How often should risk assessments be reviewed?

Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change, such as new equipment, processes, staff or following an incident. The HSE recommends reviewing at least annually.

Who can carry out a risk assessment?

A competent person with sufficient knowledge, training and experience should carry out the assessment. This can be an internal employee or an external health and safety consultant.

Do I need a risk assessment for home workers?

Yes. Employers have the same duty of care towards home workers as office-based employees. A risk assessment should cover the home working environment, including display screen equipment, ergonomics and lone working.

What happens if I do not carry out a risk assessment?

Failure to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is a criminal offence in the United Kingdom. The UK HSE or local authority can issue enforcement notices and prosecute British employers. Fines can be significant under English law, particularly for larger organisations.

Can I use this template for any type of workplace?

Yes. This template follows the HSE’s general risk assessment framework and can be adapted for offices, workshops, construction sites, retail premises and other work environments.

Do I need separate risk assessments for different activities?

It depends on the nature and complexity of the risks. In the UK, separate assessments may be needed for distinct activities, such as manual handling, working at height or using hazardous substances. The key under British health and safety law is that the assessment must be suitable and sufficient.

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Free Risk Assessment Form Template

A risk assessment form documents workplace hazards, evaluates the level of risk and records the control measures in place. Use our free UK template to comply with health and safety legislation and protect your employees, visitors and business.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

Management Of Health And Safety At Work Regulations 1999, Reg 3 · HSWA 1974 Ss.2–3 · England And Wales

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

ORGANISATION	Westgate Manufacturing Ltd
LOCATION / DEPARTMENT	Warehouse — Loading Bay and Storage, Building 2
ACTIVITY / TASK	Warehouse operations: forklift truck movements, manual handling of heavy components, racking
REFERENCE NO.	RA-WH-2026-014
ASSESSOR	Karen Willis
COMPETENCE	NEBOSH General Certificate; 12 years site HandS experience; IOSH member
ASSESSMENT DATE	2026-03-13
SCHEDULED REVIEW	2026-09-13
ADDRESS	Unit 7, Westgate Industrial Estate Birmingham B15 2TT
RESPONSIBLE PERSON	David Thompson, Operations Manager

HSE "Five Steps to Risk Assessment" (INDG163): (1) identify the hazards; (2) decide who might be harmed and how; (3) evaluate the risks and decide on precautions; (4) record your significant findings and implement them; (5) review your assessment and update if necessary. This assessment is carried out pursuant to regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 ("suitable and sufficient" standard) and the general duties in sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

HAZARD 1

HAZARD DESCRIPTION	Forklift truck operations in a mixed-use warehouse — risk of collision with pedestrians, falling or shifting loads, overturning on the loading-bay ramp, and carbon monoxide exposure from LPG-powered trucks in the enclosed mezzanine area.
HAZARD CATEGORY	Workplace transport / vehicles
WHO MIGHT BE HARMED	Employees, visitors, delivery drivers
EXISTING CONTROLS	Designated walkways with yellow-painted floor markings; only licensed (RTITB / ITSSAR) operators; daily pre-use vehicle checklist; mandatory hi-vis PPE; 5 mph speed limit enforced by telematics; CO monitors in mezzanine.
RESIDUAL RISK RATING	HIGH (unacceptable — immediate action)
ADDITIONAL CONTROLS REQUIRED	Install blue-light proximity warning projectors on all FLTs; erect impact-rated bollards and pedestrian gates at the loading-bay crossing; introduce a permit-to-work system for FLT use during shift changes; upgrade mezzanine ventilation.
ACTION OWNER	David Thompson (Operations)
TARGET DATE	2026-06-30

HAZARD 2

HAZARD DESCRIPTION	Manual handling of heavy components (15–30 kg) from storage racks to the assembly line — risk of musculoskeletal injury to the back, shoulders and upper limbs.
HAZARD CATEGORY	Manual handling (MHOR 1992)
WHO MIGHT BE HARMED	Employees (warehouse operatives and assembly-line staff)
EXISTING CONTROLS	Manual handling training on induction and annual refresher; mechanical aids available (pallet trucks, scissor lifts, vacuum hoists); team lifting mandatory above 20 kg; MAC-tool assessment completed.
RESIDUAL RISK RATING	MEDIUM (tolerable — reduce ALARP)
ADDITIONAL CONTROLS REQUIRED	Install adjustable-height staging stations; introduce conveyor link for the highest-frequency components; implement job rotation every 2 hours; pre-shift warm-up programme.
ACTION OWNER	Sarah Chen (HandS Coordinator)
TARGET DATE	2026-07-31

