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

Build a Custom Risk Assessment

Build your assessment your way — start from a blank template, or add your own risks and control measures from scratch.

Start Blank Risk Assessment
TypeDocument TitleAction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Cabin Servicing and Onboard Laundry Risk AssessmentDownload a cruise cabin servicing and onboard laundry risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and PUWER compliance. Fully editable for hospitality c...Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Onboard Bar, Lounge and Concession Risk AssessmentDownload a free cruise bar risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality crews.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Onboard Hospitality and Guest Service Risk AssessmentDownload a cruise hospitality risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for onboard staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Onboard Pool and Deck Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a cruise pool risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for hospitality crew.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Onboard Provisioning and Stores Risk AssessmentDownload a cruise provisioning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality crew.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Passenger Embarkation, Gangway and Baggage Risk AssessmentDownload a cruise passenger embarkation, gangway and baggage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. Editable for staff.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Passenger Safety Muster and Lifeboat Drill Risk AssessmentDownload a cruise passenger safety muster and lifeboat drill risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and SOLAS compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCruise Ship Hotel & Housekeeping Risk AssessmentDownload a cruise ship hotel and housekeeping risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCrushing, Grinding and Milling Risk AssessmentDownload a free crushing, grinding and milling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing plants.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCryogenics, Liquid Nitrogen and Industrial Gas Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free cryogenics, liquid nitrogen and gas handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER, COSHH, JSP 319 compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCryotherapy Chamber and Ice Bath Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a comprehensive cryotherapy chamber and ice bath risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and PUWER compliance for gyms.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCurtainsider Opening Risk AssessmentFree curtainsider opening risk assessment template. Covers unstable loads, pinch points, equipment failure. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCustomer Bag and Receipt Checks Risk AssessmentIdentify and control hazards for bag and receipt checks in retail settings to protect staff and customers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCustomer Refusal/Returns Handling at Point of Delivery Risk AssessmentFree template for point of delivery customer refusal and returns handling risk assessment. Includes hazards, controls, and PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCustomer Refusal/Returns Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a customer refusal/returns handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCustomer Toilet Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a retail‑specific risk assessment for cleaning customer toilets, with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCustoms Hold & Parked Vehicle Welfare Security Risk AssessmentFree customs hold delays risk assessment template. Includes vehicle security, driver welfare, theft prevention and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCustoms Hold Delays and Parked Vehicle Welfare Risk AssessmentDownload a free customs hold and parked vehicle risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for fleet logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCycle and Mobility-Device Security Patrol Risk AssessmentDownload a free cycle and mobility-device security patrol risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCyclist Management Through Roadworks Risk AssessmentDownload a free cyclist management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks sites.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCylinder Mower Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a free cylinder mower risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping and grounds maintenance. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDaily Walkaround Inspections Risk AssessmentFree daily walkaround inspection risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for vehicle, equipment, driver and weather checks. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDairy Cow Handling and Milking Parlour Risk AssessmentDownload a dairy cow handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDairy Processing and Cheese Making Risk AssessmentDownload a free dairy processing and cheese making risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufact...Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDairy Unit Operation and Milk Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a dairy unit operation and milk storage risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDamaged Pallet Handling and Unstable Stack Control Risk AssessmentFree damaged pallet handling risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for pallet collapse, forklift tip‑over, manual handling, and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDamaged Pallet Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free pallet handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for warehouses.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDangerous Goods in Containers Risk AssessmentDownload a free dangerous goods risk assessment template with segregation, documentation and control measures. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDangerous Goods in Containers Risk AssessmentFree dangerous goods in containers risk assessment template. Covers segregation, labeling, documentation, fire safety and emergency response. HSE‑compliant.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres. Includes hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFData and Network Cabling Risk AssessmentDownload a free data and network cabling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for electricians.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFData Centre Access Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free data centre access security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK compliance notes. Editable PDF for IT and secur...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDay Educational Visits and School Trips Risk AssessmentDownload a day educational visits risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeadwood and Branch Removal Risk AssessmentDownload a free deadwood and branch removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeaf Workers Risk AssessmentFree deaf workers risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDealing with Aggressive or Abusive Customers Risk AssessmentIdentify and control risks from aggressive or abusive customers in security settings, following HSE guidance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDealing with Persons Under Influence Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for security staff dealing with intoxicated or drug‑impaired persons. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDealing with the Public and Customer Interaction Risk AssessmentDownload a public and customer interaction risk assessment template for retail staff. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDealing with Unattended Luggage in Transport Hubs Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for handling unattended luggage in transport hubs. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeburring, Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing Risk AssessmentDownload a free deburring, tumbling and vibratory finishing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufactur...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDecanting and Dispensing Chemicals Risk AssessmentDownload a free decanting chemicals risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDecking Cleaning, Treating and Oiling Risk AssessmentDownload a free decking cleaning, treating and oiling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDecking Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free decking installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping projects.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDecking Installation Risk AssessmentFree decking installation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for manual handling, power tools, falls & chemicals. Download PDF, HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDecorating Risk AssessmentDownload our free decorating risk assessment template with 16 pre-filled hazards. Covers ladders, adhesives, sanding & more. Fully editable, HSE-compliant.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeep Cleaning and Sanitisation Risk AssessmentDownload a free deep cleaning and sanitisation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning ser...Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeep Cleaning of Wet-Change Villages and Wet Areas Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a deep cleaning risk assessment for gym wet‑change villages with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeep Fat Frying Risk AssessmentDownload a free deep fat frying risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeep-Fat Frying Fire Risk AssessmentFree deep-fat frying fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK fire safety compliance. Download editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDefect Reporting and Out-of-Service Controls Risk AssessmentFree defect reporting risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for equipment, scaffolding, electrical and structural defects. