Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

Create a Risk Assessments in 4 easy to use steps

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

Choose from over 1,500+ 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.

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TypeDocument TitleAction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Handball Deliveries and Repetitive Manual Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree handball deliveries risk assessment template with hazards, manual handling controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Handling Acids and Alkalis in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free handling acids and alkalis risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Handling and Storing Seized Items Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free template for safely handling and storing seized drugs, weapons and evidence, with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Handling Found, Lost, and Unattended Property Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free handling found, lost, and unattended property risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Hard Shoulder and Verge Working on High-Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hard shoulder and verge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for high‑speed road traffic management.Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Mopping Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hardwood floor cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning teams.Category: Cleaning, General
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Hay, Straw and Crop Storage Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for hay, straw and crop storage. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Hazardous Substances Patrol Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hazardous substances patrol risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Hazardous Substances Storage Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hazardous substances storage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for industrial sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Hazardous Waste Storage and Disposal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hazardous waste storage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Heat and Cold Exposure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for security guards working outdoors, covering heat stress, cold stress, dehydration, sunburn and control measures.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Heat Gun Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree heat gun risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and safety measures for paint stripping, drying, and hot‑work. Download PDF, HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Heat Guns and Hot-Air Tools Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree fire risk assessment template for heat guns and hot‑air tools, with hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Heat Pump Electrical Connection Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free heat pump electrical connection risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for installers.Category: Electrical
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Heat Stress Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free heat stress risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Heat Treatment Furnaces and Quenching Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for heat treatment furnace and quenching operations in factories. Includes hazards, controls and legal references (PUWER, COSHH...Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Heat/Cold Stress for Drivers In-Cab Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree heat/cold stress risk assessment template for vehicle drivers. Includes hazards, controls, compliance and PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Hedge Cutting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hedge cutting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Hedge Laying Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hedge laying risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK legislation notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Herbicide & Pesticide Application Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free herbicide and pesticide application risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Ideal for landscaping te...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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HIAB Crane Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree HIAB crane risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tip‑over, load swing, overhead lines, traffic exposure. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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High Pressure Water Jetting Drains Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free high pressure water jetting drains risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing...Category: Plumbing
RISK ASSESSMENT
High Voltage Electrical Work Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free high voltage electrical work risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Electrical
RISK ASSESSMENT
High-value Goods Delivery Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free high‑value goods delivery risk assessment template with theft and confrontation controls. Editable PDF for logistics firms.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
High-Value Goods Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free high-value goods risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
High-Visibility PPE Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free high visibility PPE risk assessment template for traffic management crews. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
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High-volume Parcel Hub Sortation Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree parcel hub sortation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for conveyors, manual handling, forklift safety and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Highway Drainage Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free highway drainage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Hitching Errors on Drawbar Trailers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree drawbar trailer hitching risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance for safe coupling and loading.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Home Deliveries to Flats/Stairs Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree home deliveries risk assessment template. Includes hazards for team lifts, stairs, trolleys, and weather. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Home Delivery Team Lift Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree home delivery team lift risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Home Visits to Hostile Households Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free home visit risk assessment template for hostile households. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Home Working Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free home working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for remote workers.Category: General
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Homogenisers and Emulsifiers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for homogenisers and emulsifiers in dairy processing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
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Honing and Lapping Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free honing and lapping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Hospital Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hospital security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for healthcare sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hostile vehicle mitigation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Hot Air Welder Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree hot air welder risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for fire, burns, fumes, electrical and confined‑space. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Hot Beverage Preparation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot beverage preparation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for catering. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
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Hot Bitumen Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot bitumen risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Hot Desking and Shared Workspaces Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot desking risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices.Category: General
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Hot Oil and Fat Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot oil risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
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Hot Surfaces Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot surfaces risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER and COSHH.Category: Manufacturing
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Hot Water Cylinder Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot water cylinder installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbers.Category: Plumbing
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Hot Work Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot work fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for welding, cutting and grinding. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Hot Work Permit-to-Work Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Hot Works Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree hot works (welding/cutting) risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance – download PDF.Category: Construction
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Hotel Guest Accommodation Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hotel security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Hotels and Guest Houses Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free Hotels and Guest Houses fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Housekeeping and Fire-Load Management Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free housekeeping and fire‑load management fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Housekeeping and Workplace Tidiness Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free housekeeping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and workplaces.Category: General
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HVAC and Refrigeration (F-Gas) Engineers Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree fire risk assessment for HVAC and refrigeration (F‑Gas) engineers, with hazards, controls and UK fire safety and refrigerant legislation.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
HVAC Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree HVAC installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance – download PDF.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Hydraulic Systems Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hydraulic systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Ice and Snow Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree ice and snow risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and UK compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
RISK ASSESSMENT
Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ice cream risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
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Ice Machine Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ice machine cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food service.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry
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Ice, Snow and Gritting of Public Walkways and Car Parks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for ice, snow and gritting of public walkways and car parks. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Immersion Heater Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free immersion heater installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumb...Category: Plumbing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Immune System Disorder Employment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for employing workers with immune system disorders. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Impact Driver Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree impact driver risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, noise, vibration, battery safety for construction trades. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Impact Protection Vehicle Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free impact protection vehicle risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
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Incident, RTC and Breakdown Response Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for incident, RTC and breakdown response in temporary traffic‑management sites. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
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Industrial and Forklift Battery Charging Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for industrial and forklift battery charging. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Industrial Autoclave Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial autoclave risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food processors.Category: Food Industry
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Industrial Curing and Drying Oven Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree industrial curing oven risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Grills and Charbroilers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for industrial grills and charbroilers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK food safety, HSE regulatio...Category: Food Industry
RISK ASSESSMENT
Industrial Mixers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial mixers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Mixing and Blending Equipment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree industrial mixing and blending equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
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Industrial Oven Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial oven risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers. Editable PDF ready to...Category: Food Industry
RISK ASSESSMENT
Industrial Robot and Robotic Cell Operation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial robot risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Sewing Machine Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial sewing machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Industrial Vacuum / Dust Extractor Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree industrial vacuum risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls for noise, electrical, dust explosion. HSE‑compliant PDF download.Category: Construction
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Injection Moulding Machine Operation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free injection moulding machine risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for manufacturing...Category: Manufacturing
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Installing and Maintaining Security Lighting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control hazards when installing, inspecting and maintaining security lighting, ensuring safety for workers and compliance with regulations.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Installing and Maintaining Security Lighting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control hazards when installing, inspecting and maintaining security lighting, ensuring safety for workers and compliance with regulations.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Installing Cones, Cylinders and Barriers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free traffic management risk assessment template for installing cones, cylinders and barriers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
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Installing Signing, Lighting and Guarding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment for installing signing, lighting and guarding on rural and urban roads. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
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Insulation Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree insulation installation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for manual handling, dust, asbestos, work at height & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Insulation Installers Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fire risk assessment template for insulation installers, with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Interior Fit Out Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload our free interior fit out risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance for commercial renovations.Category: Construction
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Internal Foot Patrol – Building Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for internal foot patrols in buildings, covering hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Internal Lighting Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free internal lighting installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislation notes. Editable PDF.Category: Electrical
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Internal Windows and Glass Panels Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free internal windows cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
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Invasive Weed Control Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free invasive weed control risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Ironwork Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ironwork installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
ISO Tank Container Loading/Discharge Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree ISO tank loading and discharge risk assessment template. Includes fumigation residue, air quality, spill and confined space controls. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
ISO Tank Loading and Discharge Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ISO tank loading risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for fleet and logistics.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Isocyanates and Two-Pack Systems Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree isocyanates risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, COSHH and PUWER compliance. Download editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
RISK ASSESSMENT
IT Outage Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free IT outage risk assessment template for routing, POD and telematics. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for fleet operators.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Jet Washing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free jet washing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for patios, drives and paths. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
RISK ASSESSMENT
Jigsaw Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree jigsaw risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for wood, metal & plastic cutting. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Joinery Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree joinery risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures and safety checklist for carpenters and cabinet makers. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Joint Sealing and Crack Repair Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree joint sealing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for roadworks. Editable PDF download.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Kerb Laying Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free kerb laying risk assessment template. Includes hazards like manual handling, silica dust, traffic, slips and more. HSE‑compliant and editable.Category: Construction
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Kerbside Unloading in Live Traffic Lanes Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree kerbside unloading risk assessment template for live traffic lanes. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Key Management and Secure Key Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control hazards when managing physical and electronic security keys. Compliant with SIA and UK data protection regulations.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for con...Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Kitchen Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free kitchen cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering sites.Category: Cleaning, General
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Kitchen Deep Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free kitchen deep cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry

