Safety Risk Assessment And Management Plan Template for England and Wales

A Safety Risk Assessment And Management Plan is your organization's roadmap to identifying, evaluating and controlling workplace safety hazards. Under England and Wales law, this document isn't just good practice – it's a legal requirement that demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors and visitors.

When do you need this document?

You must create a Safety Risk Assessment And Management Plan if you employ five or more people, though it's recommended for smaller organizations too. This requirement applies across all industries, from manufacturing plants and construction sites to offices and retail establishments. You'll need this document when setting up new operations, introducing new equipment or processes, following workplace incidents, or during routine safety audits. Health and Safety Executive inspectors will expect to see current, comprehensive risk assessments during workplace visits.

Key legal considerations

Your plan must demonstrate systematic risk identification covering all workplace activities, from routine operations to emergency procedures. Document control sections ensure version management and approval processes are clear, while executive summaries provide oversight for senior management decision-making. The methodology section must outline your risk assessment criteria and scoring systems, ensuring consistency across all evaluations. Control measures must be specific, measurable and regularly monitored, with clear responsibilities assigned to named individuals. Consider including arrangements for contractor safety, visitor management, and coordination with neighboring businesses where applicable. Your plan should address both immediate hazards and long-term health risks, including exposure to hazardous substances covered by COSHH regulations.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 establishes your fundamental duty to ensure employee safety "so far as is reasonably practicable." The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically require written risk assessments and management arrangements. If your premises present fire risks, you must also comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which mandates fire risk assessments and ongoing fire safety management. Organizations handling hazardous substances must meet COSHH requirements for substance-specific risk assessments. Your plan must be reviewed regularly – particularly after incidents, changes to operations, or when new hazards emerge. Failure to maintain adequate risk assessments can result in enforcement notices, prosecutions and substantial fines. The plan must be accessible to employees and their representatives, and you should provide appropriate training on identified risks and control measures.