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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Type	Document Title	Action
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Allergen Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free allergen management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food service.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Ambient Dry Goods Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free ambient dry goods storage risk assessment template with pest prevention controls. Fully editable PDF for food premises.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Ammonia Refrigeration Systems Risk AssessmentFree ammonia refrigeration risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Baking and Pastry Production Risk AssessmentDownload a free baking and pastry production risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food industry.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Bar Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free bar work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for hospitality venues.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free biscuit and cracker manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food indu...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Blast Chiller Risk AssessmentDownload a free blast chiller risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Bone Saw Risk AssessmentDownload a free bone saw risk assessment template for butchery with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for meat processors.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Bottling Line Risk AssessmentDownload a free bottling line risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Bread Dough Proving Risk AssessmentDownload a free bread dough proving risk assessment template with pre‑filled bakery hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Burns and Scalds Risk AssessmentDownload a free burns and scalds risk assessment template for commercial kitchens. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Butchery and Meat Cutting Risk AssessmentDownload a free butchery and meat cutting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for retail and catering.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Cake Decorating Risk AssessmentDownload a free cake decorating risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for bakeries.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Carvery and Buffet Service Risk AssessmentDownload a free carvery and buffet service risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering staff.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Chemical Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free chemical storage risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with COSHH and Food Safety regulations.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Chilled Food Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free chilled food storage risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering and retail.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Chocolate Tempering Risk AssessmentDownload a free chocolate tempering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Clean-in-Place Risk AssessmentDownload a free clean-in-place risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food processing. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Cleaning Walk-In Fridge Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning walk-in fridge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food premises.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Combi Oven Risk AssessmentDownload a free combi oven risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food production. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Commercial Food Processor Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for commercial food processors in catering. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Commercial Food Slicer Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial food slicer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering and deli use.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Commercial Induction Hob Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial induction hob risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for professional kitch...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Commercial Microwaves Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial microwaves risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food service.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Commercial Ovens and Ranges Risk AssessmentDownload a free commercial ovens and ranges risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for catering kitchens.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Compressed Gases Risk AssessmentDownload a free compressed gases risk assessment template for food production. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Confined Space Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template for silos and tanks in food manufacturing. Editable PDF with hazards and controls.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Conveyor Belt Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free conveyor belt risk assessment template for food processing plants. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Dairy Processing and Cheese Making Risk AssessmentDownload a free dairy processing and cheese making risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufact...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Deep Fat Frying Risk AssessmentDownload a free deep fat frying risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Defrosting Commercial Cold Storage Units Risk AssessmentDownload a free defrosting commercial freezers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for the food industry.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Dishwashing and Pot Wash Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free dishwashing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry, General	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Dough Sheeter and Roller Risk AssessmentDownload a free dough sheeter and roller risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for bakeries.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Drain and Grease Trap Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free drain and grease trap cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for commercial k...Category: Food Industry, General	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Dry Ice Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free dry ice handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food transport and storage.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Edible Oil Refining and Processing Risk AssessmentDownload a free edible oil refining risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Extrusion Processing Risk AssessmentDownload a free extrusion processing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Fermentation 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Fish 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Flambé 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Floor 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Flour 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food Canning Risk AssessmentDownload a free food canning and retort processing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food Equipment Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for cleaning food processing equipment. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food-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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Forklift 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Frozen Food Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free frozen food handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for warehouses.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Fruit and Vegetable Peeling Risk AssessmentDownload a free fruit and vegetable peeling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food processors.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Fruit Juice Extraction Risk AssessmentDownload a free fruit juice extraction risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Gas Bottle Storage and Changeover Risk AssessmentDownload a free gas bottle storage and changeover risk assessment template with hazards, controls and UK regulatory references for food premises.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Grain and Flour Milling Risk AssessmentDownload a free grain and flour milling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Griddle and Plancha Cooking Risk AssessmentDownload a free griddle and plancha cooking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Homogenisers and Emulsifiers Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for homogenisers and emulsifiers in dairy processing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Hot Beverage Preparation Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot beverage preparation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for catering. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Hot Oil and Fat Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot oil risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Risk AssessmentDownload a free ice cream risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Ice Machine Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free ice machine cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food service.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Industrial Autoclave Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial autoclave risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food processors.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Industrial Grills and Charbroilers Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for industrial grills and charbroilers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK food safety, HSE regulatio...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Industrial Mixing and Blending Equipment Risk AssessmentFree industrial mixing and blending equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Industrial Oven Risk AssessmentDownload a free industrial oven risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers. Editable PDF ready to...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Kitchen Deep Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free kitchen deep cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Kitchen Duct Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free kitchen duct cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for food industry s...Category: Food Industry, General	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Liquid Nitrogen Food Preparation Risk AssessmentDownload a free liquid nitrogen food preparation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for chefs and food manufa...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Loading and Unloading Refrigerated Vehicles Risk AssessmentFree template for loading and unloading refrigerated vehicles in food distribution. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Lone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working risk assessment template for food premises and kitchens. Includes hazards, control measures, and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Low-Temperature Drying and Dehydration of Food Products Risk AssessmentDownload a free freeze drying risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Manual Handling of Food Deliveries Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling food deliveries risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering and retail.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Manual Knife Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual knife work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Marinating and Brining Meat Risk AssessmentDownload a free marinating and brining meat risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food producers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Meat Mincers and Grinders Risk AssessmentDownload a free meat mincer and grinder risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for butchers and catering.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Meat Processing Risk AssessmentDownload a free meat processing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food industry.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Metal Detectors & X‑Ray Inspection In Food Production Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for metal detection and X‑ray inspection in food manufacturing lines, covering safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Noise Exposure Risk AssessmentDownload a free noise exposure risk assessment template for food manufacturing plants. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Outdoor Catering Risk AssessmentDownload a free outdoor catering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for events.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Pallet Truck Risk AssessmentDownload a free pallet truck risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for food warehouses. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Pasteurisation and UHT Processing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pasteurisation and UHT processing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for dairy manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Pest Control Risk Assessment for Food Premises & Kitchens Risk AssessmentComprehensive pest control risk assessment for restaurants, catering facilities and commercial kitchens. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance refe...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Pet Food Manufacturing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pet food manufacturing risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for food producers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Pizza Oven Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free pizza oven risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for wood‑fired and gas ovens. Editable PDF.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Portioning and Weighing Food Risk AssessmentDownload a free portioning and weighing food risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering and manufacturing.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Poultry Processing and Evisceration Risk AssessmentDownload a free poultry processing and evisceration risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food manufacturers.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Pressure Washer Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure washer risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Raw Meat and Poultry Preparation Risk AssessmentDownload a free raw meat and poultry risk assessment template with cross‑contamination controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Reach Trucks Cold Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a free reach trucks risk assessment for cold storage facilities. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics, Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Ready Meal Assembly Risk AssessmentDownload a free ready meal assembly risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Fully editable for food manufactur...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Salad and Cold Food Assembly Risk AssessmentDownload a free salad and cold food assembly risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering and r...Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Salamander Grill Risk AssessmentDownload a free salamander grill risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for commercial kitchens.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Sharps Disposal and Broken Glass Cleanup Risk AssessmentDownload a free sharps disposal and broken glass cleanup risk assessment template for commercial kitchens. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Slips Trips and Falls in Commercial Kitchens Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for kitchen slips, trips and falls. Includes hazards, controls and UK compliance notes for catering staff.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Smoking and Curing Food Products Risk AssessmentDownload a free smoking and curing food risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food processors.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Sous Vide Cooking Risk AssessmentDownload a free sous vide cooking risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for food production.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Spray Drying Risk AssessmentDownload a free spray drying risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for food manufacturers. Editable PDF for plant safety.Category: Food Industry	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Stacking and Racking Risk AssessmentDownload a free stacking and racking risk assessment template for food warehouses. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Food Industry	Create

How to choose the right risk assessment template

Browse by industry or category
Use the search box or category filter to find a template that matches your workplace, activity, or industry.
Open the template
Click "Create" to open the template in our free interactive 4-step Risk Assessment generator with the HSE 5x5 risk matrix.
Customise hazards and controls
Edit risks, control measures, persons at risk, and severity ratings to match your specific workplace operation.
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 116 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 116 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:

Construction — Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) require risk assessments as part of the construction phase plan
Manual Handling — Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require assessment of manual handling tasks
Hazardous Substances — COSHH Regulations 2002 require assessment of exposure to hazardous substances
Display Screen Equipment — DSE Regulations 1992 require workstation assessments for habitual users
Working at Height — Work at Height Regulations 2005 require risk assessment before any work at height
Fire Safety — Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a fire risk assessment for all non-domestic premises
Noise — Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require assessment of noise exposure levels

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.