HSE's five steps are: identify hazards, assess the risks, control the risks, record your findings and review the controls. If you employ 5 or more people you must record your significant findings: the hazards, who might be harmed and how, and what you are doing to control the risks. This tool lays that record out using the headings in HSE's own template.
Build your risk assessment
About the assessment
How it works
The tool follows HSE's five steps for managing risk:
- Identify hazards. Walk round and think about how people work, the equipment and substances used, unsafe practices and the state of the premises. Check accident and ill-health records, and remember non-routine work such as cleaning and maintenance.
- Assess the risks. For each hazard decide who might be harmed and how, how likely and how serious that is, and what you are already doing.
- Control the risks. Remove the hazard if you can; if not, control it so harm is unlikely, doing everything reasonably practicable.
- Record your findings. Required if you employ 5 or more people: the hazards, who might be harmed and how, and what you are doing to control the risks.
- Review the controls. Check they work, and review when staff, processes, substances or equipment change, or after an accident or near miss.
Worked example (one row). Hazard: slips and trips. Who and how: staff and visitors could be injured tripping over stock or slipping on spills. Already doing: spills cleaned up straight away, walkways kept clear. Further action: fix the loose mat by the back door. Who: the shop manager. By when: a date this week, then tick it off when done.
Keeping the records that go with it? The Health & Safety Compliance Pack (£33.99) has 5 Excel registers and logs: Fire Safety Logbook, Accident Book & Incident Log, COSHH Register, PAT Testing Register and Fleet MOT & Tax Tracker. Or get just the COSHH Register, DSE Assessment Register or Accident Book & Incident Log. They keep records and reminders; they do not replace a risk assessment by a competent person.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written risk assessment?
If you employ 5 or more people, HSE says you must record your significant findings: the hazards, who might be harmed and how, and what you are doing to control the risks. Every employer must still assess and control risks, whatever its size.
What are HSE's 5 steps to risk assessment?
Identify hazards, assess the risks, control the risks, record your findings, and review the controls.
Can I copy an example risk assessment?
Use examples only as a guide. HSE says not to just copy an example and put your company name to it, as that would not satisfy the law or protect your employees.
Can I do the risk assessment myself?
Yes. HSE says you can do it yourself or appoint a competent person to help you. Involve your employees, who usually have good ideas.
How often should I review a risk assessment?
HSE does not set a fixed interval. Review the controls to check they work, and when they may no longer be effective or things change (staff, processes, substances or equipment), and consider a review after problems, accidents or near misses.
Is my information saved or sent anywhere?
No. Everything stays in your browser. Entries are kept in this browser's local storage so you can come back to them; use Clear everything to remove them.
Does this cover fire, COSHH or DSE assessments?
Not in detail. Those have their own requirements and guidance; use this for a general workplace risk assessment and follow the specific HSE or fire safety guidance for them.
More free tools
Sources
- Steps needed to manage risk – HSE
- Risk assessment template and examples – HSE
- Managing risks and risk assessment at work – HSE
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3 – legislation.gov.uk
Last checked: November 2026. Based on HSE guidance for Great Britain. It is a recording aid: you are responsible for making sure your assessment is suitable and sufficient for your workplace. This tool gives general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures are estimates based on what you enter and the rules in the sources above; rules change, so check the sources or take professional advice before relying on a result. Made by PHK MEDIA LTD.