Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

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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	24-Hour Library Risk AssessmentDownload a 24 hour library risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for campus safety.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	3D Printing, Laser Cutting and CNC Risk AssessmentDownload a 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Adventure Activities Risk AssessmentDownload an adventure activities risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	After-School and Breakfast Club Risk AssessmentDownload a free after‑school and breakfast club risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and EYFS compliance. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Anaphylaxis and Allergy Management Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive anaphylaxis and allergy management risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with First‑Aid Re...Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Art and Craft Lessons Risk AssessmentDownload a free art and craft lessons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Art and Craft Lessons Risk AssessmentDownload a free art and craft lessons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Art, Ceramics and Kiln Firing Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑to‑use art and ceramics risk assessment template covering kiln burns, fumes, dust and chemical hazards. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Art, Design and Media Studios Risk AssessmentDownload a free art studio risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for universities.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Asbestos Management in School Buildings Risk AssessmentDownload an asbestos management risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Athletics Javelin Field Events Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for athletics, javelin and field events with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Baby Room Bottle Preparation and Weaning Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for baby room bottle preparation, formula sterilisation and weaning. Includes hazards, controls and EYFS 2024 compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Beach, River & Open-Water Educational Visits Risk AssessmentRisk assessment template for beach, river and open‑water educational visits. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with HSWA Section 3.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Biology Practicals and Dissection Risk AssessmentDownload a biology practicals and dissection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for secondary schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Biting, Scratching and Peer Injury Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive risk assessment for early years settings covering biting, scratching, peer injury, infection control and safeguarding measures.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Bonfire Night Risk AssessmentDownload a bonfire night risk assessment template for schools with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance. Editable PDF for event organisers.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Caretaking and Site Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a caretaking and site maintenance risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Chemistry Practicals and Bunsen Burner Risk AssessmentDownload a chemistry practicals and Bunsen burner risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Choking Hazards and Small Parts for Under-Threes Risk AssessmentDownload a comprehensive choking hazards risk assessment for under‑three settings. Includes hazards, controls and EYFS compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Classroom Pets and Visiting Animals Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for classroom pets and visiting animals. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Cleaning and COSHH Risk AssessmentDownload a cleaning and COSHH risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for schools. Editable PDF.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Climbing Walls, High Ropes and Adventure Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a climbing wall and high ropes risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Coach and Minibus Transport Risk AssessmentDownload a coach and minibus transport risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for schools and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Collection, Handover and Authorised Pick‑Up Risk AssessmentDownload a collection, handover and authorised pick‑up risk assessment template for early years settings. Includes hazards, controls and KCSIE compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Communal Areas and Common Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for university hall communal areas covering fire, trips, alcohol incidents, noise, food hygiene and more.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Construction and Brickwork Training Areas Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for secondary school construction and brickwork training covering manual handling, dust, tools, work at height and cement hazards.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Continence and Personal Hygiene Support Risk AssessmentDownload a continence and personal hygiene risk assessment template for schools. Includes infection, manual handling and safeguarding controls.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Contractors Working On Site During Term Time Risk AssessmentDownload a contractors risk assessment template for schools, covering segregation, safeguarding, dust, noise, asbestos and permits. Editable PDF for term‑tim...Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Contractors Working On Site During Term Time Risk AssessmentDownload a contractors risk assessment template for schools, covering segregation, safeguarding, dust, noise, asbestos and permits. Editable PDF for term‑tim...Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Cooking and Food Activities Risk AssessmentDownload a cooking and food activities risk assessment template for primary schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with Food Safety Regulations.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Day Educational Visits and School Trips Risk AssessmentDownload a day educational visits risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Deliveries and Reversing Vehicles Risk AssessmentDownload a deliveries and reversing vehicles risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Design and Technology Workshop (Machinery and Hand Tools) Risk AssessmentDownload a design and technology workshop risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Dining Hall and Lunchtime Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a dining hall risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Display Screen Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a display screen equipment risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools and offices.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Drama, Theatre & Stage Lighting Rigging Risk AssessmentDownload a drama and theatre stage lighting and rigging risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Drop-Off, Pick-Up and Car Park Traffic Management Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for school traffic management, covering vehicle‑pedestrian hazards, control measures and legal compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Duke of Edinburgh and Expedition Activities Risk AssessmentDownload a Duke of Edinburgh risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools and youth groups.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Electrical Safety and Portable Appliance Testing Risk AssessmentDownload an electrical safety and PAT risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Engineering and Machine Workshops Risk AssessmentDownload an engineering and machine workshops risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for university workshops.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Examination Halls and Invigilation Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for secondary school exam halls covering overcrowding, evacuation, trips, medical emergencies and fire safety per the Fire Safety Order 2005.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Farm and Zoo Educational Visits Risk AssessmentDownload a farm and zoo educational visits risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for schools and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Fieldwork 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Finger 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Fire 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	First 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Fitness 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Food 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Foreign 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Forest 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	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Freshers’ Week and Large Student Events Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for Freshers' Week and large student events, covering crowd safety, alcohol, and welfare.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Gardening, Growing and School Allotment Activities Risk AssessmentDownload a gardening and school allotment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for teachers and supervisors.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Gas Safety, Boilers and Heating Plant Risk AssessmentDownload a gas safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for schools. Editable PDF.