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 AssessmentFREEPDFEscalators, Travelators and Customer Lifts Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for escalators, travelators and customer lifts in shopping centres. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEsports and Gaming Event Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use esports event risk assessment covering AV power, cabling, broadcast rigs and compliance with Electricity at Work Regulations.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEV Battery Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a motor‑trade EV battery handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEV Charging Equipment Use Risk AssessmentDownload an EV charging equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for motor trade workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEV Charging Point Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free EV charging point installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEV Charging Point Installers Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free EV Charging Point Installers fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEV Fleet Charging Risk AssessmentFree EV fleet charging risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for yard chargers and public rapid chargers. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvacuation of Disabled Visitors Risk AssessmentFree template for evacuating disabled and vulnerable visitors, includes hazards, controls and compliance guidance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvacuation of People with Disabilities Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment for evacuating disabled people. Includes hazards, controls, legal compliance and editable template.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent and Emergency Lighting Risk AssessmentDownload an event lighting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Bar Risk AssessmentDownload a private function and pop-up event bar risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for event staff.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Build and Breakdown Risk AssessmentDownload a free event build and breakdown risk assessment template for concerts and festivals, with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Contractor, Supplier and Sub‑Hire Management Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use event contractor risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Control Room, Production Management and Show-Stop Procedures Risk AssessmentDownload an event control room risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Crew Manual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload an event crew manual handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Crew Safe Travel and Driver Hours Risk AssessmentDownload an event crew safe travel and driver hours risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Fire Marshal and Fire-Warden Risk AssessmentDownload a compliant event fire marshal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent First Aid and Medical Provision Risk AssessmentDownload an event first aid risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance. Editable for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Medic and Welfare-Staff Safety Risk AssessmentDownload an event medic risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Medical and First‑Aid Tent Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use event medical and first‑aid tent risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent PPE Risk AssessmentDownload an event PPE risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for concerts and festivals. Editable PDF for crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free event security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Ideal for VIP and bottle service security.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free event security risk assessment template covering VIP, artist and backstage protection. Editable PDF for event organisers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Signage, Banner and Wayfinding Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use risk assessment for festival signage, banners and wayfinding. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Staff Welfare, Rest Breaks and Working Time Risk AssessmentDownload a free event staff welfare risk assessment template covering rest breaks, fatigue management, and working time compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health Risk AssessmentDownload an event staff wellbeing and mental health risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Styling and Décor at Height Risk AssessmentDownload an event styling draping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals. Editable.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Vehicle Movements Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use risk assessment for event vehicle movements, pedestrian segregation and traffic planning for festivals and concerts.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEvent Waste, Recycling and Litter-Picking Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use event waste risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for festival crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEviction, Repossession, and Enforcement Agent Support Risk AssessmentDownload a free eviction, repossession and enforcement agent support risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExamination Halls and Invigilation Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for secondary school exam halls covering overcrowding, evacuation, trips, medical emergencies and fire safety per the Fire Safety Order 2005.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavating Near Live Services Risk AssessmentDownload a free excavating near live services risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavation and Trenching Risk AssessmentDownload a free excavation and trenching risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavation and Trenching Risk AssessmentDownload a free excavation and trenching risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavation and Trenching Risk AssessmentFree excavation risk assessment template for trenching, digging and groundwork. Pre-filled hazards for trench collapse, underground services. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavation Near Buried Services Risk AssessmentComprehensive worker‑focused risk assessment for safe excavation near underground utilities on roadworks. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation refer...Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavator 360 Machine Operation Risk AssessmentFree excavator risk assessment template. Covers rollover, blind‑spot collisions, hydraulic failures and more. CDM‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavator Operation in Roadworks Risk AssessmentDownload a free excavator operation in roadworks risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for highway te...Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavator Quick Hitch Risk AssessmentFree excavator quick hitch risk assessment template for roadworks. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExhaust System Repair Risk AssessmentDownload an exhaust system repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and PUWER compliance for vehicle workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExhibition and Trade-Show Stand Build Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use exhibition stand build risk assessment with hazards, controls and legal compliance for event production.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExhibition Stand Operation Risk AssessmentDownload an exhibition stand operation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExplosive/pyrotechnic Load Movement Risk AssessmentFree explosive/pyrotechnic load movement risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance for safe transport and handling.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExposed Edges Risk AssessmentFree exposed edges risk assessment template. Identify hazards like unguarded edges, void covers, falling objects. HSE‑compliant, fully editable and shareable.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExtension Leads and Trailing Cables Risk AssessmentFree extension leads risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExterior Painting of Railings, Gates and Furniture Risk AssessmentDownload a free exterior painting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExterior Window Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free exterior window cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping crews.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExternal and Floodlighting Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free external and floodlighting installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Electrical
