Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

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Free Risk Assessment Templates — Ready-Made, Customisable & HSE-Compliant

Choose from over 1,700+ ready-made risk assessment templates below, or start a blank risk assessment form and build your own using our built-in hazard library. Each template follows HSE best-practice guidance with pre-filled hazards, risk ratings, and control measures — simply review, customise to your workplace, and download as a professional PDF. Suitable for all industries and activities.

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Type	Document Title	Action
RISK ASSESSMENT	Adverse Weather Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree adverse weather traffic management risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for UK roadworks.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Automated Cone Laying and Collecting Machine Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree automated cone laying and collecting machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Battery Changing and Recharging Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree battery changing and recharging risk assessment template for temporary traffic signals – hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Bus Stop Suspension Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free bus stop suspension and route diversion risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Carriageway Inspection and Proving Before Reopening Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free carriageway inspection risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for traffic management crews.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Central Reserve Working on High Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a central reserve high‑speed roads risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic teams.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Charging and Handling of TM Equipment Batteries Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free traffic‑management battery charging and handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for TM cr...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Cleaning and Maintaining TM Equipment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cleaning and maintaining TM equipment risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Cone Washing and Cleaning (Depot) – Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for traffic management operatives cleaning cones in a depot. Includes hazards, controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Coning and De-coning from a Moving Vehicle Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free coning and de‑coning moving vehicle risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Contraflow Installation and Maintenance – Temporary Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTemporary traffic management risk assessment for contraflow installation and maintenance on motorways, complying with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and NHSS...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Contraflow Removal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free contraflow removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for motorway traffic management.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Convoy Working on All-Purpose Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free convoy working on all‑purpose roads risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal references. Fully editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Crossing Live Carriageway on Foot Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for TM operatives crossing live carriageways on foot, with hazards, controls and legal references (GG 116, Traffic Signs Manual).Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Crossover and Carriageway Switch Installation Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive TM risk assessment for crossover and carriageway switch installation on motorways, meeting UK legislation.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Cyclist Management Through Roadworks Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cyclist management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks sites.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Fatigue and Shift Working Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fatigue and shift working risk assessment template for traffic management operatives, with hazards, controls and compliance with HSG256.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Fitness for Work and Drug/Alcohol Screening Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fitness for work and drug/alcohol screening risk assessment template for traffic management crews. Editable PDF with controls.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Full Carriageway Closure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free full carriageway closure risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for motorway works.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Generator Refuelling and Servicing – Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree generator refuelling risk assessment template for traffic management crews, with controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Give-and-Take (Priority) Working Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree give-and-take priority working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Hard Shoulder and Verge Working on High-Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hard shoulder and verge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for high‑speed road traffic management.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	High-Visibility PPE Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free high visibility PPE risk assessment template for traffic management crews. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Impact Protection Vehicle Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free impact protection vehicle risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Incident, RTC and Breakdown Response Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for incident, RTC and breakdown response in temporary traffic‑management sites. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Installing Cones, Cylinders and Barriers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free traffic management risk assessment template for installing cones, cylinders and barriers. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Installing Signing, Lighting and Guarding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment for installing signing, lighting and guarding on rural and urban roads. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Lamp and LED Replacement Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free lamp and LED replacement risk assessment template for traffic‑management crews. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Lane Closures on All-Purpose Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free lane closures risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Lighting Tower and Generator Setup Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free lighting tower and generator setup risk assessment template for traffic management. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Loading and Unloading TM Vehicles Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free loading and unloading traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Loading Stacking Cones Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free loading and stacking cones risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management depots.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Lone Working Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free lone working traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Lookout and Safety Officer Duties Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree lookout and safety officer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management sites.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	LP13 Light Arrow Board Vehicle Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free LP13 Light Arrow Board vehicle risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operati...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Manual Handling of TM Equipment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free traffic management equipment risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Mobile and Moving Works Convoy on High-Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mobile and moving works convoy risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Mobile Lane Closure Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free mobile lane closure risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for high‑speed road works.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Mobile Survey and Inspection Works on High-Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for mobile lane‑closure surveys on high‑speed roads. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and NHSS 12.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Mobile Works on Low‑Speed Roads Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for short‑duration mobile works on low‑speed roads. Includes hazards, controls, compliance with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and CDM 2015.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Multi‑Way Junction Temporary Traffic Signals Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for installing and operating multi‑way junction temporary traffic signals on low‑speed roads, with hazards, controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Narrow Lanes and Lane Restrictions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free narrow lanes and lane restrictions risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Night-Time Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free night‑time traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for road operators.