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDefence and Munitions Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free defence and munitions manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDefrosting Commercial Cold Storage Units Risk AssessmentDownload a free defrosting commercial freezers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for the food industry.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDegreasing and Solvent Washing Risk AssessmentFree template for manufacturing degreasing and solvent washing – pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER and COSHH.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDelegate Registration, Badging and Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a delegate registration risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for events. Editable and shareable.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeli, Bakery and Counter Service Risk AssessmentDownload a retail‑focused deli, bakery and counter service risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeliveries and Reversing Vehicles Risk AssessmentDownload a deliveries and reversing vehicles risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeliveries and Vehicle Reversing Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for deliveries and vehicle reversing near the public. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeliveries to Construction Sites with Moving Plant Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for construction site deliveries with moving plant. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeliveries to Hospitals, Schools and Public Buildings Risk AssessmentFree delivery risk assessment template for hospitals, schools and public buildings. Includes hazards, controls and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDelivery Driver Fatigue Risk AssessmentDownload a free delivery driver fatigue risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics fleets.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDemolition and Strip-Out Contractors Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for demolition and strip‑out contractors. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance with UK fire safety...Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDemolition Hammer Risk AssessmentFree demolition hammer risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, noise, vibration, dust, battery safety for construction demolition. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDemolition Risk AssessmentFree demolition risk assessment template for contractors. Pre-filled hazards for structural collapse, asbestos, dust, falling materials. HSE-compliant PDF download.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDemolition Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free demolition work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for construction sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDepot Security Threat Risk AssessmentDownload a free depot security threat risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for logistics and fleet operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDesign and Technology Workshop (Machinery and Hand Tools) Risk AssessmentDownload a design and technology workshop risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDetaining Suspected Offenders Pending Police Arrival Risk AssessmentGuidance and control measures for safely detaining suspected offenders until police arrive.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDiabetes Risk AssessmentDownload a free diabetes risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDie Casting Risk AssessmentDownload a free die casting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDie, Mould and Tool Change Risk AssessmentDownload a free die, mould and tool change risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDining Hall and Lunchtime Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a dining hall risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDirect Action Risk AssessmentDownload a free direct action risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisc Cutter / Cut-Off Saw Risk AssessmentFree disc cutter risk assessment template with hazards, control measures and compliance for cutting concrete, asphalt, metal and masonry.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisc Cutting of Road Surfaces and Concrete Risk AssessmentDownload a free disc cutting risk assessment template with silica dust controls, noise and vibration measures. Editable PDF for road works.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDiscarded Needles, Sharps, and Drug Litter Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for discarded needles, sharps and drug litter in public areas. Includes hazards, controls and HSE compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDishwashing and Pot Wash Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free dishwashing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisorder and Abusive Chanting Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for crowd disorder, abusive chanting and public safety. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisplay Screen Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free DSE risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisplay Screen Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free display screen equipment risk assessment template for control rooms. Includes hazards, controls and UK compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisplay Screen Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a display screen equipment risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools and offices.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisposing of Drug Paraphernalia and Sharps Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for disposing drug paraphernalia and sharps in venues. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDistillation and Separation Columns Risk AssessmentDownload a free distillation columns risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for manufacturing plants.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDistribution Board Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free distribution board installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for electricians.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDitch, Drain and Gully Clearance Risk AssessmentDownload a free ditch, drain and gully clearance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDitching, Drainage and Culvert Work Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a farm-specific ditching, drainage and culvert work risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDiving Board and Diving Pit Use Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for diving board and diving pit use in leisure pools, with hazards, controls and compliance references to HSG179 guidance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDIY and Hardware Store Retail Risk AssessmentDownload a DIY and hardware store retail risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for retail managers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDock Leveller Operation and Failure Contingency Risk AssessmentFree dock leveller operation risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for crushing, pinch points, mechanical failure, and more. HSE-compliant, download PDF. Logistics and warehousing.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDomestic Electrical Rewiring Risk AssessmentDownload a free domestic electrical rewiring risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and UK legislation references. Fully editable...Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDoor Entry and Access Control Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free door entry and access control risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for electricians.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDoor Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a free door supervision risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for licensed premises.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDough Sheeter and Roller Risk AssessmentDownload a free dough sheeter and roller risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for bakeries.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrain and Grease Trap Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free drain and grease trap cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for commercial k...Category: Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrain Unblocking Risk AssessmentDownload a free drain unblocking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDraining Water Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free draining water systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing works.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrama, Theatre & Stage Lighting Rigging Risk AssessmentDownload a drama and theatre stage lighting and rigging risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrilling, Ploughing and Cultivation Risk AssessmentDownload a drilling, ploughing and cultivation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrink Spiking Incident Response Risk AssessmentDownload a free drink spiking incident response risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venues and...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrive-Thru Window and Lane Risk AssessmentDownload a drive‑thru window and lane risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for fast‑food and retail staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDriver Aggression/Conflict at Customer Sites Risk AssessmentFree driver aggression risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and de‑escalation for delivery and service drivers. 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 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.