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExternal Painting Risk AssessmentFree external painting risk assessment template. Covers falls, chemical exposure, weather, slip hazards and more. Download PDF for construction projects.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExternal Perimeter Patrols of Grounds and Boundaries Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for staff patrolling external grounds and boundaries, covering safety, health and security hazards with control measures.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExternal Smoking Areas and Queues Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for managing outdoor smoking zones and queues. Includes fire, crowd and smoke controls.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExternal Window Cleaning and Façade Access Risk AssessmentDownload an external window cleaning risk assessment template for hotel facilities. Includes hazards, controls and Work at Height compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExternal Window Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free external window cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExtrusion Processing Risk AssessmentDownload a free extrusion processing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFactory Floor Slips, Trips and Housekeeping Risk AssessmentIdentify and control slips, trips and housekeeping hazards on a manufacturing factory floor with PUWER and COSHH compliance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFailed Delivery Attempts and Repeat Visits Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for delivery drivers covering fatigue, time pressure, manual handling and safety. Download PDF, customise, HSE compliant.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFairground Ride Operation Risk AssessmentDownload a fairground ride risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for concerts and festivals.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFairground Rider Safety, Restraints and Height Checks Risk AssessmentDownload a fairground rider safety risk assessment template with restraints, height checks, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFall Restraint System Risk AssessmentFree fall restraint system risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for construction work at height. Fully editable and shareable.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFalling and Dropped Objects Risk AssessmentDownload a falling and dropped objects risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Includes hazards, controls and LOLER compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFalling Objects, Displays and Signage Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for public area displays, signage and falling objects. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm and Zoo Educational Visits Risk AssessmentDownload a farm and zoo educational visits risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for schools and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Gate and Honesty-Box Unattended Sales Risk AssessmentDownload a farm gate honesty‑box risk assessment template with retail‑specific hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for garden centres.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Irrigation System Risk AssessmentDownload a farm irrigation system risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for agriculture workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Machinery Guarding Risk AssessmentDownload a farm machinery guarding, maintenance and lock‑off risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free farm security risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for agricultural sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Shop and Diversification Activities Risk AssessmentDownload a farm shop risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for agriculture businesses.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Shop Retail Operations and Counter Service Risk AssessmentDownload a farm shop retail risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for shop staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Trailer Loading, Towing and Stability Risk AssessmentDownload a farm trailer loading, towing and stability risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarm Workshop Machinery Risk AssessmentDownload a farm workshop machinery risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarmed Deer Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a farmed deer handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for farmers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarmer’s Lung and Respiratory Sensitisers Risk AssessmentDownload a farmer's lung risk assessment for farms with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for hay, grain, silage, dust, pesticides and diesel.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarmers and Agricultural Workers Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for farmers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with DSEAR, Fire Safety Order and PUWER.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFarmyard Vehicle Movements and Pedestrian Segregation Risk AssessmentDownload a farmyard vehicle movements and pedestrian segregation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for agriculture.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFascia and Soffit Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free HSE‑compliant fascia and soffit installation risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls, and PDF download for UK construction.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFashion Show Catwalk Risk AssessmentDownload a fashion show catwalk risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFast Food Front of House Risk AssessmentDownload a fast food front of house risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for retail outlets.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFast-Food and Takeaway Counter Service Risk AssessmentDownload a fast‑food and takeaway counter service risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for retail staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFatigue and Shift Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free fatigue and shift work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers and safety...Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFatigue and Shift Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free fatigue and shift working risk assessment template for traffic management operatives, with hazards, controls and compliance with HSG256.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFatigue Management for Night/Rotating Shifts Risk AssessmentFree fatigue management risk assessment template for night and rotating shifts. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFence and Shed Painting Risk AssessmentDownload a free fence and shed painting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFence Installation Risk AssessmentFree fence installation risk assessment template. Includes hazards for post holes, power tools, traffic & weather. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFence, Gate and Boundary Wall Repair Risk AssessmentDownload a free fence, gate and wall repair risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscaping teams.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFencing and Post Driving Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a fencing and post driving risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for farmers and agricultural workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFencing, Hoarding and Perimeter Build Risk AssessmentDownload a free fencing, hoarding and perimeter risk assessment template for festivals. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFermentation and Bioreactor Risk AssessmentDownload a free fermentation and bioreactor risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pharma manufact...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFermentation and Brewing Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free fermentation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for brewers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFerry Passenger Hospitality and Onboard Service Risk AssessmentDownload a ferry hospitality risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for crew use.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFerry Retail and Bar Risk AssessmentDownload a ferry retail and bar risk assessment template with venue‑specific hazards, controls and compliance notes for cruise and ferry hospitality crews.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFerry Vehicle Deck and Passenger Embarkation Risk AssessmentDownload a ferry vehicle deck risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for maritime crew.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFertiliser (Ammonium Nitrate) Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a fertiliser storage and handling risk assessment template for ammonium nitrate. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFertiliser Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free fertiliser manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plant safety.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFestival and Event Bar Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a festival bar risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable for event staff.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFestival Campsite Risk AssessmentDownload a festival campsite risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFestival Glamping and Boutique-Camping Risk AssessmentDownload a festival glamping risk assessment template with fire safety controls, gas safety measures, and operational hazards. Editable PDF.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFestival Retail and Merchandise Stalls Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use festival retail risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFestival Site Build and Infrastructure Risk AssessmentDownload a festival site build risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFIBC and Bulk Bag Filling and Discharge – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for FIBC and bulk bag filling and discharge in manufacturing, covering PUWER, COSHH and HSE guidance.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFField Work and Lone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a field work and lone working risk assessment template for remote farms. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK health and safety law.Category: Agriculture and Farming

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.