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 AssessmentFREEPDFFieldwork and Off‑Site Research Trips Risk AssessmentDownload a fieldwork risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for higher‑education trips. PDF for lecturers and staff.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFilling and Bottling Line Risk AssessmentDownload a free filling and bottling line risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFilm Premiere and Red-Carpet Event Risk AssessmentDownload a free film premiere risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFinger Painting and Craft Risk AssessmentDownload a finger painting and craft risk assessment template for early years settings. Includes hazards, controls and EYFS compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire and Hot Works Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a fire and hot works risk assessment template for vehicle workshops. Includes hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Door Inspection and Management Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire door inspection and management risk assessment template – includes hazards, controls, and compliance with the Fire Safety Order.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Evacuation and Lockdown with Children Risk AssessmentDownload a fire evacuation and lockdown risk assessment template for schools, covering children safety, hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Extinguisher Risk AssessmentDownload a fire extinguisher risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Points and Firefighting Provision Risk AssessmentDownload a fire points and firefighting provision risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Routes Blocked by Parked Vehicles Stock Risk AssessmentFree risk assessment template for fire routes blocked by parked vehicles or stock. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance info. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Safety and Evacuation Duties Risk AssessmentFree fire safety and evacuation duties risk assessment template for door supervisors, with hazards, controls and UK fire safety compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Safety and Evacuation for Retail and Service Industries Risk AssessmentDownload a fire safety and evacuation risk assessment template for retail premises. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Safety and Evacuation Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a fire safety risk assessment template for gyms, pools and sports facilities. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with the Fire Safety Order.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Safety on Farms Risk AssessmentDownload a fire safety on farms risk assessment template with farm‑specific hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for farmers and agricultural...Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Safety Signage and Notices Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire safety signage and notices risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Safety Training and Drills Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire safety training and drills risk assessment template. Editable PDF.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Warden and Evacuation Marshalling Duties Risk AssessmentFree fire warden and evacuation marshalling duties risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safety teams.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works, Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Warden and Marshal Duties Fire Risk AssessmentFree fire warden and marshal duties risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for safety officers and fire marshals.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFirearms Pest and Vermin Control Risk AssessmentDownload a firearms pest and vermin control risk assessment template for farms. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFirework and Bonfire Risk AssessmentDownload a firework and bonfire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance for event crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFireworks & Seasonal Hazardous Goods Retail Risk AssessmentDownload a fireworks and seasonal hazardous goods retail risk assessment template with hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFirst Aid and Emergency Response Risk AssessmentDownload a farm‑specific first aid and emergency response risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for agriculture.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFirst Aid and Medical Emergencies Risk AssessmentDownload a retail first aid risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for stores and supermarkets.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFirst Aid and Medical Room Provision Risk AssessmentDownload a first aid and medical room risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFirst Aid Provision Risk AssessmentDownload a free first aid provision risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFish Farming Risk AssessmentDownload a fish farming risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for aquaculture sites.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFish Filleting and Shellfish Preparation Risk AssessmentDownload a free fish filleting and shellfish risk assessment template with hazards, controls and guidance. Editable PDF for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFishmonger and Wet-Fish Counter Retail Risk AssessmentDownload a fishmonger risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for retail counters. Editable PDF for shops and markets.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFitness for Work and Drug/Alcohol Screening Risk AssessmentDownload a free fitness for work and drug/alcohol screening risk assessment template for traffic management crews. Editable PDF with controls.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFitness for Work Assessment Risk AssessmentFree fitness for work assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for modified duties after injury. Editable PDF.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFitness Suite and Weight Training Risk AssessmentDownload a free fitness suite and weight training risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and PUWER compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFitness to Drive Medical Checks and Medication Effects Risk AssessmentFree fitness to drive risk assessment template. Covers medical checks, medication effects, vision, seizures, fatigue. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFitting Room and Changing Area Risk AssessmentDownload a retail fitting room risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for stores.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFixed Electrical Installation Work Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for fixed electrical installation work. Includes hazards, controls and UK legislation references.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlail and Verge Mowing Risk AssessmentDownload a free flail and verge mowing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for landscaping crews.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlambé Cooking and Open Flame Risk AssessmentDownload a free flambé cooking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for restaurant kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlame Effects and Fire Performance Risk AssessmentDownload a flame effects risk assessment template for concerts and festivals. Includes hazards, controls and DSEAR compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlammable Adhesives and Sealants Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment for flammable adhesives and sealants. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlammable Liquids Storage and Handling Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free flammable liquids storage and handling fire risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for industrial sites.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlat Roofing Risk AssessmentDownload a free flat roofing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and legal compliance. Ideal for construction teams.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlat-Rack Container Loading Risk AssessmentDownload a free flat‑rack container loading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics teams.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlat-rack/Open-top Container Loading with Oversized Cargo Risk AssessmentFree flat‑rack container loading risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls for oversized cargo, ISO compliance, and PDF download.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlatbed Loading with Plant/Material Bundles Risk AssessmentFree flatbed loading with plant/material bundles risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and download PDF. HSE‑compliant for construction sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlexible Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free flexible working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers and HR teams.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlood Response and Sandbagging Risk AssessmentDownload a free flood response and sandbagging risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFloodlight and High-Level Lighting Maintenance Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a floodlight maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for gyms and sports facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFloor Cleaning and Slip Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload a free floor cleaning slip prevention risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for kitchens.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFloor Deep Cleaning Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a floor deep cleaning risk assessment for gyms and sports halls. Includes slip hazards, chemical controls, and COSHH compliance.