Risk assessment template for trades and contractors
If you employ five or more people you must record your significant risk assessment findings, and most main contractors ask for one before you start on site regardless. A clear, job-specific risk assessment shows you've thought about the hazards and protects you if something goes wrong.
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Get the Paperwork PackWhat to include
- The job, site address, date and who carried out the assessment
- Each hazard (working at height, dust, electricity, manual handling, hot works)
- Who could be harmed and how — your team, the customer, the public
- The controls already in place and any extra action needed
- Who is responsible for each action and by when
- A review date and a sign-off from everyone working on the job
How to fill it in
- 1Walk the site and list everything that could cause harm.
- 2Decide who might be harmed and how.
- 3Evaluate the risk and decide on controls — remove the hazard first, PPE last.
- 4Record your findings and share them with everyone on the job.
- 5Review it whenever the job, the team or the site changes.
Common questions
Is a risk assessment a legal requirement?
Every employer and self-employed person whose work could affect others must assess risks. Businesses with five or more employees must write the significant findings down. Clients and main contractors usually ask for a written one either way.
What's the difference between a risk assessment and RAMS?
A risk assessment identifies hazards and controls. RAMS adds a method statement — the step-by-step way the job will be done safely. Many sites ask for both together.
How often should I update it?
Review it for each new job and whenever something significant changes, such as new equipment, a different site or a near miss.
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