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 1513 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no signup required for guests, no paywall. Customise to your workplace and download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF in minutes.

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

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

Are the risk assessment templates HSE-compliant?

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

What industries do the risk assessment templates cover?

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

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

A risk assessment form is the blank document; a risk assessment template is a pre-filled form ready to customise. Our generator gives you both — a free interactive form you fill in plus over 1513 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

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

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

Can I customise the risk assessment templates to my workplace?

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

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

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

Are these risk assessment templates valid for UK construction work?

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

How often should I update my risk assessment?

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

What is the HSE 5-step risk assessment process?

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

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

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

Do you have RIDDOR-aligned risk assessment templates?

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

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

What Is a Risk Assessment?

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

Why Do You Need a Risk Assessment?

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

The HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment Process

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

Who Needs a Risk Assessment?

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

Why Use Our Free Risk Assessment Generator?

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Risk Assessments

What must a risk assessment include?

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

How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?

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

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

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

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

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

What is a risk matrix and how does it work?

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

Is this risk assessment generator really free?

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

Can I use these risk assessments for a construction site?

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

Calculating Risk Assessments

Establish the Severity (S), Likelihood (L) and Risk Factor (RF) by reference to the Matrix below: RF = S x L 

REMEMBER: The risk rating must be calculated both before and after ERCPD and its resulting controls have been applied. This risk rating helps to identify and prioritise areas that require more to be done to reduce the risk. 

Low risk factor (1-5)  normal safe working methods should suffice. Fine tune controls to further reduce the risk, if possible. 

Medium risk factor (6-12) further improvement to control measures need to be considered to reduce the risk. 

High risk factor (15-25) improve controls now, consider stopping the activity. Seek advice as appropriate.