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Risk assessment template

A general workplace risk assessment in the same shape as the HSE template: the hazard, who might be harmed and how, what you already do, what else you need to do, who does it and by when. Add common hazards with one click, edit the suggestions to fit your business and download a PDF.

How to do a risk assessment

The law does not expect you to remove every risk, only to protect people as far as is reasonably practicable. HSE describes the minimum you must do:

Identify the hazards: what could cause injury or illness in your business.
Decide who might be harmed and how: staff, visitors, contractors, members of the public, and anyone more at risk, such as new and young workers or expectant mothers.
Evaluate the risk and act: remove the hazard, or if that is not possible, control the risk.
Record your significant findings if you employ 5 or more people.
Review it when something changes, such as new equipment, a new process or after an accident.

Is a risk assessment a legal requirement?

Yes. Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires every employer, and every self-employed person whose work could affect others, to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks. Employers with 5 or more employees must record the significant findings.

Can I use this template for a small business?

Yes. It follows the same headings as the HSE template and examples: who might be harmed and how, what you are already doing, what further action is needed, who needs to carry it out and when it is needed by.

How often should I review a risk assessment?

There is no fixed interval in the law. Review it when something significant changes, after an accident or near miss, and at regular intervals; many businesses choose once a year.

Do contractors need something different?

Contractors working on a client’s site are usually asked for RAMS: a risk assessment plus a method statement for the job. RAMS Maker builds both for trades.

Sources: HSE “Managing risks and risk assessment at work” and “Steps needed to manage risk”, legislation.gov.uk SI 1999/3242 reg. 3, checked October 2026.