Risk Assessment Template for UK Businesses

Q: What is the 5-step HSE risk assessment process?

The HSE's 5-step risk assessment process is: 1) Identify the hazards, 2) Decide who might be harmed and how, 3) Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions, 4) Record your findings, 5) Review your assessment and update if necessary.

Q: Do I need a written risk assessment if I have fewer than 5 employees?

The legal requirement to record your risk assessment in writing applies to businesses with 5 or more employees. However, all employers must carry out a risk assessment. Having a written record is strongly recommended regardless of size and is required during any HSE inspection.

Every UK employer must carry out a risk assessment under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Get one tailored to your specific business type, premises, and workforce — ready in minutes.

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What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic examination of your workplace and work activities to identify potential hazards, assess the risks they pose, and determine what action is needed to eliminate or reduce those risks. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all employers must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.

If you have five or more employees, you must record your findings in writing. The HSE can inspect your premises and request to see your risk assessment at any time.

The HSE's 5-step risk assessment process

Step 1: Identify the hazards
Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how
Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
Step 4: Record your findings and implement them
Step 5: Review your assessment and update if necessary

Our risk assessment is generated specifically for your business type — a restaurant kitchen has very different hazards to a hair salon or a building site.

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Common questions about risk assessments

Is a risk assessment a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require all employers to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. If you have five or more employees, you must record your findings in writing. The HSE can inspect your premises and request your risk assessment at any time.

What is the HSE's 5-step risk assessment process?

The five steps are: 1) Identify the hazards, 2) Decide who might be harmed and how, 3) Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions, 4) Record your findings and implement them, 5) Review your assessment and update when necessary.

Do I need a written risk assessment if I have fewer than 5 employees?

The legal requirement to record findings in writing only applies to businesses with 5 or more employees. However, all employers must carry out a risk assessment. Having a written record is strongly recommended regardless of size and is required during any HSE inspection.

How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?

You should review your risk assessment whenever there is a significant change to your business, after any workplace accident or near miss, and at regular intervals (typically annually). It should always reflect current working conditions.

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