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Portable Two-Way Temporary Traffic Signals Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portable two-way temporary traffic signals risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Portable Variable Message Sign Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free portable variable message sign risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Pre‑Use Inspection and Checks of Traffic Management Equipment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free pre‑use inspection TM equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Radio and Communication Use in TM Operations Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free radio communication risk assessment template for traffic management. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Removing and Decommissioning Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree traffic management decommissioning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for contractors.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Reversing and Manoeuvring TM Vehicles Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for reversing and manoeuvring traffic‑management vehicles. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Rolling Road Block Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free rolling road block risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for 12C lane closures. Editable PDF for traffic manag...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Sandbag Filling and Handling – Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for traffic‑management operatives handling sandbags, covering manual handling, slips, equipment hazards and control measures.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Setting Out Advance Warning Signs Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free setting out advance warning signs risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Setting Out and Removing Temporary Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free template for setting out and removing temporary traffic management under live traffic. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Setting Safety Zones Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free setting safety zones risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Setting Tapers and Lead‑In Sections Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free template for setting tapers and lead‑in sections on high‑speed roads. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Shuttle and Single-File Working Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a shuttle and single‑file working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic‑management teams.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Site Induction and Toolbox Talks for TM Crews Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for TM site induction and toolbox talks on live high‑speed roads, with controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Slip Road (On‑Slip and Off‑Slip) Closures Risk AssessmentFREEPDFTM risk assessment for slip road closures on motorways with hazards, controls and legal references (Traffic Signs Manual, NHSS 12, HSE GG 116).Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Speed and Positioning Control Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free speed and positioning control traffic management risk assessment template for 12C mobile lane closures. Includes hazards, controls and compli...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Static High Speed Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free static high speed traffic management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Static Lane Closures Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree static lane closures risk assessment template for motorways and high‑speed dual carriageways. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Stop/Go Board Traffic Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free stop/go board risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Supervising Trainee TM Operatives Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for supervising trainee traffic management operatives on highways. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Footway and Pedestrian Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free footway and pedestrian management risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK traffic signs compliance.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary One-Way System Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary one-way system risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for traffic mana...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Pedestrian and School Crossing Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary pedestrian and school crossing management risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Road Closures and Diversions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary road closures risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references. Fully editable for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Road Marking Removal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary road marking removal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Road Marking Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary road marking risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for high‑speed road works.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Safety Barrier Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary safety barrier risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Speed Limit and Average Speed Camera Setup Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary speed limit and camera risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for teams.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Traffic Management Site Inspection, Maintenance and Replacing Displaced Equipment Risk AssessmentFREEPDFRisk assessment for TM operatives inspecting, maintaining and replacing displaced traffic management equipment – hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Temporary Traffic Signal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free temporary traffic signal risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management crews.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	TMA-Protected Mobile and Rolling Works Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free TMA-Protected Mobile and Rolling Works risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Traffic Management Briefing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template to brief TM crew on traffic plans and RAMS – includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Traffic Management Operative Competence Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree traffic management operative competence risk assessment template – verify NHSS 12 cards, match skills to road type, ensure compliance with TSM Chapter 8.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Traffic Management Roundabout Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free traffic management roundabout risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Traffic Management Supervisor Duties Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free traffic management supervisor duties risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Traffic Officer Police Recovery Liaison Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free traffic officer, police and recovery liaison risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Trainee Traffic Management Operative Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree trainee traffic management risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for roadworks crews.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Vehicle Access and Egress Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free vehicle access and egress risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal references. Editable PDF for traffic management.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Vehicle Incursion and Struck-By Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree vehicle incursion and struck‑by risk assessment template for traffic management. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Vehicle-Mounted Signs and Beacons Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free vehicle‑mounted signs and beacons risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for traffic‑management...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	VMS and Sign Battery and Solar Unit Servicing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free VMS and sign battery servicing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic‑mana...Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Water Filled Barrier Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a water filled barrier risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Working Adjacent to Live Traffic Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree working adjacent to live traffic risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management	CREATE
RISK ASSESSMENT	Works Access Points and Lane Gain/Drop Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for works access points and lane gain/drop on high‑speed roads. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance.Category: Traffic Management	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 87 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no signup required for guests, no paywall. Customise to your workplace and download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF in minutes.

Can I download risk assessment templates in PDF or Word format?

Risk assessments download as a professional, HSE-compliant PDF — ready to print and file as-is. Word (.docx) export is not available for risk assessments, but you can fully customise every hazard, control measure, persons-at-risk entry and rating online before you download.

Are the risk assessment templates HSE-compliant?