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFloor Grinder / Polisher Risk AssessmentFree floor grinder polisher risk assessment template covering concrete, stone, terrazzo. Includes hazards, controls, and downloadable PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlooring and Carpet Fitters Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free Flooring and Carpet Fitters fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Construction, Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlooring Installation Risk AssessmentFree flooring installation risk assessment template covering timber, laminate, vinyl, carpet, tiles & screed. Includes hazards, controls, and downloadable PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlorist and Plant Retail Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a florist and plant retail risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for shops and market stalls.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFlour and Sugar Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free flour and sugar handling risk assessment template with dust explosion hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFLT Battery Charging/Changing Areas Risk AssessmentFree FLT battery charging risk assessment template. Includes acid spill, hydrogen gas, electrical shock controls. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFluid Bed Drying Risk AssessmentFree fluid bed drying risk assessment template for pharma manufacturing. Includes hazards, PUWER, COSHH and COMAH controls. Download editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFly‑Tipping and Illegal Waste Risk AssessmentDownload a free fly‑tipping risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references. Fully editable for security and waste teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFly‑Tipping, Trespass and Hare Coursing Risk AssessmentDownload a farm‑specific risk assessment for fly‑tipping, trespass and hare coursing. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Allergies and Anaphylaxis Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive food allergies and anaphylaxis risk assessment for early years settings. Includes hazards, controls, and EYFS compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Canning Risk AssessmentDownload a free food canning and retort processing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Contact Surface Sanitisation Risk AssessmentDownload a free sanitisation risk assessment template for food contact surfaces. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK food safety legislation.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Delivery Rider Collection and Handover Risk AssessmentDownload a food delivery rider collection and handover risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Equipment Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for cleaning food processing equipment. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Manufacturing and Processing Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free fire risk assessment template for food manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Mixers and Blenders Risk AssessmentDownload a free food mixers and blenders risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Packaging Risk AssessmentDownload a free food packaging risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Production Line Risk AssessmentDownload a free food production line risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Serving Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free food serving equipment risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for bain‑maries and heat lamps.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Technology and Catering Classroom Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for school kitchens covering burns, cuts, allergens, slips and electrical safety. Fully editable PDF.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Truck Hatch Risk AssessmentDownload a food truck hatch risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for street‑food operators.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Truck Risk AssessmentDownload a food truck risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for mobile catering operators.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Truck Set‑Up, Levelling and Towing Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use food truck set‑up risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for street‑food operators.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood Warehouse Picking Risk AssessmentDownload a free food warehouse picking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for distribution c...Category: Fleet & Logistics, Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFood-Grade Chemicals Risk AssessmentDownload a free food-grade chemicals risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food premises.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFootball and Sports Event Stewarding Risk AssessmentDownload a free football and sports event stewarding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for venues and securi...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFootway and Pavement Construction and Repair Risk AssessmentFree footway and pavement construction risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForage Harvester Risk AssessmentDownload a free forage harvester risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForecourt AdBlue and DEF Dispenser Risk AssessmentDownload a forecourt AdBlue and DEF dispenser risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for station staff.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForecourt Air, Water, Tyre‑Pressure & Vacuum Bay Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for fuel‑station forecourt air, water, tyre‑pressure and vacuum bays. Includes PUWER‑compliant controls for staff and customers.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForecourt Fuel Spillage and Vapour Controls Risk AssessmentDownload a forecourt fuel spillage risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe fuel handling.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForecourt Jet Wash Risk AssessmentDownload a forecourt jet wash risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for fuel stations and workshops.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForecourt Shop and Kiosk Risk AssessmentDownload a forecourt shop and kiosk risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for retail staff.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForeign and Overseas School Trips Risk AssessmentDownload a free foreign and overseas school trips risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for educators.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForest School Risk AssessmentDownload a forest school risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for teachers and teaching assistants.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift and Mobile Plant Risk AssessmentDownload a free forklift risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF for plant oper...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift and Telehandler Risk AssessmentDownload a forklift and telehandler risk assessment template for festivals and concerts. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Container Interface at Dock Plates and Ramps Risk AssessmentFree forklift risk assessment template for dock plates and ramps. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Dock Plate Risk AssessmentDownload a free forklift dock plate risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Loading/Unloading on Trailer Floors Risk AssessmentFree forklift loading and unloading risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for trailer floors, load shift, overturn, collisions. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Operation in Narrow Aisles Risk AssessmentFree forklift operation in narrow aisles risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for VNA forklifts. Download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Operations Risk AssessmentFree forklift operations risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for tip‑over, pedestrian strikes, load falls, charging safety and more. Download PDF.Category: Construction, Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Plant Operator Training Delivery Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a forklift and plant operator training delivery risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for motor trade.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Truck Operators Fire Risk AssessmentDownload a free forklift truck operators fire risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for warehouses.Category: Fire Risk & Hot Works
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForklift Trucks Risk AssessmentDownload a free forklift trucks risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturing and distribution.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFForm Fill Seal Packaging Machinery Risk AssessmentDownload a free Form Fill Seal packaging machinery risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFormwork Risk AssessmentFree formwork risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards and controls for concrete formwork, safe manual handling, collapse prevention and more. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFoundry and Casting Risk AssessmentDownload a free foundry and casting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFoundry Molten Metal Casting Risk AssessmentDownload a free foundry molten metal casting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFragile Roof Risk AssessmentDownload a free fragile roof risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance for UK construction – edit and share instantly.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFragile Roof Work on Farm Buildings Risk AssessmentDownload a farm‑specific fragile roof work risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Suitable for farmers and agricultural contra...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.