownload a trackside marshalling and flag signalling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTrackway Ground-Protection Matting Risk AssessmentDownload a trackway ground‑protection matting installation risk assessment for festivals, with hazards, controls and Manual Handling Regulations compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTractor and Vehicle Overturning on Slopes Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for tractor and vehicle overturning on slopes, with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for farm use.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTractor Front Loader and Bucket Work Risk AssessmentDownload a tractor front loader and bucket risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK compliance notes for farming. Editable PDF.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTractor Implements Coupling Risk AssessmentDownload a tractor implements coupling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTractor Operation and Safe Stop Risk AssessmentDownload a tractor operation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for farmers and contractors.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTrade Counter, Builders’ Merchant and Cash‑and‑Carry Retail Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for trade counters, builders' merchants and cash‑and‑carry retail. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTrade-Plate Vehicle Delivery Risk AssessmentDownload a trade‑plate vehicle delivery and collection risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with Road Traffic Act 1988 and DVS...Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTraffic Management Briefing Risk AssessmentFree template to brief TM crew on traffic plans and RAMS – includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTraffic Management Operative Competence Risk AssessmentFree traffic management operative competence risk assessment template – verify NHSS 12 cards, match skills to road type, ensure compliance with TSM Chapter 8.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTraffic Management Risk AssessmentFree traffic management risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for vehicle routes, pedestrian safety, demountable containers. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction

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 2558 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 2558 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.

Calculating Risk Assessments

Establish the Severity (S), Likelihood (L) and Risk Factor (RF) by reference to the Matrix below: RF = S x L 

REMEMBER: The risk rating must be calculated both before and after ERCPD and its resulting controls have been applied. This risk rating helps to identify and prioritise areas that require more to be done to reduce the risk. 

Low risk factor (1-5)  normal safe working methods should suffice. Fine tune controls to further reduce the risk, if possible. 

Medium risk factor (6-12) further improvement to control measures need to be considered to reduce the risk. 

High risk factor (15-25) improve controls now, consider stopping the activity. Seek advice as appropriate.