HAZARD 3

HAZARD DESCRIPTION	Storage racking instability — risk of racking collapse causing crush injuries and stock damage.
HAZARD CATEGORY	Machinery / work equipment (PUWER 1998)
WHO MIGHT BE HARMED	Employees, visitors
EXISTING CONTROLS	Annual SEMA rack-safety inspection by PRRS-qualified inspector; racking protectors on end frames; column damage reported immediately; load-notice plates on every run.
RESIDUAL RISK RATING	MEDIUM (tolerable — reduce ALARP)
ADDITIONAL CONTROLS REQUIRED	Quarterly visual inspections documented in CMMS; replacement of 3 damaged upright frames in Bay C identified in last inspection.
ACTION OWNER	Mike Patel (Facilities)
TARGET DATE	2026-05-15

HAZARD 4

HAZARD DESCRIPTION	Use of COSHH-classified degreaser (trichloroethylene-free) during component preparation — risk of skin dermatitis and respiratory irritation.
HAZARD CATEGORY	Hazardous substances (COSHH 2002)
WHO MIGHT BE HARMED	Employees in prep area
EXISTING CONTROLS	COSHH assessments on file for all chemicals; LEV system with annual TExT; nitrile gloves and splash goggles; eye-wash stations; SDS readily available.
RESIDUAL RISK RATING	LOW (acceptable — monitor)
ADDITIONAL CONTROLS REQUIRED	Switch to a lower-VOC alternative (BOC ultrasonic bath system) under trial; annual health surveillance.
ACTION OWNER	Karen Willis (HandS)
TARGET DATE	2026-09-30

HAZARD 5

HAZARD DESCRIPTION	Slips and trips from warehouse floor contamination (oil spills, damaged pallets) — risk of injury including fractures.
HAZARD CATEGORY	Slips, trips and falls (WHSWR 1992)
WHO MIGHT BE HARMED	Employees, visitors
EXISTING CONTROLS	Spill-kit stations every 20 m; housekeeping checklist at start/end of each shift; damaged-pallet quarantine area.
RESIDUAL RISK RATING	LOW (acceptable — monitor)
ADDITIONAL CONTROLS REQUIRED	Anti-slip floor coating in highest-risk zones; near-miss reporting drive at next toolbox talk.
ACTION OWNER	Shift Supervisors
TARGET DATE	2026-08-15

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (MHSW REG 8)

PROCEDURE

Fire — evacuate via nearest marked exit to Assembly Point A (east car park); bay roller shutters failsafe open; First-aid via appointed persons (list on notice board). Serious injury — dial 999, then alert gatehouse to direct ambulance. Near-miss log in Safety Cloud.

OVERALL RISK RATING

OVERALL RESIDUAL RISK

HIGH (unacceptable — immediate action)

REVIEW SCHEDULE

REVIEW NOTES	Priority actions for the loading bay (proximity projectors and bollards) must be completed before the scheduled review. Monitor CO readings weekly in the mezzanine.
NEXT REVIEW DATE	2026-09-13

LEGAL BASIS

This risk assessment is prepared pursuant to: the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (ss.2 and 3 — duties to employees and non-employees; s.7 — employees' own duties); the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (reg 3 suitable and sufficient risk assessment, reg 4 principles of prevention, reg 5 arrangements, reg 8 procedures for serious and imminent danger); the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022; the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992; the Work at Height Regulations 2005; the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It is governed by the law of England and Wales.

PRINCIPLES OF PREVENTION APPLIED (MHSW 1999, REG 4)

Control measures have been selected by applying the general principles of prevention in Schedule 1 to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, in the following hierarchy: (a) avoid the risks; (b) evaluate the risks which cannot be avoided; (c) combat the risks at source; (d) adapt the work to the individual; (e) adapt to technical progress; (f) replace the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less dangerous; (g) develop a coherent overall prevention policy; (h) give collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures (PPE as last resort, PPE Regulations 2022); and (i) give appropriate instructions to employees.

RECORD KEEPING, COMMUNICATION AND REVIEW

Under regulation 3(6) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers with five (5) or more employees must record the significant findings of every risk assessment and any group of employees identified as being especially at risk. This record shall be retained and made accessible to all affected workers. The assessment shall be reviewed and, if necessary, revised (reg 3(3)): (a) where there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid; (b) following a significant change in the matters to which it relates; (c) following any accident, incident, near-miss or reportable event under RIDDOR 2013; and in any event at least annually. Findings shall be communicated to employees in accordance with sections 2(2)(c) and 3 HSWA 1974 and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996.

