MAKE YOUR FREE Workplace Risk Assessment
What we'll cover
What is a Workplace Risk Assessment?
Workplace Risk Assessments structure and record a health and safety risk assessment, which should be carried out in various situations. Using a Workplace Risk Assessment facilitates a business’ compliance with its legal obligation to ensure staff members’ health and safety. For more information, read Risk assessments at work.
When should I use a Workplace Risk Assessment?
Use this Workplace Risk Assessment:
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either when:
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starting a new business with a physical workplace
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opening a new workplace for your business
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staff are returning to the workplace following a closure for renovations, or
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staff are returning to the workplace following a period of collective absence due to illness
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to set out the measures that have been put in place to control risks to protect employees and others and to identify which further measures can be taken
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for workplaces that are offices or other low-risk environments (eg shops)
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for business premises located in England, Scotland, or Wales
Sample Workplace Risk Assessment
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WORKPLACE RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk of Hazard Statement - What hazards might people be exposed to? |
Dangers caused by the physical presence of staff in a place of work.
Risks posed by the presence of people in the workplace include risks to everyone including:
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Prevention of hazards in the workplace - What has been done to minimise the risk posed by the hazard in the workplace? | |
Building infrastructural safety
Whether you are the sole commercial occupier of a premises or are occupying an office or workplace within a shared building, you should ensure the safety of any shared areas (e.g. corridors and lifts). |
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Workplace infrastructural safety | |
Workplace electrical safety | |
Workplace cleanliness | |
Safety of staff - What has been done to help to ensure the safety of staff? | |
Awareness | |
Slips, trips, and falls | |
Manual handling | |
Working at height | |
Hazardous chemicals | |
Workplace security | |
Hygiene | |
Violence and aggression | |
Health of staff - What has been done to help to ensure the health of staff? | |
Awareness | |
Physical health | |
Mental health
It is important to promote mental health and well-being awareness to staff and to offer support to members of staff who require assistance. | |
Stress | |
First aid | |
Display screen equipment (DSE) | |
Possible spread of illness on-site It is important to have systems in place to deal with people becoming unwell or being symptomatic of an illness while on-site. | |
Pregnant staff | |
Risks when working remotely - What has been done to ensure staff are safe and healthy when working remotely? | |
Remote working | |
Lone working | |
Business management - What has been done to ensure the security and stability of the business? | |
Information | |
Cyber security
Cyber security threats often accompany a crisis (e.g. computer viruses, phishing, and scam emails). With businesses and staff being increasingly reliant on the internet and digital communications, especially with staff working remotely using different digital devices, businesses should protect the security and functionality of their digital systems. | |
Regulation and compliance | |
Further prevention of the hazard in the workplace - What more could you reasonably do to eliminate or reduce risks posed in the workplace?
