Pre Task Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A Pre Task Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation document that you must complete before starting any work activity that could pose risks to health, safety, or the environment. Under England and Wales law, this assessment serves as both a legal requirement and a practical safety tool, helping you identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures before work begins.

When do you need this document?

You need a Pre Task Risk Assessment whenever your organization undertakes work that involves potential risks, whether routine or non-routine activities. This includes construction work, maintenance tasks, equipment operations, working at height, manual handling activities, or work involving hazardous substances. The assessment is particularly crucial when working conditions change, new personnel are involved, or when previous risk assessments may no longer be adequate. Many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and utilities, require these assessments as standard practice before any significant work activity commences.

Key legal considerations

Your Pre Task Risk Assessment must demonstrate compliance with the hierarchy of risk control, prioritizing elimination and reduction of risks over personal protective equipment. The document should include comprehensive hazard identification, risk evaluation using appropriate scoring matrices, and specific control measures that follow established safety principles. You must ensure that all identified risks are assessed for both likelihood and severity, with appropriate mitigation strategies documented. The assessment should be signed by competent persons, including the assessor, supervisor, and relevant safety managers, establishing clear accountability and authorization chains. Regular review and updating of the assessment is essential, particularly when work conditions change or new hazards emerge.

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 and others who may be affected by work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically require employers to conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments and implement appropriate preventive and protective measures. Your Pre Task Risk Assessment must comply with industry-specific regulations such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 for construction work, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 for lifting activities, and COSHH Regulations 2002 when hazardous substances are involved. The assessment must be documented, communicated to relevant personnel, and retained as evidence of compliance with statutory health and safety obligations.