Yes. Every template aligns with HSE guidance and the HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment process. They cover the requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH 2002, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and other relevant UK regulations.

What industries do the risk assessment templates cover?

Every UK industry — painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, concrete, solar panel installation, asbestos, scaffolding, working at height, manual handling, fall protection, hot works, confined space entry, lifting operations, kitchen fitting, drywall, tiling, plastering, and many more.

What's the difference between a risk assessment form and a risk assessment template?

A risk assessment form is the blank document; a risk assessment template is a pre-filled form ready to customise. Our generator gives you both — a free interactive form you fill in plus over 87 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

Do I need to create an account to use the risk assessment templates?

No — guests can generate and download risk assessments for free without signing up. Register a free account if you want to save documents to your dashboard, edit them later, or share them for digital signatures.

Can I customise the risk assessment templates to my workplace?

Yes — fully. Edit hazards, control measures, persons at risk, likelihood and severity ratings, PPE requirements, and review schedules. Each template is a starting point you tailor to your specific operation.

How many risks can I add to a single risk assessment?

The number of risks (hazards) you can include in one assessment depends on your plan: guests get unlimited risks, Free accounts unlimited risks, Standard unlimited risks, Pro unlimited risks, and Enterprise unlimited risks per assessment. You can add and preview every risk in a template, then tick the ones to include up to your plan limit — upgrade any time for more. See our pricing page for the full plan comparison.

Are these risk assessment templates valid for UK construction work?

Yes. Our construction-specific risk assessment templates align with HSE construction guidance, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Templates cover scaffolding, working at height, concrete pouring, excavation, roofing, electrical installation, and more.

How often should I update my risk assessment?

Whenever there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid — after workplace changes, near-misses, accidents, new equipment, new substances, or new processes. HSE guidance recommends an annual formal review at minimum.

What is the HSE 5-step risk assessment process?

Step 1: Identify the hazards. Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how. Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. Step 4: Record findings and implement them. Step 5: Review the assessment and update if necessary. Our interactive generator walks you through all 5 steps.

Can I use these risk assessment templates for self-employed work?

Yes. Self-employed workers are required to assess risks to themselves and anyone affected by their work. Our templates are suitable for sole traders, contractors, and small businesses.

Do you have RIDDOR-aligned risk assessment templates?

Yes. Several templates cover RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) requirements — including accident reporting and investigation risk assessments. All RA templates support incident logging and review.

Get Started — Create Your Free Risk Assessment in 4 Easy Steps

What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards in the workplace, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining the appropriate control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level. It is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law and forms the foundation of any effective safety management system. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a risk assessment as “simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.” Every employer, self-employed person, and contractor with five or more employees must record their risk assessments in writing.

Why Do You Need a Risk Assessment?

Risk assessments are not just good practice — they are a legal obligation. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), employers have a general duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone affected by their work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) make this more specific by requiring employers to:

Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks to employees and others
Implement preventive and protective measures based on the assessment findings
Appoint competent persons to assist with health and safety arrangements
Provide appropriate training and information to employees about risks and control measures
Review and update assessments whenever there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid

Failure to conduct adequate risk assessments can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution. Under the Sentencing Guidelines for Health and Safety Offences, fines for serious breaches can reach millions of pounds, with custodial sentences possible for the most serious failures.

The HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment Process

The HSE recommends a straightforward 5-step approach to risk assessment that our free risk assessment generator is designed to follow: Step 1: Identify the Hazards Walk around your workplace and look at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm. Consider activities, processes, substances, equipment, and working conditions. Our generator includes a library of over 100 pre-populated risk templates covering common hazards across construction, healthcare, transport, manufacturing, and general workplace environments. Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How For each hazard, identify who could be affected — employees, contractors, visitors, members of the public, or vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant employees, or those with disabilities. Consider how the harm could occur and the potential severity. Step 3: Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Control Measures Assess the likelihood and severity of each risk using a risk matrix. Our generator automatically calculates risk ratings and provides suggested control measures following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Them Document your assessment, communicate the findings to employees, and put control measures in place. Our generator produces a professional, fully formatted risk assessment document that you can save, share electronically, and collect digital signatures from workers to confirm they have read and understood the assessment. Step 5: Review and Update Regularly Risk assessments are living documents. Review them when work practices change, after an incident, when new equipment or substances are introduced, or at least annually. Our platform stores your assessments in your user dashboard so you can easily update and re-issue them.

Who Needs a Risk Assessment?

Every employer in the UK must conduct risk assessments, regardless of industry or business size. Specific regulations also require risk assessments for particular activities and situations, including:

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.