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
Manual Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree manual handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and scores. Download PDF for construction, manufacturing and general workplaces.Category: Construction
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Manual Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template for landscaping and grounds maintenance. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Manual Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template for new and expectant mothers. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Manual Handling Security Duties Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template for security duties. Includes pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Manual Knife Work Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free manual knife work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry
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Manual Pallet Breakdown Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free manual pallet breakdown risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for warehouses.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Manual Traffic Direction and Marshalling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify hazards and controls for manual traffic direction and marshalling to ensure safety of workers and road users.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Marinating and Brining Meat Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free marinating and brining meat risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food producers.Category: Food Industry
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Marine and Waterside Security Patrols Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free marine and waterside security patrol risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Markets, Stalls, and Pop-Up Trading Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free markets and stalls risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for event organisers.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Maternity Infant Abduction Prevention Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free maternity infant abduction prevention risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for...Category: Security and Public Safety
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Meat Mincers and Grinders Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free meat mincer and grinder risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for butchers and catering.Category: Food Industry
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Meat Processing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free meat processing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food industry.Category: Food Industry
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Mechanics and Vehicle Repair Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mechanics and vehicle repair fire risk assessment template. Includes hazards, control measures, DSEAR compliance and fire safety guidance.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Medical & Care Home Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cleaning risk assessment template for medical and care home environments. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
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Medical Emergencies in Stadium Stands Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment for medical emergencies in stadium stands. Includes hazards, controls, and UK legislation references. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Medical Emergencies Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free medical emergencies risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for security and public safety teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Medical Emergencies Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free medical emergencies risk assessment template covering pre‑existing conditions, hazards and controls. Editable PDF for occupational health.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Medical Emergency Lone Driver Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free medical emergency lone driver risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Medication Side Effects Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free medication side effects risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for occupational health.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Mental Health Crisis Response Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mental health crisis response risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. PDF for police.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Mental Health Unit Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mental health unit security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for secure fa...Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Metal Cutting Saws Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free metal cutting saw risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Metal Detectors & X‑Ray Inspection In Food Production Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for metal detection and X‑ray inspection in food manufacturing lines, covering safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.Category: Food Industry
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Metal Fabrication Workshop Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free metal fabrication workshop risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Metalworking and Machine Shops Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free metalworking and machine shops fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safety teams.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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MEWP Mobile Elevating Work Platform Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mobile elevating work platform risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls, compliant with UK regulations. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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MEWP Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a MEWP risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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MEWP Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free MEWP risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for warehouse use.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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MEWP Use for High-Level Warehouse Tasks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree MEWP risk assessment template for warehouse high‑level tasks. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance guidance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Milling Machine Operation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for milling machine operation in manufacturing, covering hazards, controls, and compliance.Category: Manufacturing
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Mini Digger Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mini digger risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for tip‑over, transport, confined spaces & pedestrian safety. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
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Mini Excavator & Dumper Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mini excavator and dumper risk assessment template for landscaping. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Minibus Crew Transport Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree minibus crew transport risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for vehicle collisions, driver fatigue, loading, weather & more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Missing Person Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free missing person 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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Missorting and Rushed Relabelling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for missorting and rushed relabelling risk assessment. Includes hazards, controls, compliance notes for logistics and warehousing operations.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Missorts leading to rushed relabelling/rework Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree missorts risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for sorting errors, rushed relabelling, and rework. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Mitre Saw Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mitre saw risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards for blade contact, kick-back, noise and dust. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Mixed Traffic Yards Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mixed traffic yards risk assessment template. Includes vehicle‑pedestrian collision hazards, loading area safety, forklift tip‑over controls and more. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Mixing and Blending Vessels Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mixing and blending vessels risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
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Mobile and Event Caterers Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mobile and event caterers fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe food events.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Mobile and Moving Works Convoy on High-Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mobile and moving works convoy risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management
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Mobile Crane Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mobile crane risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards like tip‑over, load collapse, boom failure and controls. Download PDF, HSE‑compliant.Category: Construction
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Mobile Lane Closure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mobile lane closure risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for high‑speed road works.Category: Traffic Management
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Mobile Mechanic Roadside Repair Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mobile mechanic roadside repair risk assessment template. Includes traffic, fuel spill, electrical, manual handling hazards. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Mobile Patrol Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mobile patrol risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security officers.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Mobile Phone and Communications Policy in Transit Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree mobile phone and communications policy template for safe transit. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Mobile Plant Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a mobile plant risk assessment template for forklift, pallet truck and stacker use. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Mobile Survey and Inspection Works on High-Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for mobile lane‑closure surveys on high‑speed roads. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and NHSS 12.Category: Traffic Management
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Mobile Works on Low‑Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for short‑duration mobile works on low‑speed roads. Includes hazards, controls, compliance with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and CDM 2015.Category: Traffic Management