Tick as appropriate. | Action & assignee | Date completed | |
Building infrastructural safety | Carry out a fire assessment, annually and at any other required times. Restrict the maximum occupancy for lifts. Review disabled access policies to ensure safe entrances and exits for staff members with disabilities and prioritise disabled use where necessary (e.g. disabled toilet use, use of lifts). Install clearly visible CCTV. | ||
Workplace infrastructural safety | Ensure all alarm systems are in operation (e.g. fire alarms). Carry out a fire assessment, annually and at any other required times. Ensure that the workplace is well-ventilated (e.g. via air conditioning systems). Review disabled access policies and arrangements and prioritise disabled use where necessary (e.g. disabled toilet use, disabled lifts if the workplace is on multiple floors). Install clearly visible CCTV. | ||
Workplace electrical safety | Ensure functioning air conditioning or appropriate alternative cooling in main areas of IT use. Establish annual portable appliance (PAT) testing for all electrical equipment. Ensure all appliances are switched off at the mains at the end of the working day, where possible. Provide an accessible and clearly identified switch beside fixed machinery to cut off power in the case of an emergency. Hire a qualified electrician to do a safety check of the building's electrics every 5 years. Confirm the system for making repairs to any damage to building electrics with the landlord (e.g. broken light switches). Train staff in spotting and reporting defective plugs, discoloured sockets, or damaged cables. Ensure defective equipment is taken out and replaced quickly. | ||
Workplace cleanliness | Deep clean the workplace. Ensure premises are cleaned at appropriate intervals (e.g. every evening). Provide antibacterial wipes for workstations, workplace equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces (e.g. door handles). | ||
Further prevention of risks posed to the safety of staff - What more could you reasonably do to eliminate or reduce risks posed to the safety of your staff? Tick as appropriate. | Action & assignee | Date completed | |
Awareness | Provide a health and safety induction for all new starters and for those returning to work after an absence. Train staff in the safe use of equipment. Ensure all staff, new starters, and visitors are aware of emergency evacuation procedures. Ensure all new staff and visitors are familiar with the workplace layout. Implement a communications and equipment policy. | ||
Slips, trips, and falls | Ensure all areas are well-lit. Ensure there are no trailing leads or cables. Use cable guards to cover cables where necessary. Ensure rugs or mats are securely fixed and do not present a tripping hazard. Instruct staff to keep walkways clear. Place door mats at entrances in wet weather. Ensure floors are cleaned frequently (e.g. every day). Always use floor warning signs when necessary. | ||
Manual handling | Provide trolleys, backpacks, and any other necessary equipment for manual handling. Provide appropriate protective clothing for manual handling (e.g. safety boots) where necessary. Provide manual handling training where necessary. Utilise outside contractors for heavier tasks (e.g. removing workplace furniture). Design storage to ensure heavy items are not located either on the floor or at height. Remind staff to not lift or handle items that appear too heavy or to carry out any manual handling which they aren’t trained for or which they cannot safely carry out. | ||
Working at height | Advise staff not to stand on chairs or desks to reach high shelves, change lightbulbs, put up signs, or for any other purpose. Provide kickstools and stepladders to enable staff to safely work at height. | ||
Hazardous chemicals | Designate a separate lockable cupboard for cleaning products and other potentially damaging chemicals. Ensure staff have separate and appropriate cleaning equipment to be used in the case of random spillages. Provide gloves for staff using products in the kitchen. Provide gloves for staff when changing toner cartridges. Store main supplies of toners separately and securely. | ||
Workplace security | Establish staff security checks for all areas, including toilets, before locking up at night. Ensure building and office entrance codes are not published or easily discoverable. Instruct staff to be responsible for and to take care of their entry key fobs and not to share these with others. | ||
Hygiene | Provide hand sanitisers throughout the workplace. Provide adequate hand washing facilities with soap and water. Provide paper towels for staff and visitors to dry their hands. | ||
Violence and aggression | Implement an Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy. Establish a clear procedure to deal with grievances. Establish a clear procedure to deal with disciplinary issues. Inform staff that the workplace has a zero-tolerance approach to violence and threatening behaviour. Provide training on appropriate workplace behaviour to highlight the employer’s commitment to eliminating bullying and harassment. Instruct staff to report any incidents of abuse to their Line Manager or an HR representative. | ||
Further prevention of risks to the health of staff - What more could you reasonably do to eliminate or reduce risks posed to the health of your staff? Tick all that apply. | Action & assignee | Date completed | |
Awareness | Establish a Health and Safety Policy. Provide a health and safety induction for all new startersand those returning to work after an absence. Inform staff that they can speak confidentially to HR or their manager at any time. | ||
Physical health | Encourage staff to be up to date with appropriate vaccinations. Establish a Staff Vaccination Policy. Establish a Sickness Policy. Provide ergonomic aids to help with staff posture when using DSE (e.g. computers) where required. Provide occupational health and safety support. Provide adequate lighting for working practices. Establish systems to inform staff, contractors, and visitors about asbestos, where necessary. Instruct staff not to disturb any asbestos and to report damage to partition walls, where necessary. Ensure staff emergency contacts and other personal details are up to date. | ||
Mental health | Offer sessions on mindfulness, mental health, and stress management. Implement an open-door policy to encourage staff to speak to their line manager or an HR representative about any concerns. Implement training and procedures for line managers and/or HR representatives on how to support staff with mental health concerns or disclosures. Establish a buddy system for new or younger staff members. Encourage staff to take regular breaks. Implement an Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy. | ||
Stress | Ensure staff understand their job role, duties, and responsibilities. Ensure staff understand what work-related stress is and how it can be caused. Encourage staff to speak to their line managers or an HR representative if they have any concerns. Support staff during periods of absence due to work-related stress. Ensure staff feedback is acted on so that any pressures are discussed. Instruct managers to watch for signs of staff stress. Provide training for managers on how to support staff who are suffering from work-related stress. Provide details of counselling services that are available to staff. Monitor stress in back-to-work interviews for staff returning to work after periods of absence. Monitor stress in staff appraisals. | ||
First aid | Provide the necessary equipment and facilities for first aid to be carried out. Provide training on how to administer first aid. Identify designated members of staff trained in first aid. Inform staff of the location of first aid kits and personnel trained in first aid. | ||
Display screen equipment (DSE) | Ensure staff have the correct furniture, equipment, and computer programmes for working with DSE. Provide DSE safety training. Conduct workstation assessments for those who regularly use DSE as part of their work. Carry out reassessments where there are any changes that might impact a user (e.g. changes to lighting or furniture). Set equipment to ensure staff maintain good posture and avoid reflections and glare from screens. Ensure there is sufficient lighting. Provide adjustable blinds. Plan work to include regular breaks. Offer free eye tests and, where necessary, glasses, for staff who use DSE. Remind staff to carry out regular DSE assessments to identify any issues. Encourage staff members to report any pain they experience or concerns they have related to DSE use. | ||
Possible spread of illness on-site | Encourage staff to not come to work when they are ill. Advise staff to stay at home if they are showing any common symptoms of illness (e.g. a cough or fever). Send home staff who become unwell in the workplace. Identify staff who are vulnerable and extremely vulnerable to illness to ensure that they are given adequate protection and support. Where appropriate, advise vulnerable staff to work remotely. Collect information and feedback from vulnerable staff members. Allow a flexible approach to work arrangements for staff who are vulnerable or who have vulnerable family members. | ||
Pregnant staff | Ensure that pregnant staff are not required to take part in any heavy lifting. Ensure that pregnant staff are not required to stand or sit for long periods without proper breaks. Complete a separate health and safety risk assessment for new and expectant mothers. | ||
Further prevention of risks when staff are working remotely - What more could you reasonably do to eliminate or reduce risks posed to staff working remotely?
