Template
Risk assessment template
A risk assessment is a careful look at what could cause harm to people at work or at your activity, so you can decide whether you are doing enough to prevent it. It is about sensible, proportionate steps, not a mountain of paperwork. This free pack has four versions, all in Word to type into and as PDFs to print on A4 landscape. The simple form follows the five steps set out in HSE guidance. The risk-rated form adds a scoring matrix and key. The worked example shows a finished assessment for a small cafe. The event version suits PTAs, clubs and community events. This template is general guidance. Check HSE guidance for your workplace.
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Simple risk assessment
Risk-rated assessment with matrix
Worked example - small cafe
Event or activity risk assessment
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All 4 versions, in Word and PDF, in one ZIP file (463 KB).
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More free templates from elsewhere
Free resources from other websites - we check these links regularly.
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Risk assessment template (Word)
Opens on HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
(external site, opens in a new tab)
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Example risk assessment: office-based business
Opens on HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
(external site, opens in a new tab)
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Example risk assessment: local shop or newsagent
Opens on HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
(external site, opens in a new tab)
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Example risk assessment: food preparation, cooking and service
Opens on HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
(external site, opens in a new tab)
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Example risk assessment: motor vehicle repair workshop
Opens on HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
(external site, opens in a new tab)
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Example risk assessment: factory maintenance work
Opens on HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
(external site, opens in a new tab)
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Example risk assessment: warehouse
Opens on HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
(external site, opens in a new tab)
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Sample risk assessment for employing a personal assistant (Word)
Opens on Skills for Care
(external site, opens in a new tab)
How to use it
- Pick the version: simple for most workplaces, risk-rated if you want to score and rank risks, the event version for a one-off or regular activity.
- Identify hazards. Walk round and look at what could reasonably cause harm, and ask the people who do the job.
- Assess the risks. Decide who might be harmed and how, and how likely and serious the harm could be.
- Control the risks. Write down what you already do. If it is not enough, add the further action, who will do it and by when, and tick it off when done.
- Record your findings in the form. A short written record is useful even for a small team. Check HSE guidance for your workplace.
- Review the controls. Set a review date, and review sooner if something changes, such as new equipment, new people or an accident or near miss.
About this template
HSE's five steps are: identify hazards, assess the risks, control the risks, record your findings, and review the controls. Each version opens with a one-page guide to the steps. HSE covers Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, see HSENI. A risk assessment must reflect your own workplace, so use the cafe example as a prompt and do not copy it.
Questions
Which version should I use?
Start with the simple version, which uses the columns most people expect. Choose the risk-rated version if you want a score for each hazard before and after your actions. Use the event version for a fair, fundraiser or club session, and look at the worked example to see what a finished assessment can look like.
Is this template enough on its own?
It is general guidance and a place to record what you find. It does not replace thinking about your own workplace, and it is not legal advice. Check HSE guidance for your workplace.
Do I have to use the scoring matrix?
No. Scoring is one common way to decide which risks to deal with first. It is a tool, and the simple version works without it.
Who is the event version for?
School staff and PTA volunteers, club and community organisers, and anyone running an activity. It has a list of things to think about, such as crowds, food, weather and first aid. Check with your venue, school, council or insurer whether they have their own requirements for events.
Can I edit the Word file?
Yes. The tables are real Word tables, so you can add rows and change the wording. The PDF is for printing and filling in by hand.
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