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 AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle Steam Cleaning and Degreasing Risk AssessmentDownload a vehicle steam cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle Valeting and Interior Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a vehicle valeting risk assessment with chemical safety, slip and noise controls, COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle Welding and Cutting Risk AssessmentDownload a vehicle welding and cutting risk assessment for motor trade workshops, covering hazards, controls and compliance with HSG261, HSG139.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle Workshop COSHH Risk AssessmentDownload a COSHH vehicle workshop risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for motor trade garages.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle Workshop First Aid & Injury Response Risk AssessmentVehicle workshop first aid risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance with the Health and Safety (First‑Aid) Regulations 1981.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle Wrapping, Vinyl and Window Tinting Risk AssessmentDownload a vehicle wrapping, vinyl and window tinting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and COSHH compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle Yard and Lorry Park Risk AssessmentDownload a free vehicle yard risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVehicle-Mounted Signs and Beacons Risk AssessmentDownload a free vehicle‑mounted signs and beacons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for traffic‑management...Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVending Machine and Drinks Fridge Restocking Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a vending machine and drinks fridge restocking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for gyms and leisure f...Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVending Machine Restocking and Servicing Risk AssessmentDownload a vending machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for retail staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVerge and Vegetation Clearance Risk AssessmentDownload a free verge and vegetation clearance risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVermin‑Proofing Farm Biosecurity Risk AssessmentDownload a vermin‑proofing farm biosecurity risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVeterinary Medicines and Injections Risk AssessmentDownload a veterinary medicines risk assessment template for farms. Includes hazards, controls, and COSHH compliance for livestock injections.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFViolence and Aggression in Healthcare Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for managing violence and aggression in healthcare settings. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFViolence and Aggression Risk AssessmentDownload a free violence and aggression risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for public‑facing staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVisitor Management and Reception Security Duties Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment covering visitor handling, reception desk operations, and security duties to protect staff, visitors and assets.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVisitors and Contractors on Site Risk AssessmentDownload a free visitors and contractors on site risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVMS and Sign Battery and Solar Unit Servicing Risk AssessmentDownload a free VMS and sign battery servicing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic‑mana...Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVolunteer and Casual Event-Staff Induction Risk AssessmentDownload a volunteer and casual event‑staff induction risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. Editable for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVolunteers, Parent Helpers and Governors on Site Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for volunteers, parent helpers and governors on school sites. Includes hazards, controls and KCSIE compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWacker Plate Risk AssessmentFree wacker plate risk assessment template. Includes hazards like HAVS, noise, manual handling, fumes & refuelling. Download PDF and stay HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaiting and Table Service Risk AssessmentDownload a free waiting staff risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for restaurants and hotels.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWalk-In Cold Storage and Cold Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a free walk‑in freezer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for food premises.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWalking Trips and Road Crossings Risk AssessmentDownload a walking trips risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance guidance for schools. Fully editable and shareable.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWall Demolition Risk AssessmentFree wall demolition risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and compliance for construction demolition projects.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWandering or Vulnerable Adults Risk AssessmentDownload a free wandering or vulnerable adults risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWarehouse and Storage Operatives Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free warehouse and storage operatives fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWarehouse and Stores Operatives Risk AssessmentDownload a free warehouse and stores operatives risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing settings.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWarehouse Seasonal Temporary Labour Controls Risk AssessmentFree template for managing seasonal temporary labour in warehouses. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWarehouse Seasonal Temporary Labour Risk AssessmentDownload a free warehouse seasonal temporary labour risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWarehouse Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free warehouse security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste and Sharps Handling in Changing Rooms Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a waste and sharps handling risk assessment for gyms and leisure facilities, with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Collection Risk AssessmentDownload a free waste collection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Management and Bin Area Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free waste management risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Management and Hazardous and Clinical Waste Disposal Risk AssessmentDownload a waste management risk assessment template for schools, with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Oil, Coolant and Automotive Waste Risk AssessmentDownload a waste oil and coolant risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Storage and Bin-Fire Prevention Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free waste storage and bin-fire prevention fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Transport Documentation Risk AssessmentDownload a free waste transport risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for hazardous waste logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater Feature and Splash Pad Operation Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a water feature and splash pad risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater Filled Barrier Risk AssessmentDownload a water filled barrier risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater Mains Connection and Repair Risk AssessmentDownload a free water mains connection and repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing...Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater Meter Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free water meter installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing works.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free water safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for lakes, docks and water features. Editable PDF for site...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater Slides and Flumes Risk AssessmentDownload a water slides and flumes risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for leisure facilities. Editable PDF.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater Softener Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free water softener installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWater, Standpipe and Sanitation Provision at Events Risk AssessmentDownload a water, standpipe and sanitation risk assessment template for festivals. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWatering & Irrigation Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a watering and irrigation system installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editabl...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaterjet Cutting Risk AssessmentDownload a free waterjet cutting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factory...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWave and Reflow Soldering Risk AssessmentDownload a free wave and reflow soldering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for electronics manufacturing. Edit...