Tick all that apply. | Action & assignee | Date completed | |
Remote working | Review any existing remote working policies to ensure that sufficient support is provided to remote workers. Remind managers to monitor the wellbeing of homeworkers. Put in place measures to support the mental and physical health and personal security of homeworkers. Ensure IT support is put in place to enable homeworkers to continue carrying out their responsibilities. Encourage homeworkers to reach out and stay connected to the rest of the workforce. Ensure all homeworkers have access to a first aid kit and have basic first aid training. Ensure all homeworkers have access to a phone to call emergency services, if required. Encourage staff to stay in regular contact with their line managers. Implement a Working From Home Policy to inform staff about working remotely. Complete a separate risk assessment for staff working remotely. | ||
Lone working | Identify lone workers who work by themselves without close or direct supervision and are more vulnerable to health and safety hazards and risks. Provide staff with the additional training necessary to enable them to work safely as lone workers. Complete a separate risk assessment for lone workers. Implement a Lone Working Policy to inform staff about the employer’s health and safety requirements when staff are working as lone workers. | ||
Further prevention of risks to business management - What more could you reasonably do to eliminate or reduce risks posed to the security and stability of the business? Tick all that apply. | Action & assignee | Date completed | |
Information | Base business strategies on any relevant accurate guidance and information provided by reputable sources (e.g. the government or the UK Health Security Agency). Publish any new or existing workplace policies for staff and, if necessary, draw attention to them (e.g. using printed signs). Ensure that leadership teams and managers are aware of and up to date with official guidance. | ||
Cybersecurity | Review and update cybersecurity policies. Review and update cybersecurity and surveillance infrastructure and ensure that all reasonable protection is in place. Implement training on cybersecurity. Ensure that remote workers are using remote working systems that are covered by cyber risk protections. Ensure that data protection and IT security standards are maintained by remote workers. Circulate warnings to staff and managers regarding any credible cyber threats (e.g. scam emails). Monitor cyber risks and update the company approach where necessary (e.g. cybersecurity equipment or policies). This monitoring and updating will continue on a consistent basis. Implement backup and disaster recovery procedures to protect against data loss or system disruption. Encrypt data storage and transmission processes to keep them secure from unauthorised access. Implement a Communications and Equipment Policy. | ||
Regulation and compliance | Train managers and staff on relevant employment laws, including working hour limits and workplace safety standards. Implement measures to detect and prevent corruption and bribery. | ||
About Workplace Risk Assessments
Learn more about making your Workplace Risk Assessment
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How to make a Workplace Risk Assessment
Making your Workplace Risk Assessment online is simple. Just answer a few questions and Rocket Lawyer will build your document for you. When you have all the information about your workplace and its risk management prepared in advance, creating your document is a quick and easy process.
You’ll need the following information:
The business
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What are the business’ (ie the employer’s) name, address, company number, and legal structure?
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Who is the business’ assessor (ie the person or people carrying out the Risk Assessment on the business’ behalf)?
The Risk Assessment
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On which date is the assessment being carried out?
Purpose of the Risk Assessment
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Why are you carrying out the Risk Assessment: for a new business, for a new workplace for an existing business, or to address a return to a workplace following renovations or a period of widespread illness?
Risk management
Which of the risk management measures have already been implemented in your workplace to minimise risks?
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Building infrastructural safety measures.
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Workplace infrastructural safety measures.
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Workplace electrical safety measures
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Lists are set out for you to select from for each category of risk management measure.
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Workplace cleanliness measures.
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Measures to mitigate risks caused by renovation, if relevant.
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Measures to promote awareness of staff safety.
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Measures to mitigate the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
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Measures to mitigate risks caused by manual handling.
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Measures to mitigate risks caused by working at height.
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Measures to mitigate risks caused by hazardous chemicals.
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Workplace security measures.
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Workplace hygiene measures.
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Measures to mitigate the risk of violence and aggression towards staff.
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Measures to promote awareness of staff health.
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Measures to mitigate risks posed to staff members’ physical health.
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Measures to mitigate risks posed to staff members’ mental health.
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Measures to mitigate risks of staff stress.
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Workplace first aid measures.
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Measures to mitigate risks caused by working with Display Screen Equipment (DSE).
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Measures to mitigate the risk of a possible spread of illness on site.
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Measures to mitigate risks caused by staff returning to work after illness, if relevant.
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Measures minimising risks for pregnant employees.
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Measures minimising risks for remote workers.
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Measures minimising risks for lone workers.
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Measures minimising risks posed to business continuity, if relevant
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Measures minimising risks posed by poor provision of information.
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Cybersecurity risk mitigation measures.
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Regulation and compliance risk mitigation measures.
Lists are set out for you to select from for each category of risk management measure.
