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 AssessmentFREEPDFAccident Reporting and Investigation Risk AssessmentDownload a free accident reporting and investigation risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and RIDDOR compliance.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAir Conditioning Unit Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free air‑conditioning unit cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFAsbestos Awareness Risk AssessmentDownload a free asbestos awareness risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFBlood Borne Pathogens and Sharps Injuries Risk AssessmentDownload a free, editable risk assessment for blood‑borne pathogens and sharps injuries, with hazards, controls and legal compliance for healthcare settings.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFChainsaw Use and Forestry Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free chainsaw and forestry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. Editable PDF for arboriculture.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Mopping of Tiled Floors Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning and mopping tiled floors risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning and Sanitising of Toilets and Washrooms Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning and sanitising of toilets risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning at Height Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning at height risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Chemicals Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning chemicals risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning High-Level Areas Risk AssessmentFree cleaning high‑level areas risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for ceilings, light fittings and vents.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning of Blood and Bodily Fluid Spillages Risk AssessmentDownload a free blood and bodily fluid spillages risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for HSE and COSHH.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning of Stairwells and Communal Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a free stairwell cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities teams.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Using Chemical Agents Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning chemical risk assessment template with COSHH hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for workplaces.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning Using Electrical Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning electrical equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCleaning 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCold Weather Risk AssessmentDownload a free cold weather risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for winter sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCompressed Air Risk AssessmentDownload a free compressed air risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workshops and construction.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFConfined Space Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe work.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFCOSHH Risk AssessmentDownload a free COSHH risk assessment template with pre‑filled chemical hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDeep Cleaning and Sanitisation Risk AssessmentDownload a free deep cleaning and sanitisation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning ser...Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDemolition Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free demolition work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for construction sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDishwashing 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDisplay Screen Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free DSE risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrain 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDriving for Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free driving for work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for company vehicles.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDrug and Alcohol Misuse Risk AssessmentDownload a free drug and alcohol misuse risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDusting and Wiping Risk AssessmentDownload a free dusting and wiping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning staff.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFElectrical Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free electrical safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislation references. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEmergency Evacuation Procedures Risk AssessmentDownload a free emergency evacuation procedures risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFEnd of Tenancy Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free end of tenancy cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landlords and cleaning firms.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavation and Trenching Risk AssessmentDownload a free excavation and trenching risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExcavation and Trenching Risk AssessmentDownload a free excavation and trenching risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExtension Leads and Trailing Cables Risk AssessmentFree extension leads risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFExternal Window Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free external window cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFatigue and Shift Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free fatigue and shift work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for employers and safety...Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFire Extinguisher Risk AssessmentDownload a fire extinguisher risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
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 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 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 AssessmentFREEPDFGrease Trap Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free grease trap cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHand Arm Vibration Risk AssessmentDownload a free hand arm vibration risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHardwood Floor Cleaning and Mopping Risk AssessmentDownload a free hardwood floor cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning teams.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHome Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free home working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for remote workers.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHot Desking and Shared Workspaces Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot desking risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFHousekeeping and Workplace Tidiness Risk AssessmentDownload a free housekeeping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIce and Snow Risk AssessmentFree ice and snow risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and UK compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFInternal Windows and Glass Panels Risk AssessmentDownload a free internal windows cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFKitchen Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free kitchen cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for catering sites.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFKitchen 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLadders and Stepladders Risk AssessmentDownload a free ladders and stepladders risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLead Exposure Risk AssessmentFree lead exposure risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLegionella Risk AssessmentDownload a free legionella risk assessment template with pre-filled hazards, control measures, and compliance notes. Editable PDF for water system safety.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free lifting operations risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for construction...Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLitter Picking Risk AssessmentDownload a free litter picking and external area cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLoading and Unloading Vehicles Risk AssessmentDownload a free loading and unloading vehicles risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFLone Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free lone working risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for any workplace.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFManual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free manual handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFMedical & Care Home Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free cleaning risk assessment template for medical and care home environments. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNew and Expectant Mothers Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for pregnant and breastfeeding workers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for UK workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNight Working Risk AssessmentDownload a free night working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFNoise at Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free noise at work risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOccupational Dermatitis Risk AssessmentDownload a free occupational dermatitis risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOffice Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free office cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOffice Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free office safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOutdoor Work Risk AssessmentDownload a free lightning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for outdoor work safety.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOven and Extraction Hood Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free oven and extraction hood cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFOverhead Power Lines Risk AssessmentDownload a free overhead power lines risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for site use.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPedestrian and Vehicle Segregation Risk AssessmentFree pedestrian and vehicle segregation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPersonal Protective Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free PPE risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislation notes. Editable PDF for workplace safety.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPortable Appliance Testing Risk AssessmentDownload a free portable appliance testing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for offices and sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPost Construction Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free post‑construction cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Includes dust, chemicals and asbestos. PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Systems Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for engineers and safety manag...Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Washer Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure washer risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFPressure Washing Risk AssessmentDownload a free pressure washing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaning contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFProvision and Use of Work Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a free PUWER risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for workplace safety.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRespiratory Sensitiser Risk AssessmentDownload a free respiratory sensitiser risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFScaffolding and Mobile Towers Risk AssessmentDownload a free scaffolding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSchool and Nursery Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free school cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for facilities managers.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFScrubbing and Polishing Concrete Floors Risk AssessmentDownload a free concrete floor scrubbing and polishing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures, and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShared Kitchen and Welfare Facilities Risk AssessmentDownload a free shared kitchen risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for workplace welfare areas.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSharps 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
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShower Rooms and Wet Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for cleaning shower rooms and wet areas. Includes slip, chemical and legionella controls, fully editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSilica Dust Exposure Risk AssessmentDownload a free silica dust exposure risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips Trips and Falls Risk AssessmentDownload a free slips trips and falls risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSmoking and Vaping Risk AssessmentDownload a free smoking and vaping risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSteam Cleaning of Carpets and Upholstery Risk AssessmentDownload a free steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for cleaners.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFToilet and Sanitary Facilities Risk AssessmentDownload a free toilet and sanitary facilities risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTraining and Competence Risk AssessmentDownload a free training and competence risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for workp...Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFUpper Limb Disorders Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for upper limb disorders. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFUse of Abrasive Wheels Risk AssessmentDownload a free abrasive wheels risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workshops.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFUV Exposure and Sunburn Risk AssessmentDownload a free UV exposure and sunburn risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for outdoor workers.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVacuuming of Carpeted Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a free vacuuming carpeted areas risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for cleaners.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFVisitors and Contractors on Site Risk AssessmentDownload a free visitors and contractors on site risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Collection Risk AssessmentDownload a free waste collection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWaste Management and Bin Area Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free waste management risk assessment template for food premises. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWelding and Hot Works Risk AssessmentDownload a free welding risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for metalwork sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWheelie Bin Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a free wheelie bin cleaning risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWhole Body Vibration Risk AssessmentDownload a free whole body vibration risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for operators and sites.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWork Near Underground Services Risk AssessmentDownload a free work near underground services risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFWorking Alone in Remote Locations Risk AssessmentDownload a free working alone remote locations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for safe lone work.Category: General

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 113 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 113 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.