Site Hazard Assessment Form Template for England and Wales

A Site Hazard Assessment Form is your legal obligation and practical tool for maintaining workplace safety in England and Wales. This document systematically captures potential hazards, evaluates associated risks, and establishes control measures to protect workers and visitors. You must complete this assessment before work begins and update it whenever site conditions change or new activities commence.

When do you need this document?

You need a Site Hazard Assessment Form for virtually any workplace activity in England and Wales. Construction sites require assessments under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, covering everything from excavation work to working at height. Industrial facilities must assess chemical hazards under COSHH regulations, electrical risks under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and general workplace dangers. Even temporary work sites, maintenance activities, and office relocations require hazard assessments. The form is particularly critical when multiple contractors work simultaneously, when hazardous substances are present, or when work involves elevated risks like confined spaces or heavy machinery operation.

Key legal considerations

Your assessment must demonstrate systematic risk evaluation and proportionate control measures. Document all identified hazards clearly, assign realistic risk ratings based on likelihood and severity, and specify both existing and additional control measures required. Include details of personal protective equipment requirements, training needs, and emergency procedures. The assessment should identify responsible parties for each control measure and set review dates. Remember that inadequate risk assessments can result in prosecution under health and safety legislation, with unlimited fines for serious breaches. Your assessment forms part of your legal defence should incidents occur, so ensure it accurately reflects site conditions and demonstrates competent evaluation.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you have a duty to ensure workplace safety so far as reasonably practicable. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically require written risk assessments for workplaces with five or more employees. Construction sites must comply with CDM Regulations 2015, which mandate pre-construction safety planning and ongoing hazard management. COSHH Regulations 2002 require specific assessments for chemical and biological hazards, while Work at Height Regulations 2005 demand detailed evaluation of elevated work activities. Your assessment must be suitable and sufficient, regularly reviewed, and communicated to all affected workers. Keep assessments readily available for inspection by the Health and Safety Executive and ensure all control measures are implemented before work commences.