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	General Primary Classroom Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a primary classroom safety risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for teachers.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Grass Cutting Risk AssessmentDownload a grass cutting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for school grounds.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Gymnastics, Trampolining and Apparatus Risk AssessmentDownload a gymnastics risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for schools and clubs.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Hair and Beauty Vocational Salon Risk AssessmentDownload a hair and beauty risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for school vocational salons.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Halls of Residence and Dormitory Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment for student accommodation covering fire, electrical, slip, trip and security hazards. Editable template for university halls.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Handling Biological Agents and GM Materials Risk AssessmentDownload a handling biological agents and GM materials risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for university labs.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Holiday Clubs and Wraparound Care Risk AssessmentDownload a holiday clubs risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and EYFS compliance. Editable PDF for schools and volunteers.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Hot Weather and Sun Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a free hot weather and sun safety risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK health and safety law.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	ICT, Computing and Robotics Rooms Risk AssessmentDownload a free ICT risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for school computing rooms. Editable PDF for staff.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Indoor Physical Education and Apparatus Risk AssessmentDownload an indoor PE risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for primary schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Indoor Soft Play and Climbing Frames Risk AssessmentIndoor soft play risk assessment template with hazards, controls and EYFS compliance for early years settings. Download now.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Infection Prevention Risk AssessmentDownload an infection prevention risk assessment template for schools, colleges and universities. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Intimate and Personal Care Risk AssessmentDownload a free intimate and personal care risk assessment template for SEND pupils. Includes hazards, controls and Equality Act compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Laboratory Chemical Storage Risk AssessmentDownload a laboratory chemical storage risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Laboratory Out-of-Hours Risk AssessmentDownload a laboratory out-of-hours risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for higher education labs.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Lecture Theatres and Large Teaching Spaces Risk AssessmentDownload a lecture theatre risk assessment template with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance. Editable PDF for universities.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Legionella Water System Management Risk AssessmentDownload a legionella water system management risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance with ACOP L8.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Lettings and Community Use of Premises Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for lettings and community use of school premises. Includes hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Lone Working for Caretakers and Site Staff Risk AssessmentDownload a lone working risk assessment template for school caretakers and site staff, compliant with Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Manual Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a manual handling risk assessment template for school staff with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Medication Administration in Schools Risk AssessmentDownload a medication administration risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance with first‑aid regulations.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Mental Health, Self-Harm & Wellbeing Support Risk AssessmentDownload a mental health, self‑harm and wellbeing support risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and KCSIE compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Messy Play Risk AssessmentDownload a messy play risk assessment template with hazards, controls and EYFS compliance for early years settings.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Metalwork, Brazing and Casting Risk AssessmentDownload a metalwork, brazing and casting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Missing, Absconding and Lost Pupils Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment for missing, absconding and lost pupils with pre‑filled hazards, controls and KCSIE compliance. Editable for schools and colleges.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Motor Vehicle and Engineering Workshops Risk AssessmentDownload a motor vehicle and engineering workshops risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for secondary schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Moving and Handling of Pupils with Disabilities Risk AssessmentDownload a moving and handling risk assessment for pupils with disabilities, covering hazards, controls and legal compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Museum, Gallery and Theatre Visits Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for museum, gallery and theatre visits. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with DfE guidance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Music Technology Hearing Protection Risk AssessmentDownload a music technology hearing protection risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Nappy Changing Risk AssessmentDownload a nappy changing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for early years settings.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	New and Expectant Mothers Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for school staff who are pregnant or expecting. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Nursery Kitchen Risk AssessmentDownload a nursery kitchen risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for early years settings.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Nursery Outdoor Play Area and Garden Risk AssessmentDownload a nursery outdoor play area risk assessment with pre‑filled hazards, controls and EYFS compliance. Editable PDF for early years.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Nursery Sleep Room Monitoring Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for nursery sleep room monitoring, covering hazards, control measures and EYFS statutory framework compliance for early years p...Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	One-to-One Working and Lone Working with Children Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for one‑to‑one and lone working with children, including safeguards, controls and KCSIE references.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Outdoor PE and Games Risk AssessmentDownload a ready-to-use outdoor PE and games risk assessment template for primary schools. Includes hazards, control measures and compliance notes.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Outings and Buggy Walks with Under‑Fives Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for outings and buggy walks with under‑fives. Includes hazards, controls and EYFS compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Parents’ Evenings, Open Days and Evening Events Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for school evenings, open days and events. Includes hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Peripatetic and Visiting Staff Risk AssessmentDownload a peripatetic staff risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and safeguarding guidance for schools. Editable PDF for music and spo...Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP) Risk AssessmentDownload a PEEP risk assessment template for schools, with hazards, controls and fire safety compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Physics Practicals & Electrical Experiments Risk AssessmentDownload a physics practical risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for secondary schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Playground and Break-Time Supervision Risk AssessmentDownload a playground supervision risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Playground Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Risk AssessmentDownload a playground equipment inspection and maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance guidance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Positive Handling & Restraint Risk AssessmentDownload a risk assessment template for positive handling, restraint and physical intervention in schools. Includes hazards, controls and KCSIE compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Primary Design & Technology Junk Modelling Risk AssessmentDownload a primary design and technology risk assessment template for schools, with hazards, control measures and PUWER compliance.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	Create
Risk AssessmentFREEPDF	Primary Science Investigations Risk AssessmentDownload a primary science investigations risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for schools.Category: Schools and Learning Environments	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 147 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 147 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.