Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

Create a Risk Assessments in 4 easy to use steps

Free Risk Assessment Templates — Ready-Made, Customisable & HSE-Compliant

Choose from over 1,400+ 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.

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TypeDocument TitleAction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Cold Weather Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cold weather risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for winter sites.Category: General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Cold-chain Loading/Unloading Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree cold-chain loading and unloading risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and temperature management for refrigerated logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Collaborative Robots Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free collaborative robots risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Colour Vision Deficiency Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free colour vision deficiency risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Combi Oven Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free combi oven risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food production. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
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Combine Harvester and Agricultural Machinery Fire Prevention Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a fire risk assessment for combine harvesters and agri machinery, with hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Combustible and Hazardous Dust Control – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a manufacturing‑specific risk assessment for combustible and hazardous dust control. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER, COSHH and DSEAR references.Category: Manufacturing
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Combustible Dust Explosion Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free combustible dust explosion risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance. Editable PDF for safety teams.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Combustible Materials and Stock Storage Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for combustible materials and stock storage. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Commercial and Industrial Electrical Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free electrical installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for electricians.Category: Electrical
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Commercial Cooking and Kitchen Extraction Systems Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree fire risk assessment template for commercial kitchens and extraction systems, with hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Commercial Food Processor Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for commercial food processors in catering. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
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Commercial Food Slicer Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free commercial food slicer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering and deli use.Category: Food Industry
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Commercial Induction Hob Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free commercial induction hob risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for professional kitch...Category: Food Industry
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Commercial Microwaves Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free commercial microwaves risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food service.Category: Food Industry
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Commercial Ovens and Ranges Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free commercial ovens and ranges risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering kitchens.Category: Food Industry
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Compact Tractor and Utility Vehicle Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree compact tractor risk assessment template for landscaping and grounds maintenance — includes hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Company Cars for Business Travel Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree risk assessment template for company cars used in business travel. Includes hazards, controls, compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Composite Lay-Up and Curing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free composite lay‑up and curing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Composting and Green Waste Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free composting and green waste handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for lands...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Compressed Air Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free compressed air risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workshops and construction.Category: General
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Compressed and Flammable Gas Storage Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for compressed and flammable gas storage. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Compressed Gases Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free compressed gases risk assessment template for food production. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
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Compression and Rotational Moulding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free compression and rotational moulding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
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Compressor Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree compressor risk assessment template covering pressure vessel, hose whip, noise, fuel handling and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Concert & Festival Crowd Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for crowd management at concerts, festivals and events, including hazards, controls and compliance guidance.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Concierge and Front‑of‑House Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free reception, concierge and front‑of‑house security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Concrete Bases and Footings Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free concrete bases and footings risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Concrete Coring Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree concrete coring risk assessment template. Includes hazards like silica dust, noise, vibration, and flying debris. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Concrete Cutting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree concrete cutting risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF for safe construction work.Category: Construction
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Concrete Pouring Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree concrete pouring risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for construction sites. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Concrete Pump Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree concrete pump risk assessment template. Includes hazards for boom collapse, pipe blowout, high‑pressure discharge, outrigger stability and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Concrete Repair Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree concrete repair risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for grinding, manual handling, chemicals, noise & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Concrete Vibrator Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free concrete vibrator risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance details for construction sites.Category: Construction
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Concrete Works Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree concrete works risk assessment template – hazards, controls for mixing, pouring, formwork & plant. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Concrete Works Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free concrete works risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Concreting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free concreting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Construction
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Cone Washing and Cleaning (Depot) – Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for traffic management operatives cleaning cones in a depot. Includes hazards, controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management
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Confidential Documents Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free confidential documents risk assessment template with hazards, controls for secure handling, storage and disposal of sensitive paperwork.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Confined Space Entry Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Confined Space Entry Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template for silos and tanks in food manufacturing. Editable PDF with hazards and controls.Category: Food Industry
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Confined Space Entry Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe work.Category: General
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Confined Space Entry Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree confined space entry risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, permits, and compliance for construction & utilities.Category: Construction
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Confined Space Patrol Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free confined space patrol risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for plant and riser rooms.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Coning and De-coning from a Moving Vehicle Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free coning and de‑coning moving vehicle risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for operatives.Category: Traffic Management
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Construction Site Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree construction site risk assessment template. Includes hazards, control measures, and HSE compliance for UK construction sites.Category: Construction
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Construction Sites (Fire Safety During Works) Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free construction sites fire safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for site use.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Consumer Unit and Fuse Board Replacement Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free consumer unit and fuse board replacement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for el...Category: Electrical
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Container Door Opening Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free container door opening risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Fumigation Residue Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free container fumigation residue risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Fumigation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree risk assessment template for container fumigation residue and air quality hazards. Includes inhalation, fire, skin contact risks and control measures. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Securing and Seal Control Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree container securing and seal control risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance for logistics operators. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Securing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free container securing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for fleet operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Stack Movement in Depots/Ports Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree container stack movement risk assessment template. Includes hazards for cranes, forklifts, weather, spills. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Stack Movement Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free container stack movement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for depot and port sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Stack Movement Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free container stack movement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for depot and port sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Stack Movement Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree container stack movement risk assessment template. Includes hazards for cranes, forklifts, weather, spills. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Unloading Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free container unloading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics operations.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Container Yard Pedestrian Exclusion Zone Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree container yard pedestrian exclusion zone risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Contractor/Visitor Vehicle Control at Depot Entrances Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree contractor visitor vehicle control risk assessment template. Covers vehicle‑pedestrian collisions, signage, gate control, weather risks and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Contractors and Visitors Fire Safety Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire safety risk assessment for contractors and visitors. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Contraflow Installation and Maintenance – Temporary Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary traffic management risk assessment for contraflow installation and maintenance on motorways, complying with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and NHSS...Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
Contraflow Removal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free contraflow removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for motorway traffic management.Category: Traffic Management
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Conveyor and Sortation Line Pinch/Entanglement Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree conveyor pinch and entanglement risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for belt and roller conveyors in manufacturing and logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Conveyor Belt Systems Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free conveyor belt risk assessment template for food processing plants. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
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Conveyor Pinch Point Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free conveyor pinch point risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Conveyor Systems Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free conveyor systems risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Convoy Working on All-Purpose Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free convoy working on all‑purpose roads risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Fully editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management
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Coordinating with Emergency Services During Major Incidents Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free coordinating with emergency services major incident risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for public safe...Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Copper Pipework Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free copper pipework risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers and contractors.Category: Plumbing
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Coppicing and Pollarding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free coppicing and pollarding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Cordless Battery Charging and Storage Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for cordless battery charging and storage. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK fire safety legis...Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Cordless Drill Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree cordless drill risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for battery, electric shock, noise & vibration. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Core Drilling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree core drill risk assessment template. Includes silica dust, noise, equipment hazards and control measures. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Coring and Core Drilling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free coring and core drilling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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COSHH Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free COSHH risk assessment template with pre‑filled chemical hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
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Counterbalance Forklift Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree counterbalance forklift risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls for ramps, uneven surfaces, load stability, tip‑over prevention. HSE‑compliant PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Counterbalance Forklift Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free counterbalance forklift risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Coupling/Uncoupling Trailers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree coupling/uncoupling trailers risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tractor‑trailer attachment, load shift, pinning and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Courier Motorcycles/Scooters in Poor Weather Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree courier motorcycles and scooters risk assessment template for poor weather. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Court, Tribunal, and Custody Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free court, tribunal and custody security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Covert Observation and Surveillance of Suspected Offenders Risk AssessmentFREEPDFA comprehensive risk assessment for covert observation and surveillance of suspected offenders, covering legal, safety and health hazards.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Covert Surveillance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free covert surveillance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Crane Lifting Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree crane lifting operations risk assessment template. Covers lift planning, load weight estimation, rigging, exclusion zones, weather and tandem lifts. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Crohn’s Disease Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free Crohn's disease risk assessment template with tailored hazards, controls and compliance notes for employers. Editable PDF for occupational he...Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
RISK ASSESSMENT
Cross-docking Fast Transfer Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree cross-docking fast transfer operations risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for manual handling, forklifts, conveyors, and dock safety. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Cross-docking Fast Transfer Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cross-docking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Crossing Live Carriageway on Foot Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for TM operatives crossing live carriageways on foot, with hazards, controls and legal references (GG 116, Traffic Signs Manual).Category: Traffic Management
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Crossover and Carriageway Switch Installation Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive TM risk assessment for crossover and carriageway switch installation on motorways, meeting UK legislation.Category: Traffic Management
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Crowd Density and Crush Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free crowd density and crush risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes for public events.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Crowd Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free nightclub crowd management risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venue owners.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Crowd Monitoring Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free crowd monitoring risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Crowd Safety Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free crowd safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for events and promotions.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Crowd Surges and Emergency Dispersal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free crowd surge risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Cryogenics, Liquid Nitrogen and Industrial Gas Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cryogenics, liquid nitrogen and gas handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER, COSHH, JSP 319 compliance.Category: Manufacturing
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Curtainsider Opening Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree curtainsider opening risk assessment template. Covers unstable loads, pinch points, equipment failure. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Customer Bag and Receipt Checks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control hazards for bag and receipt checks in retail settings to protect staff and customers.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Customer Refusal/Returns Handling at Point of Delivery Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for point of delivery customer refusal and returns handling risk assessment. Includes hazards, controls, and PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Customer Refusal/Returns Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a customer refusal/returns handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Customs Hold & Parked Vehicle Welfare Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree customs hold delays risk assessment template. Includes vehicle security, driver welfare, theft prevention and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics

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 1498 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no signup required for guests, 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 1498 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

Do I need to create an account to use the risk assessment templates?

No — guests can generate and download risk assessments for free without signing up. Register a free account if you want to save documents to your dashboard, edit them later, or 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.