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Common terms in a Workplace Risk Assessment
Workplace Risk Assessments set out the risks present in a workplace and how they have been and will be mitigated. To do this, this Workplace Risk Assessment template includes the following terms and sections:
General information
This section sets out key information relevant to the Risk Assessment. Specifically, the business’ name and address, the assessment date, and the assessors' names. This is also where the assessors should sign the Risk Assessment once it’s complete.
Risk of hazard statement
This box identifies the hazard for which the Risk Assessment is being carried out, ie the danger caused by the physical presence of staff in the workplace. It identifies to whom this hazard poses risks, for example, staff members, vulnerable groups, and visitors to the premises.
Prevention of hazards in the workplace
This table sets out risk management measures related to the workplace itself that you’ve indicated have already been carried out to minimise the risks posed by the hazard. These measures sit within the following categories:
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building infrastructural safety (eg fire risk assessments)
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workplace infrastructural safety (eg functioning alarm systems)
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workplace electrical safety (eg portable appliance (PAT) testing)
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workplace cleanliness (eg deep cleaning)
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returning to work after renovations (eg ensuring any new wiring has been signed off), if relevant
Safety of employees
This table sets out risk management measures that your business has already implemented, in the same way as the table above. This table deals with measures that directly deal with people’s safety. It includes measures within the following categories:
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awareness (eg training staff in the use of equipment)
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slips, trips, and falls (eg using cable guards to cover cables)
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manual handling (eg providing trolleys and backpacks for manual handling)
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working at height (eg providing kick stools and ladders)
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hazardous chemicals (eg storing main supplies of toners separately)
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workplace security (eg ensuring entrance codes are not easily discoverable)
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hygiene (eg providing hand sanitisers throughout the workplace)
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violence and aggression (eg establishing a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and threatening behaviour)
Health of employees
This table sets out risk management measures that your business has already implemented, in the same way as the table above. This table deals with measures that directly deal with people’s health. It includes measures within the following categories:
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awareness (eg establishing a Health and safety policy)
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physical health (eg encouraging staff to be up to date with vaccinations)
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mental health (eg providing sessions educating staff members on mindfulness and mental health)
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stress (eg encouraging staff to speak to their line managers)
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first aid (eg providing the necessary equipment and facilities for first aid to be carried out)
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display screen equipment (DSE) (eg providing DSE-related safety training)
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possible spread of illness on-site (eg encouraging staff to not come to work when they are ill)
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return to work after illness (eg encouraging staff to return home if they feel unwell again)
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pregnant employees (eg ensuring that pregnant employees are not required to take part in any heavy lifting)
Working remotely
This table works the same as those above but sets out risk management measures relevant to those working remotely or alone. Its measures sit within the following categories:
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remote working (eg reviewing Working from home policies)
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Lone working (eg identifying lone workers)
Business management
This table works the same as those above but sets out risk management measures relevant to upholding the business’ security and stability. Its measures sit within the following categories:
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business continuity (eg implementing any Business continuity plans)
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information (eg basing business strategies on any relevant accurate guidance and information)
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cybersecurity (eg implementing training on cybersecurity)
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regulation and compliance (eg training managers on relevant employment laws)
Further prevention of the hazard in the workplace
This table contains the same categories as the tables above that deal with the management of risks in the workplace. The measures included in this table, however, are those that you have not indicated are already in place in your business. They are set out in the table alongside checkboxes and columns titled ‘Action & assignee’ and ‘Date completed’. Once you’ve made your Risk Assessment online, you should print it and use this table to identify further risk management tasks appropriate to your business and to specify who should implement these and how, and the date on which this is done.
Further prevention of the hazard to the safety of employees
This table functions the same as the tables above, but it relates to further risk management measures that are directly relevant to individuals’ safety.
Further prevention of the hazard to the health of employees
This table functions the same as the tables above, but it relates to further risk management measures that are directly relevant to individuals’ health.
Further prevention of the hazard regarding working remotely
This table functions the same as the tables above, but it relates to further risk management measures that are directly relevant to remote workers and lone workers.