EQUIPMENT SUITABILITY AND FORESEEABILITY

Where work equipment is used for the activity assessed, the Employer shall ensure it is suitable for its intended purpose within the meaning of regulation 4 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. "Suitability" is an objective standard: the Employer must consider any use which is reasonably foreseeable, not just the intended use (Robb v Salamis (M and I) Ltd [2006] UKHL 56). All work equipment shall be inspected, maintained and subject to statutory examination where applicable.

INCIDENT REPORTING (RIDDOR 2013)

Any work-related death, specified injury, 7-day incapacitation injury, occupational disease or dangerous occurrence identified in this assessment (or arising from the activity assessed) shall be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. The responsible person named above is accountable for ensuring RIDDOR reporting within the prescribed time limits.

ASSESSOR

Date: 2026-03-13

I confirm that this risk assessment is suitable and sufficient within the meaning of regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Karen Willis

Date: ____________________

MANAGER / RESPONSIBLE PERSON

David Thompson, Operations Manager

Date: ____________________

What Is a Risk Assessment Form?

A risk assessment form is a structured document used to identify potential hazards in a workplace or activity, evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm, and record the control measures implemented to reduce risk to an acceptable level. It is a fundamental requirement of UK health and safety law.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), employers with five or more employees are legally required to record the significant findings of their risk assessments. However, the duty to carry out risk assessments applies to all employers regardless of size.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a five-step approach to risk assessment in Britain: identify hazards, decide who might be harmed, evaluate the risks and decide on precautions, record findings, and review the assessment regularly. Our template follows this established British framework and complies with English health and safety law.

What's Covered in This Template

This risk assessment form template follows HSE guidance and covers all essential elements.

Assessment Details

Date, assessor name, location and the activity or area being assessed.

Hazard Identification

Structured fields to identify and describe each hazard present in the workplace or activity.

Persons at Risk

Identification of who may be affected, including employees, visitors, contractors and vulnerable groups.

Risk Evaluation

Assessment of the likelihood and severity of harm for each hazard, with a risk rating matrix.

Existing Control Measures

Documentation of current controls already in place to manage each identified risk.

Additional Control Measures

Further actions required to reduce risk to an acceptable level, with assigned responsibilities.

Action Plan

Timelines, responsible persons and priority levels for implementing additional controls.

Residual Risk Rating

The remaining level of risk after all control measures have been applied.

Review Schedule

When the risk assessment will next be reviewed and the triggers for earlier review.

Sign-Off

Signature fields for the assessor, reviewer and responsible manager to confirm the assessment.

How to Create a Risk Assessment

Follow these steps to complete a thorough risk assessment using our template.

1
Identify the Hazards
Walk through the workplace or activity and list all potential hazards that could cause harm to people.
2
Determine Who Is at Risk
For each hazard, identify who might be harmed, including employees, visitors, contractors and any particularly vulnerable groups.
3
Evaluate the Risks
Assess the likelihood and severity of harm for each hazard and assign a risk rating using the template’s matrix.
4
Record Control Measures
Document existing controls and any additional measures needed, assigning responsibilities and deadlines for implementation.
5
Review and Sign Off
Review the completed assessment, download the PDF and obtain sign-off from the responsible manager.

Legal Considerations

Risk assessments are a legal requirement in the UK and must be carried out properly.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Reviewed for England & Wales law

Legal Duty to Assess Risk

The UK Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA) imposes a general duty on British employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees. Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires every employer in England and Wales to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of risks.

Recording Requirements

UK employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of the risk assessment and any group of employees identified as being especially at risk (Regulation 3(6) MHSWR). The British record should be clear, accessible and kept up to date under English law.

Competent Persons

Under Regulation 7 of the MHSWR, UK employers must appoint one or more competent persons to assist in complying with British health and safety duties. A competent person should have sufficient training, experience and knowledge to identify hazards and recommend appropriate control measures under United Kingdom law.

Enforcement and Penalties

The UK HSE and local authorities enforce British health and safety legislation. Failure to carry out adequate risk assessments in England and Wales can result in improvement notices, prohibition notices, fines and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution. Under the UK Sentencing Council guidelines, fines for British health and safety offences can be substantial.

Frequently Asked Questions

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