Occupational Health And Safety Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

An Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation process that identifies workplace hazards, assesses the likelihood and severity of potential harm, and establishes control measures to protect workers. Under England and Wales law, this document is not optional—it's a legal requirement that forms the foundation of your workplace safety management system.

When do you need this document?

You must conduct risk assessments whenever you introduce new equipment, processes, or substances into your workplace. This includes when you hire new employees, change existing procedures, or receive accident reports that highlight potential hazards. The law requires regular reviews, typically annually or whenever significant changes occur. If you employ five or more people, you must record your significant findings in writing. Even smaller businesses benefit from documented assessments as they demonstrate due diligence and help maintain consistent safety standards across your operations.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must identify who might be harmed and how, evaluate existing control measures, and determine if additional precautions are necessary. The assessment should cover all reasonably foreseeable risks, including those affecting employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who might be affected by your work activities. You must consider vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant employees, and those with disabilities who may face additional risks. The document should include clear action plans with timelines for implementing additional controls, assign responsibilities for risk management, and establish review dates to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a general duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees so far as is reasonably practicable. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically mandate that employers must make suitable and sufficient assessments of risks to employee health and safety. These regulations require you to identify necessary preventive and protective measures, provide health and safety information and training to employees, and appoint competent persons to assist with health and safety responsibilities. Additional regulations such as the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 provide specific requirements that must be addressed in your risk assessments. Failure to conduct adequate risk assessments can result in enforcement action, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution.