Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

Create a Risk Assessment in 4 easy to use steps

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

Choose from over 2,500+ ready-made risk assessment templates below, or start a blank risk assessment form and build your own using our built-in hazard library. Each template follows HSE best-practice guidance with pre-filled hazards, risk ratings, and control measures — simply review, customise to your workplace, and download as a professional PDF. Suitable for all industries and activities.

Risk Assessment

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TypeDocument TitleAction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChassis and Structural Repair and Jig Work Risk AssessmentDownload a chassis and structural repair and jig work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChassis Twist‑Lock Engagement Risk AssessmentDownload a free chassis twist‑lock engagement risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for fleet operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChefs and Commercial Kitchen Staff Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for chefs and commercial kitchen staff. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK fire safety regulations.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChemical IBC Loading Risk AssessmentDownload a free chemical IBC loading risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for fleet logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChemical Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free chemical manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChemical Mixing and Reactions Risk AssessmentDownload a free chemical mixing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for plant ope...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChemical Spill Chlorine Gas Release Risk AssessmentDownload a chemical spill risk assessment for chlorine gas release at pools. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChemical Spill Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free chemical spill response risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChemical Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free chemical storage risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with COSHH and Food Safety regulations.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChemistry Practicals and Bunsen Burner Risk AssessmentDownload a chemistry practicals and Bunsen burner risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCherry Picker Risk AssessmentFree cherry picker risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for boom lifts, tip‑over, electrocution & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChild and Under-18 Performer Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a child performer safety risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChildren and Young People on Farms Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive children on farms risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for UK farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChildren’s Play Area Risk AssessmentDownload a free children's play area risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for playground operators.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChilled Food Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free chilled food storage risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering and retail.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChocolate Tempering Risk AssessmentDownload a free chocolate tempering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChoking Hazards and Small Parts for Under-Threes Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive choking hazards risk assessment for under‑three settings. Includes hazards, controls and EYFS compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChristmas Market and Seasonal Event Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a christmas market risk assessment template with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChristmas Tree and Festive Decoration Retail and Display Risk AssessmentDownload a Christmas tree and festive decoration retail risk assessment template with fire, electrical and manual handling controls. Editable PDF for stores.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChronic Pain Workers Risk AssessmentDownload a free chronic pain workers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for occupational health.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCircuit Hospitality Suites and Pit-Garage Guest Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a circuit hospitality suites risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for motorsport events.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCircuit Spectator Banking & Grandstands Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for spectator banking, grandstand safety and crowd management at a motorsport circuit event, aligned with UK health and safety...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCircular Saw Risk AssessmentDownload a free circular saw risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for construction and DIY projects.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCircus, Big‑Top and Travelling‑Show Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a circus big‑top risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and LOLER compliance. Editable PDF for performers and crew.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCladding Installation Risk AssessmentDownload our free cladding installation risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance for building envelope work.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClass 3B & 4 Laser Risk AssessmentDownload a free Class 3B & 4 laser risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factor...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClassroom Pets and Visiting Animals Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for classroom pets and visiting animals. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClean-in-Place Risk AssessmentDownload a free clean-in-place risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food processing. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaners (Flammable Chemical Use and Storage) Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for cleaners handling flammable chemicals. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Fire Safety Order 2005.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and COSHH Risk AssessmentDownload a cleaning and COSHH risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for schools. Editable PDF.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Housekeeping for Retail and Service Industries Risk AssessmentDownload a cleaning and housekeeping risk assessment template for retail stores with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for shops and super...Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Housekeeping Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesComprehensive risk assessment for gym, pool and sports centre cleaning staff, covering chemicals, slips, manual handling and COSHH compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Maintaining TM Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning and maintaining TM equipment risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Mopping of Tiled Floors Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning and mopping tiled floors risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Sanitising Gym Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a cleaning and sanitising gym equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Sanitising of Toilets and Washrooms Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning and sanitising of toilets risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning at Height Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning at height risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Chemicals Risk AssessmentDownload a cleaning chemicals risk assessment template for retail stores. Includes COSHH hazards, controls and compliance guidance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Chemicals Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning chemicals risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Chemicals Risk AssessmentFree cleaning chemicals risk assessment template for security staff. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with COSHH regulations.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning High-Level Areas Risk AssessmentFree cleaning high‑level areas risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for ceilings, light fittings and vents.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Licensed Premises After Close Risk AssessmentDownload a cleaning licensed premises after close risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning of Blood and Bodily Fluid Spillages Risk AssessmentDownload a free blood and bodily fluid spillages risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for HSE and COSHH.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning of Stairwells and Communal Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a free stairwell cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities teams.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Using Chemical Agents Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning chemical risk assessment template with COSHH hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Using Electrical Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning electrical equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Walk-In Fridge Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning walk-in fridge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food premises.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleanroom Operation and Gowning Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleanroom operation and gowning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and GMP compliance. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClearing Blockages and Machine Jams Risk AssessmentDownload a free clearing blockages risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClearing Blockages Farm Machinery Risk AssessmentDownload a clearing blockages from farm machinery risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClick-and-Collect Risk AssessmentDownload a click-and-collect risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for retail stores.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClimbing Wall and Bouldering Centre Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a climbing wall risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for gyms and leisure centres.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClimbing Wall Auto-Belay and Rope Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a climbing wall auto-belay risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClimbing Walls, High Ropes and Adventure Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a climbing wall and high ropes risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClinical Waste Collection and Transport Risk AssessmentDownload a free clinical waste transport risk assessment with hazards, controls and legal compliance for healthcare and waste contractors.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClose Protection Risk AssessmentDownload a free close protection risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for security firms and bodyguard teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClosing Time Dispersal Risk AssessmentDownload a free closing time dispersal risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClothing and Fashion Retail Operations Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for clothing and fashion retail stores covering manual handling, equipment safety, fitting room supervision, fire risk and more.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClubhouse Bar, Lounge and Function Service Risk AssessmentDownload a compliant risk assessment for clubhouse bar, lounge and function service. Includes hazards, controls and Licensing Act 2003 compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClubhouse Locker Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a clubhouse locker rooms and changing facilities risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legionella guidance. Editable PDF for hospitali...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFClutch and Gearbox Replacement Risk AssessmentDownload a clutch and gearbox replacement risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCNC Machining Centre Risk AssessmentDownload a free CNC machining centre risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCNC Router Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a free CNC router risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCNC Setters and Programmers Risk AssessmentDownload a free CNC setters and programmers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing s...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCNC Turning and Lathe Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a free CNC turning and lathe operation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoach and Minibus Transport Risk AssessmentDownload a coach and minibus transport risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for schools and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoaching Inn and Pub Operations Risk AssessmentHospitality risk assessment for coaching inn and pub with rooms – fire safety, evacuation, cellar storage, and late guest access controls.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoffee Shop Barista Counter Service Risk AssessmentDownload a coffee shop barista counter risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for retail coffee services.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoil, Bar and Sheet Metal Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free coil, bar and sheet metal handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing opera...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCold Store & Chilled/Frozen Risk AssessmentFree cold store risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Download PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCold Store for Retail and Service Industries Risk AssessmentDownload a cold store risk assessment for retail stockrooms, covering cold stress, manual handling, slips and more. Fully editable and UK compliant.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCold Water Storage Tank Risk AssessmentDownload a free cold water storage tank risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing projects.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCold Weather Risk AssessmentDownload 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 AssessmentFREEPDFCold-chain Loading/Unloading Risk AssessmentFree cold-chain loading and unloading risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and temperature management for refrigerated logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCollaborative Robots Risk AssessmentDownload a free collaborative robots risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCollection, Handover and Authorised Pick‑Up Risk AssessmentDownload a collection, handover and authorised pick‑up risk assessment template for early years settings. Includes hazards, controls and KCSIE compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFColour Vision Deficiency Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCombi Oven Risk AssessmentDownload a free combi oven risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food production. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCombine Harvester and Agricultural Machinery Fire Prevention Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a fire risk assessment for combine harvesters and agri machinery, with hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCombine Harvester Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a combine harvester risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Fully editable for farm use.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCombustible and Hazardous Dust Control – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a manufacturing‑specific risk assessment for combustible and hazardous dust control. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER, COSHH and DSEAR references.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCombustible Dust Explosion Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCombustible Materials and Stock Storage Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for combustible materials and stock storage. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommercial and Industrial Electrical Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free electrical installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for electricians.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommercial Cooking and Kitchen Extraction Systems Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire risk assessment template for commercial kitchens and extraction systems, with hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommercial Food Processor Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for commercial food processors in catering. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommercial Food Slicer Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial food slicer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering and deli use.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommercial Induction Hob Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial induction hob risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for professional kitch...Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommercial Microwaves Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial microwaves risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food service.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommercial Ovens and Ranges Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial ovens and ranges risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCommunal Areas and Common Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for university hall communal areas covering fire, trips, alcohol incidents, noise, food hygiene and more.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCompact Tractor and Utility Vehicle Risk AssessmentFree compact tractor risk assessment template for landscaping and grounds maintenance — includes hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCompany Cars for Business Travel Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for company cars used in business travel. Includes hazards, controls, compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComposite Lay-Up and Curing Risk AssessmentDownload a free composite lay‑up and curing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComposting and Green Waste Handling Risk AssessmentDownload 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 AssessmentFREEPDFCompressed Air Risk AssessmentDownload a free compressed air risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workshops and construction.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCompressed Air Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a motor trade compressed air risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Fully editable PDF for workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCompressed and Flammable Gas Storage Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for compressed and flammable gas storage. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCompressed Gases Risk AssessmentDownload a free compressed gases risk assessment template for food production. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCompression and Rotational Moulding Risk AssessmentDownload a free compression and rotational moulding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing

How to choose the right risk assessment template

  1. Browse by industry or category

    Use the search box or category filter to find a template that matches your workplace, activity, or industry.

