Free risk assessment template
Build a risk assessment in HSE's own format in minutes. Choose your type of workplace, tick the hazards that apply, edit the suggested controls to match what you really do, and add the actions you still need to take.
Print it, save it as a PDF or download an editable Word copy. Your work is saved on your device as you go, so you can come back to it.
Free, no sign-up. What you type stays on your device.
The five steps, in plain English
- Identify hazards. Walk around and think about what could cause harm: work practices, equipment, chemicals and the premises. Check your accident book and ask your staff.
- Assess the risks. Decide who might be harmed and how, how likely it is and how serious it could be.
- Control the risks. Remove the hazard if you can. If not, control it, for example by changing the work, the equipment or how it is organised, with protective equipment as a last line of defence.
- Record your findings. Write down the significant findings. You must do this if you employ 5 or more people.
- Review the controls. Check they work and update the assessment when anything changes or after an accident or near miss.
Do not forget first aid
Every risk assessment should lead to first aid arrangements that fit the risks you find. Use our first aid needs calculator to work out how many first aiders you need, and the first aid kit checklist to stock the right kit.
The column headings follow HSE's risk assessment template. Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
Do I have to write my risk assessment down?
If you employ 5 or more people, you must record the significant findings of your risk assessment: the hazards, who might be harmed and how, and what you are doing to control the risks. Employers with fewer than 5 employees still have to assess risks but do not have to write it down, although it is useful to.
What are the five steps of a risk assessment?
HSE's steps are: identify the hazards; assess the risks, including who might be harmed and how; control the risks; record your findings; and review the controls, updating the assessment when anything changes.
Is this the same as HSE's risk assessment template?
It uses the same headings as HSE's template: company name, who carried out the assessment, the dates, and for each hazard who might be harmed and how, what you are already doing, what further action is needed, who does it, by when, and whether it is done. On top of that it suggests common hazards and controls for your type of workplace, offers an optional risk rating, and saves your work on your device.
Can I just use the suggested hazards and controls?
No. They are a starting point. HSE warns that copying an example and putting your company name on it does not satisfy the law and will not protect your employees. Walk around your workplace, talk to your staff, delete anything that does not apply and add anything that is missing.
How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?
Review it whenever something significant changes, such as new equipment, work activities or workers, and after an accident or near miss. Many employers also set a regular review date, often yearly, so it never goes stale.
Where is my risk assessment saved?
Only in your own browser on this device. Nothing is sent to Amber Training. Print it, save a PDF or download the Word copy to keep it safe or share it, and use Start again to clear it from this device.
Sources
This tool gives general guidance based on the sources above. It is not legal advice, and your own assessment of your workplace decides what you need.
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