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWC and Toilet Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free WC and toilet installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWeapons Amnesty Risk AssessmentDownload a free weapons amnesty risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWeaving, Knitting and Spinning Machinery Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for weaving, knitting and spinning machinery. Includes hazards, controls and UK compliance notes for textile factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWedding and Function Event Set-Up Risk AssessmentDownload a wedding and function event set‑up risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for planners.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWedding Fireworks, Sparklers & Cold‑Spark Risk AssessmentDownload a wedding fireworks, sparklers and cold‑spark effects risk assessment template with hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWeighing Dosing Dispensing Risk AssessmentFree manufacturing risk assessment for weighing, dosing and dispensing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER and COSHH.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWeights Area and Lifting Platforms Risk AssessmentDownload a weights area risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelders and Metal Fabricators Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for welders and metal fabricators. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelding and Cutting Risk AssessmentDownload a welding and cutting risk assessment template for farm workshops. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelding and Fabrication Risk AssessmentDownload a free welding and fabrication risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelding and Hot Works Risk AssessmentDownload a free welding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for metalwork sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelding Fume Exposure Control Risk AssessmentDownload a free welding fume exposure control risk assessment template for manufacturing. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelding Risk AssessmentFree welding risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for fumes, UV radiation, burns & fire. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelfare, Info and Lost-Property Tent Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a welfare and lost‑property tent operations risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWet Play and Indoor Break Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a wet play risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for primary schools. Editable PDF for indoor break supervision.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWet Poolside Slip Prevention and Housekeeping Risk AssessmentDownload a wet poolside slip prevention risk assessment template for gyms and leisure pools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with HSG179.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWet Underfloor Heating Risk AssessmentDownload a free wet underfloor heating risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing works.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWet Weather Entrance Matting and Floor Care Risk AssessmentDownload a retail‑focused wet weather entrance matting risk assessment template. Controls for slips, spills and floor care in stores.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWheel Alignment and Tracking Risk AssessmentDownload a wheel alignment and tracking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWheel Nut Security and Post-Maintenance Rechecks Risk AssessmentFree wheel nut security risk assessment template. Includes post‑maintenance recheck checklist, torque controls, and compliance guidance for fleets.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWheelchair Users and Severely Restricted Mobility Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for wheelchair users and severely restricted mobility workers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWheelie Bin Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free wheelie bin cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWhole Body Vibration Risk AssessmentDownload a free whole body vibration risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for operators and sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWhole-Body Vibration Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a whole-body vibration risk assessment template for tractor and farm machinery drivers. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWide Belt Sanding Risk AssessmentDownload a free wide belt sanding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWinching and Casualty Vehicle Recovery Risk AssessmentDownload a winching risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for motor trade recovery operators.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWind and Weather Monitoring and Structure Load Management Risk AssessmentDownload a wind and weather monitoring risk assessment for concerts and festivals. Includes structure load management and compliance notes.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWindow Installation Risk AssessmentFree window installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and safety checklist for fitters. Download PDF, edit, share.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWindscreen and Automotive Glass Replacement Risk AssessmentDownload a windscreen and automotive glass replacement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for tech...Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWindscreen/visibility defects Risk AssessmentFree windscreen visibility defects risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for wipers, washers, demist systems. HSE‑compliant, download PDF. Fleet safety.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWinter Gritting and Snow Clearance Risk AssessmentFree winter gritting and snow clearance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWinter Weather, Gritting and Site Access Risk AssessmentDownload a winter weather risk assessment template for schools with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWinter Yard Safety Risk AssessmentFree winter yard safety risk assessment template. Snow removal, ice management, gritting hazards and controls. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWire Drawing and Cold Heading Risk AssessmentDownload a free wire drawing and cold heading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWok Cooking Open Flame Risk AssessmentDownload a free wok cooking on open flame risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for restaurant kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWood Chipper Risk AssessmentDownload a free wood chipper risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping crews.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWood Dust Extraction and LEV Risk AssessmentDownload a free wood dust extraction and LEV risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWoodchipper Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a woodchipper operation risk assessment template for farms. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWoodworking and Sawdust Extraction Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free woodworking and sawdust extraction fire risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and UK fire safety legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWork Experience and Pupil Placements Risk AssessmentDownload a free work experience and pupil placements risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWork Experience Placements and School‑Age Visitors Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for work‑experience placements and school‑age visitors, with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislative referen...Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWork Near Underground Services Risk AssessmentDownload a free work near underground services risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWork‑Related Stress Management Risk AssessmentIdentify and control work‑related stress hazards to protect employee wellbeing and meet legal duties.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorkers in Recovery Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for workers in recovery from alcohol or drug dependency. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking Adjacent to Live Traffic Risk AssessmentFree working adjacent to live traffic risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking Adjacent to the Public Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for landscaping work near the public in parks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking Alone in Remote Locations Risk AssessmentDownload a free working alone remote locations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe lone work.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking Around Moving Plant and Vehicles Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for working around moving plant and vehicles on roadworks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking Around Temporary Traffic Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free working around temporary traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for highway works.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking at Height for Retail and Service Industries Risk AssessmentDownload a working at height risk assessment template for retail stockrooms and shelving. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking at Height Risk AssessmentDownload a free working at height risk assessment template for factories. Includes mezzanine, platform and racking hazards, controls and compliance notes.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 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.