Further prevention of the hazard to business
This table functions like those above. It relates to risk management measures intended to uphold business continuity and security.
If you want your Workplace Risk Assessment to include further or more detailed provisions, you can edit your document. However, if you do this, you may want a lawyer to review the document for you (or to make the changes for you) to make sure that your modified Risk Assessment complies with all relevant laws and meets your specific needs. Use Rocket Lawyer’s Ask a lawyer service for assistance.
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Legal tips for employers
Comply with health and safety law
An employer’s health and safety duties extend beyond conducting Risk Assessments. Firstly, employers must meet their general duty to uphold the health and safety of staff members by, for example, providing a safe place of work, safe equipment, and safe fellow workers. Employers must also have a written Health and safety policy in place if they employ 5 or more people.
It is also a requirement for employers to offer free eye tests for DSE users if they ask for them. They must also provide glasses if an employee requires them for their DSE use.
For more information on how to comply with employers’ health and safety obligations, read Health and safety, Employer health and safety responsibilities for staff working from home, and Employer health and safety when working with display screen equipment (DSE).
Establish HR policies and procedure
The Risk Assessment suggests employers use several HR policies and procedures to help manage risks and run their business effectively. For example, the following policies and procedures can be used to mitigate workplace risks:
Understand when to seek advice from a lawyer
In some circumstances, it’s good practice to Ask a lawyer for advice to ensure that you’re complying with the law and that you are well protected from risks. You should consider asking for advice if:
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your business’ workplace is not an office or other low-risk environment (eg if you run a construction business)
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you are unsure how to conduct a Workplace Risk Assessment
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you are unsure about your obligations regarding health and safety in the workplace
Workplace Risk Assessment FAQs
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What should a Workplace Risk Assessment include?
This Workplace Risk Assessment template covers:
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what risks are present in a workplace
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who is at risk
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what steps have already been taken to minimise the risks
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what additional steps will be taken to minimise the risks
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who will implement these changes and when they will do so by
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Why do I need a Workplace Risk Assessment?
Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their staff members. Employers need to assess any risks created or encountered in the course of their business. Conducting a Risk Assessment is a key way of achieving this. If your business employs 5 or more people, the main points of your Risk Assessments must be recorded.
If you have just started a business and this is your first workplace, you will need to complete a Risk Assessment. The same applies if you are moving to a new workplace or if your staff members are returning to work after a business interruption (eg due to renovations or widespread illness). This helps your business to comply with its health and safety duties and to reduce the risk of harm to staff members and others.
For more information, read Risk assessments at work.
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What happens if I don’t complete a Workplace Risk Assessment?
Completing risk assessments is a legal requirement for employers and self-employed individuals. Every employer and self-employed person is required to make assessments of the health and safety risks arising out of their work.
If an employer employs 5 or more people, the main points of these assessments must be recorded. If an employer fails to comply with health and safety requirements, there can be serious consequences - both for organisations and individuals. Sanctions include fines, disqualification, and imprisonment.
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How is a Workplace Risk Assessment carried out?
To conduct a Workplace Risk Assessment, you must:
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think about how different workplace risks might cause harm to people
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decide whether you are taking adequate steps to prevent harm, and
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consider which additional steps you could take to further prevent harm
This process is known as risk assessment and is normally implemented based on each individual's (eg employee’s) circumstances. Risk Assessments should be made visible to all relevant staff members.
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How is this Workplace Risk Assessment to be completed?
Once you have followed the step-by-step interview online, you will be provided with a list of additional steps (ie further risk management measures) that you may take to better ensure the safety of your workforce. Read through the additional steps and tick any that are appropriate for your business that you wish to implement. You can then assign a person to implement the ticked steps and set out the actions they should take to do so in the ‘Action & assignee’ column.
Once a suggested step has been fully implemented, you should record a completion date in the ‘Date completed’ column. For more information on this stage of the Risk Assessment process, read the Make it legal checklist.
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