Infrastructure Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

An Infrastructure Risk Assessment is a comprehensive legal document that systematically evaluates potential hazards and risks associated with infrastructure projects in England and Wales. You need this assessment to comply with mandatory health and safety legislation and demonstrate due diligence in protecting workers, the public, and the environment throughout your project lifecycle.

When do you need this document?

You must prepare an Infrastructure Risk Assessment before commencing any significant infrastructure development, including road construction, bridge building, utilities installation, or major renovations. This document is essential when applying for planning permission, particularly for projects requiring Environmental Impact Assessments under the Infrastructure Planning Regulations 2017. You'll also need it when engaging contractors, as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 require principal contractors to demonstrate comprehensive risk management. Additionally, ongoing infrastructure operations and maintenance activities require updated risk assessments to ensure continued safety compliance.

Key legal considerations

Your Infrastructure Risk Assessment must include detailed hazard identification covering structural, environmental, and operational risks. The methodology section should outline your risk scoring criteria, assessment frequency, and review procedures to ensure consistency with industry standards. Control measures must be hierarchical, prioritizing elimination and reduction over personal protective equipment. You need to establish clear responsibilities for risk management among all project parties, including infrastructure owners, contractors, and consultants. The assessment should address both immediate construction risks and long-term operational hazards, with particular attention to public safety interfaces. Regular monitoring and review procedures must be documented to maintain assessment validity throughout the project lifecycle.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, you have absolute duty to assess and control risks to employees and the public arising from your infrastructure activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically require written risk assessments for workplaces and work activities, with regular reviews and updates. For construction projects, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 mandate comprehensive risk assessment during design, construction, and maintenance phases. Your assessment must comply with Building Regulations 2010 standards for structural safety and fire protection. Environmental considerations must align with Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, particularly for major infrastructure projects affecting local communities or sensitive environments. The assessment serves as crucial evidence of regulatory compliance during Health and Safety Executive inspections and planning authority reviews.