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 AssessmentFREEPDFCompressor Risk AssessmentFree compressor risk assessment template covering pressure vessel, hose whip, noise, fuel handling and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcert & Festival Crowd Management Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for crowd management at concerts, festivals and events, including hazards, controls and compliance guidance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcert and Live-Music Venue Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a concert venue risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcession and Shop-in-Shop Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a ready-to-use concession and shop-in-shop risk assessment template with retail hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcierge and Front‑of‑House Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free reception, concierge and front‑of‑house security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Bases and Footings Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Coring Risk AssessmentFree concrete coring risk assessment template. Includes hazards like silica dust, noise, vibration, and flying debris. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Cutting Risk AssessmentFree concrete cutting risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF for safe construction work.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Pouring Risk AssessmentFree concrete pouring risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for construction sites. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Pump Risk AssessmentFree 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Repair Risk AssessmentFree concrete repair risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for grinding, manual handling, chemicals, noise & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Vibrator Risk AssessmentDownload a free concrete vibrator risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance details for construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Works Risk AssessmentFree concrete works risk assessment template – hazards, controls for mixing, pouring, formwork & plant. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcrete Works Risk AssessmentDownload a free concrete works risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConcreting Risk AssessmentDownload a free concreting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCone Washing and Cleaning (Depot) – Traffic Management Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for traffic management operatives cleaning cones in a depot. Includes hazards, controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConference and Business-Event Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a conference and business-event operations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for event staff.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConference and Meeting-Room Set-Up Risk AssessmentDownload a hotel conference and meeting-room set-up risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfetti, Streamer & Low-Fog Effects Risk AssessmentDownload a confetti, streamer and low-fog effects risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfidential Documents Risk AssessmentDownload a free confidential documents risk assessment template with hazards, controls for secure handling, storage and disposal of sensitive paperwork.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfined Space Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfined Space Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template for silos and tanks in food manufacturing. Editable PDF with hazards and controls.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfined Space Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe work.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfined Space Entry Risk AssessmentFree confined space entry risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, permits, and compliance for construction & utilities.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfined Space Entry Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a confined space entry risk assessment template for farms, covering gas hazards, engulfment and rescue steps per Confined Spaces Regulations.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfined Space Patrol Risk AssessmentDownload a free confined space patrol risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for plant and riser rooms.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfronting Trespassers and Thieves on Farm Risk AssessmentDownload a farm‑specific risk assessment for confronting trespassers, poachers and thieves. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConing and De-coning from a Moving Vehicle Risk AssessmentDownload a free coning and de‑coning moving vehicle risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for operatives.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConstruction and Brickwork Training Areas Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for secondary school construction and brickwork training covering manual handling, dust, tools, work at height and cement hazards.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConstruction Site Risk AssessmentFree construction site risk assessment template. Includes hazards, control measures, and HSE compliance for UK construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConstruction Sites (Fire Safety During Works) Fire Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConsumer Unit and Fuse Board Replacement Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Door Opening Risk AssessmentDownload a free container door opening risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Fumigation Residue Risk AssessmentDownload a free container fumigation residue risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Fumigation Risk AssessmentFree 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Securing and Seal Control Risk AssessmentFree container securing and seal control risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance for logistics operators. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Securing Risk AssessmentDownload a free container securing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for fleet operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Stack Movement in Depots/Ports Risk AssessmentFree container stack movement risk assessment template. Includes hazards for cranes, forklifts, weather, spills. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Stack Movement Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Stack Movement Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Stack Movement Risk AssessmentFree container stack movement risk assessment template. Includes hazards for cranes, forklifts, weather, spills. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Unloading Risk AssessmentDownload a free container unloading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics operations.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContainer Yard Pedestrian Exclusion Zone Risk AssessmentFree container yard pedestrian exclusion zone risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContinence and Personal Hygiene Support Risk AssessmentDownload a continence and personal hygiene risk assessment template for schools. Includes infection, manual handling and safeguarding controls.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContractor Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free contractor management risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContractor/Visitor Vehicle Control at Depot Entrances Risk AssessmentFree 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContractors & Maintenance Workers Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a tailored risk assessment for contractors and maintenance workers in gyms, pools and leisure facilities. Includes hazards, controls and legal compl...Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContractors and Visitors Farm Risk AssessmentDownload a farm risk assessment for contractors and visitors with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for agriculture.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContractors and Visitors Fire Safety Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire safety risk assessment for contractors and visitors. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContractors Working On Site During Term Time Risk AssessmentDownload a contractors risk assessment template for schools, covering segregation, safeguarding, dust, noise, asbestos and permits. Editable PDF for term‑tim...Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContractors Working On Site During Term Time Risk AssessmentDownload a contractors risk assessment template for schools, covering segregation, safeguarding, dust, noise, asbestos and permits. Editable PDF for term‑tim...Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContraflow Installation and Maintenance – Temporary Traffic Management Risk AssessmentTemporary traffic management risk assessment for contraflow installation and maintenance on motorways, complying with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and NHSS...Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFContraflow Removal Risk AssessmentDownload a free contraflow removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for motorway traffic management.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFControlled Stubble and Scrub Burning Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for UK farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConveyor and Sortation Line Pinch/Entanglement Risk AssessmentFree conveyor pinch and entanglement risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for belt and roller conveyors in manufacturing and logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConveyor Belt Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free conveyor belt risk assessment template for food processing plants. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConveyor Pinch Point Risk AssessmentDownload a free conveyor pinch point risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConveyor Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free conveyor systems risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConvoy Working on All-Purpose Roads Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCooking and Food Activities Risk AssessmentDownload a cooking and food activities risk assessment template for primary schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with Food Safety Regulations.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCooking, Hot Surfaces and Deep Frying Risk AssessmentDownload a cooking, hot surfaces and deep frying risk assessment template for food trucks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCooling System and Radiator Work Risk AssessmentDownload a cooling system risk assessment template for vehicle workshops. Includes hot coolant hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCooling Towers & Refrigeration Plant Risk AssessmentDownload a free cooling tower and ammonia refrigeration plant risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoordinating with Emergency Services During Major Incidents Risk AssessmentDownload 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 AssessmentFREEPDFCopper Pipework Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free copper pipework risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers and contractors.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoppicing and Pollarding Risk AssessmentDownload a free coppicing and pollarding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCordless Battery Charging and Storage Fire Risk AssessmentDownload 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 AssessmentFREEPDFCordless Drill Risk AssessmentFree cordless drill risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for battery, electric shock, noise & vibration. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCore Drilling Risk AssessmentFree core drill risk assessment template. Includes silica dust, noise, equipment hazards and control measures. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoring and Core Drilling Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCOSHH and Cleaning Chemical Use Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a COSHH cleaning chemical risk assessment template for gyms, pools and leisure facilities. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCOSHH Risk AssessmentDownload a free COSHH risk assessment template with pre‑filled chemical hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCosmetics Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free cosmetics manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCounter and Service-Desk Risk AssessmentDownload a counter and service-desk risk assessment template with retail-specific hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCounter-Terrorism and Suspicious Activity Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a counter‑terrorism risk assessment template for gyms, pools and sports facilities. Includes hazards, controls and Martyn's Law compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCounterbalance Forklift Risk AssessmentFree counterbalance forklift risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls for ramps, uneven surfaces, load stability, tip‑over prevention. HSE‑compliant PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCoupling/Uncoupling Trailers Risk AssessmentFree 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 AssessmentFREEPDFCourier Motorcycles/Scooters in Poor Weather Risk AssessmentFree courier motorcycles and scooters risk assessment template for poor weather. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCourt, Tribunal, and Custody Security Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCourtesy Car & Loan Vehicle Handover Risk AssessmentDownload a courtesy car and loan vehicle handover risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislation compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCovert Observation and Surveillance of Suspected Offenders Risk AssessmentA comprehensive risk assessment for covert observation and surveillance of suspected offenders, covering legal, safety and health hazards.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCovert Surveillance Risk AssessmentDownload a free covert surveillance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrane Lifting Operations Risk AssessmentFree crane lifting operations risk assessment template. Covers lift planning, load weight estimation, rigging, exclusion zones, weather and tandem lifts. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrèche and Child‑Minding Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a crèche risk assessment template for gyms, pools and leisure centres. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrew Camping and Multi-Day Welfare Risk AssessmentDownload a crew camping and multi‑day welfare risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for festivals and events.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrew Drug, Alcohol & Fitness Event Work Risk AssessmentDownload a crew drug, alcohol and fitness risk assessment template for event work, with hazards, controls and compliance guidance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrew Fatigue and Long-Shift and Night-Shift Working Risk AssessmentDownload a crew fatigue risk assessment for concerts and festivals. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrew Hand and Power Tools Risk AssessmentDownload a crew hand and power tools risk assessment template for event builds. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrohn’s Disease Risk AssessmentDownload 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 AssessmentFREEPDFCross-docking Fast Transfer Operations Risk AssessmentFree 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 AssessmentFREEPDFCross-docking Fast Transfer Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free cross-docking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrossing Live Carriageway on Foot Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for TM operatives crossing live carriageways on foot, with hazards, controls and legal references (GG 116, Traffic Signs Manual).Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrossover and Carriageway Switch Installation Traffic Management Risk AssessmentComprehensive TM risk assessment for crossover and carriageway switch installation on motorways, meeting UK legislation.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrowd Barrier Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a crowd barrier installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrowd Density and Crush Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrowd Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free nightclub crowd management risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venue owners.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrowd Monitoring Risk AssessmentDownload 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrowd Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free crowd safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for events and promotions.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrowd Surges and Emergency Dispersal Risk AssessmentDownload a free crowd surge risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrowded Event Retail Risk AssessmentDownload a free crowded event retail risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for market traders.Category: Retail and Service Industries

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.