  2. Open the template

    Click "Create" to open the template in our free interactive 4-step Risk Assessment generator with the HSE 5x5 risk matrix.

  3. Customise hazards and controls

    Edit risks, control measures, persons at risk, and severity ratings to match your specific workplace operation.

  4. Download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF

    Sign, then download as a PDF ready for compliance, audit, or sharing with your team.

Frequently asked questions

Are these risk assessment templates really free to download?

Yes — completely free. Over 2563 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no paywall. Customise to your workplace and download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF in minutes.

Can I download risk assessment templates in PDF or Word format?

Risk assessments download as a professional, HSE-compliant PDF — ready to print and file as-is. Word (.docx) export is not available for risk assessments, but you can fully customise every hazard, control measure, persons-at-risk entry and rating online before you download.

Are the risk assessment templates HSE-compliant?

Yes. Every template aligns with HSE guidance and the HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment process. They cover the requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH 2002, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and other relevant UK regulations.

What industries do the risk assessment templates cover?

Every UK industry — painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, concrete, solar panel installation, asbestos, scaffolding, working at height, manual handling, fall protection, hot works, confined space entry, lifting operations, kitchen fitting, drywall, tiling, plastering, and many more.

What's the difference between a risk assessment form and a risk assessment template?

A risk assessment form is the blank document; a risk assessment template is a pre-filled form ready to customise. Our generator gives you both — a free interactive form you fill in plus over 2563 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

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

You can build and preview a risk assessment without an account. To download the PDF you'll need a free account — it takes less than a minute, costs nothing, and also lets you save documents to your dashboard, edit them later, and share them for digital signatures.

Can I customise the risk assessment templates to my workplace?

Yes — fully. Edit hazards, control measures, persons at risk, likelihood and severity ratings, PPE requirements, and review schedules. Each template is a starting point you tailor to your specific operation.

How many risks can I add to a single risk assessment?

The number of risks (hazards) you can include in one assessment depends on your plan: guests get unlimited risks, Free accounts unlimited risks, Standard unlimited risks, Pro unlimited risks, and Enterprise unlimited risks per assessment. You can add and preview every risk in a template, then tick the ones to include up to your plan limit — upgrade any time for more. See our pricing page for the full plan comparison.

Are these risk assessment templates valid for UK construction work?

Yes. Our construction-specific risk assessment templates align with HSE construction guidance, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Templates cover scaffolding, working at height, concrete pouring, excavation, roofing, electrical installation, and more.

How often should I update my risk assessment?

Whenever there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid — after workplace changes, near-misses, accidents, new equipment, new substances, or new processes. HSE guidance recommends an annual formal review at minimum.

What is the HSE 5-step risk assessment process?

Step 1: Identify the hazards. Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how. Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. Step 4: Record findings and implement them. Step 5: Review the assessment and update if necessary. Our interactive generator walks you through all 5 steps.

Can I use these risk assessment templates for self-employed work?

Yes. Self-employed workers are required to assess risks to themselves and anyone affected by their work. Our templates are suitable for sole traders, contractors, and small businesses.

Do you have RIDDOR-aligned risk assessment templates?

Yes. Several templates cover RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) requirements — including accident reporting and investigation risk assessments. All RA templates support incident logging and review.

Get Started — Create Your Free Risk Assessment in 4 Easy Steps

What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards in the workplace, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining the appropriate control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level. It is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law and forms the foundation of any effective safety management system. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a risk assessment as “simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.” Every employer, self-employed person, and contractor with five or more employees must record their risk assessments in writing.

Why Do You Need a Risk Assessment?

Risk assessments are not just good practice — they are a legal obligation. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), employers have a general duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone affected by their work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) make this more specific by requiring employers to:
  • Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks to employees and others
  • Implement preventive and protective measures based on the assessment findings
  • Appoint competent persons to assist with health and safety arrangements
  • Provide appropriate training and information to employees about risks and control measures
  • Review and update assessments whenever there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid
Failure to conduct adequate risk assessments can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution. Under the Sentencing Guidelines for Health and Safety Offences, fines for serious breaches can reach millions of pounds, with custodial sentences possible for the most serious failures.

The HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment Process

The HSE recommends a straightforward 5-step approach to risk assessment that our free risk assessment generator is designed to follow: Step 1: Identify the Hazards Walk around your workplace and look at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm. Consider activities, processes, substances, equipment, and working conditions. Our generator includes a library of over 100 pre-populated risk templates covering common hazards across construction, healthcare, transport, manufacturing, and general workplace environments. Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How For each hazard, identify who could be affected — employees, contractors, visitors, members of the public, or vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant employees, or those with disabilities. Consider how the harm could occur and the potential severity. Step 3: Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Control Measures Assess the likelihood and severity of each risk using a risk matrix. Our generator automatically calculates risk ratings and provides suggested control measures following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Them Document your assessment, communicate the findings to employees, and put control measures in place. Our generator produces a professional, fully formatted risk assessment document that you can save, share electronically, and collect digital signatures from workers to confirm they have read and understood the assessment. Step 5: Review and Update Regularly Risk assessments are living documents. Review them when work practices change, after an incident, when new equipment or substances are introduced, or at least annually. Our platform stores your assessments in your user dashboard so you can easily update and re-issue them.

Who Needs a Risk Assessment?

Every employer in the UK must conduct risk assessments, regardless of industry or business size. Specific regulations also require risk assessments for particular activities and situations, including: Self-employed workers, landlords, and anyone managing non-domestic premises also have legal duties to assess risks. Our free risk assessment templates cover all these scenarios and more.

Why Use Our Free Risk Assessment Generator?

Our online risk assessment generator simplifies the entire process. Instead of starting from a blank template, you can:
  • Choose from over 100 pre-built risk templates with defined hazards, risks, and control measures
  • Customise every detail — add your own risks, edit control measures, and tailor the assessment to your specific workplace
  • Automatic risk calculation — our built-in risk matrix calculates severity, likelihood, and residual risk scores
  • Add your company logo for professional, branded documents
  • Collect digital signatures — share assessments with workers and collect electronic sign-offs, with up to 100 signatures per document for free users
  • Export to PDF — download professional documents ready for site files, audits, or client submissions
  • Save and manage — store all your assessments in your dashboard, update them anytime, and track review dates
Whether you are a sole trader completing your first risk assessment or a safety manager creating RAMS for a construction project, our generator saves time while ensuring your assessments meet HSE best-practice guidance and UK regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Risk Assessments

What must a risk assessment include?

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must identify the hazards present in the workplace, determine who might be harmed and how, evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm, record the existing control measures in place, and identify any additional actions needed to reduce risk. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of their assessment in writing. Our risk assessment generator guides you through each of these elements step by step.

How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?

There is no fixed legal timeframe for reviewing risk assessments, but the HSE recommends reviewing them whenever there is a significant change — such as new equipment, substances, processes, or staff — or after an accident, incident, or near miss. As good practice, most organisations review risk assessments at least annually. Our generator includes a review date feature so you can set reminders and track when assessments are due for review.

Do I need a risk assessment if I am self-employed?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, self-employed workers must conduct risk assessments if their work activities could pose a risk to others, including clients, members of the public, or workers on shared sites. If you employ anyone else, you must assess risks to your employees. Many clients and principal contractors also require self-employed workers to provide written risk assessments before starting work on site.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and determines control measures. A method statement describes the safe system of work — the step-by-step sequence of how a task should be carried out safely, incorporating the control measures identified in the risk assessment. Together they form a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement), which is commonly required on construction sites and for high-risk activities. Health & Safety Zone offers both risk assessment and method statement generators.

What is a risk matrix and how does it work?

A risk matrix (also called a risk assessment matrix) is a tool used to evaluate the level of risk by combining the likelihood of a hazard causing harm with the potential severity of that harm. Each factor is scored on a scale (typically 1–5), and the scores are multiplied to give an overall risk rating. Our risk assessment generator uses a built-in risk matrix that automatically calculates risk scores for each hazard, colour-codes them (green, amber, red), and recalculates the residual risk after control measures are applied.

Is this risk assessment generator really free?

Yes. Our risk assessment generator is completely free to use. You can create a free account, generate risk assessments using our pre-populated templates or your own custom risks, add your company logo, collect up to 100 digital signatures per document, and export to PDF — all at no cost. There are no hidden charges, no trial periods, and no credit card required. We also offer free toolbox talk templates, company policy templates, method statement templates, and COSHH assessment templates.

Can I use these risk assessments for a construction site?

Absolutely. Our template library includes comprehensive construction risk assessments covering working at height, excavation, scaffolding, demolition, electrical safety, confined spaces, asbestos, manual handling, plant and machinery, and many more. These templates are designed to meet the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) and can be customised to your specific site, activity, and project. You can also create RAMS by pairing a risk assessment with one of our method statement templates.