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Molten Material Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free molten material handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Fully editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Moss and Algae Treatment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free moss and algae treatment risk assessment template for hard surfaces, with hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping and outdoor...Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Motor and Control Panel Work Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free motor and control panel risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for electricians.Category: Electrical
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Mulching and Bark Spreading Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mulching and bark spreading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Multi-stop Route Loading Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree multi-stop route loading risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for overload, load shift, driver fatigue and weather. HSE-compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Multi-Temperature Load Segregation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree multi‑temperature load segregation risk assessment template for logistics. Covers temperature control, cross‑contamination, load shift, and more. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Multi‑Storey and Underground Car Parks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify hazards and controls for security staff working in car parks, covering slips, assault and fire safety.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Multi‑Tool / Oscillating Tool Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree multi‑tool/oscillating tool risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls for cutting, sanding, scraping & detailed work. Download PDF.Category: Construction
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Multi‑Way Junction Temporary Traffic Signals Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for installing and operating multi‑way junction temporary traffic signals on low‑speed roads, with hazards, controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management
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Museum Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free museum security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for museums and galleries.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Nail Gun Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree nail gun risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and PPE for construction use. Download PDF, customize, stay compliant.Category: Construction
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Nail Technicians Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free nail technicians fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for salons.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
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Naked Flames, Candles and Tealights Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree fire risk assessment template for candles, tealights and naked flames. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK fire safety law.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Narrow Lanes and Lane Restrictions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free narrow lanes and lane restrictions risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic...Category: Traffic Management
RISK ASSESSMENT
New and Expectant Mothers Exposure to Substances and Environmental Conditions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree risk assessment template for pregnant workers covering substances, temperature, noise, vibration and more. Fully editable and compliant.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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New and Expectant Mothers in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for new and expectant mothers in manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER & COSHH compliance.Category: Manufacturing
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New and Expectant Mothers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for pregnant and breastfeeding workers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for UK workplaces.Category: General
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New and Expectant Mothers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for pregnant workers and new mothers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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New Year Crowd Safety Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free crowd safety risk assessment for New Year celebrations. Includes hazards, controls and UK legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Night and Low-Light Patrol Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free night and low-light 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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Night Shift Fatigue Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free night shift fatigue risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for security staff. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Night Shift Warehouse Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree night shift warehouse risk assessment template. Covers fatigue, supervision gaps, lighting, manual handling, forklift safety, and additional night‑shift hazards. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Night Shift Warehouse Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free night shift warehouse risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
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Night Working on Roadworks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free night working on roadworks risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for highway crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Night Working Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free night working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
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Night-Time Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free night‑time traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road operators.Category: Traffic Management
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Night-time Yard Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree night-time yard operations risk assessment template. Includes hazards for low‑visibility vehicle traffic, forklift safety, fatigue, lighting and security. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Noise and Silica Dust Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free roadworks risk assessment template for noise and silica dust hazards, with control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
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Noise at Work Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free noise at work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
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Noise Exposure from Machinery Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free noise exposure risk assessment for landscaping machinery. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK regulations.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
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Noise Exposure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free noise exposure risk assessment template for food manufacturing plants. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
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Noise Exposure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free noise exposure risk assessment template for door staff and event security. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK noise regulations.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Nursing Mothers Returning to Work Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for nursing mothers returning to work. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Occupational Dermatitis Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free occupational dermatitis risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: General
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Occupied Building Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree occupied building risk assessment template for renovations with occupants. Includes hazards, controls, fully editable and shareable.Category: Construction
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Office Building Security Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free office security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Office Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free office cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
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Office Cleaning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free office cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
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Office Safety Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free office safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
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Offices Fire Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree offices fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Download editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
RISK ASSESSMENT
Oil-Fired Boiler Installation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free oil‑fired boiler installation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for engineers.Category: Plumbing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Older Workers Health Conditions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for older workers covering vision, hearing, chronic health and ergonomic hazards. Editable and UK compliant.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Older Workers Physical Capability Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free older workers risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers and safety teams.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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One-way Systems and Crossing-Point Controls Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree one-way systems and crossing-point controls risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance for construction traffic management.Category: Fleet & Logistics
RISK ASSESSMENT
Operating Car Park Barriers & Access Gates Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify hazards, evaluate risks and define controls for operating car park barriers and access gates to protect staff and public.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Operating Drones for Security Surveillance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free drone risk assessment template for security surveillance. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for site monitoring.Category: Security and Public Safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
Operating Safes and Time-Delay Cash Protection Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment for operating safes and time‑delay cash protection. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Operating Walk‑Through and Hand‑Held Metal Detectors Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control hazards when operating walk‑through and hand‑held metal detectors in security settings.Category: Security and Public Safety
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Opioid Medication Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free opioid medication risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
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Orbital Sander Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree orbital sander risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and compliance guidance for woodworking and DIY projects.Category: Construction

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.