Construction & Trade
Steelwork and Structural Installation Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for steelwork and structural installation.
Free to use
Instant PDF download
Updated February 2026
The essential guide to steelwork safety
Steelwork and structural installation involves erecting steel frameworks that form the skeleton of modern buildings. This high-risk work combines working at height, crane operations, and hot work in a dynamic environment.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough steelwork risk assessment—from fall protection and crane coordination to welding safety and structural stability during erection.
Trade & Construction
Activity Benefits
Why professional steelwork matters
Structural Integrity
Creates strong, durable building frameworks.
Speed
Enables rapid construction of large structures.
Sustainability
Steel is highly recyclable and reusable.
Design Flexibility
Allows for innovative architectural designs.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Working at HeightHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Falls from height, serious injuries, fatalities.
Control Measures
- Install safety netting and edge protection before work begins
- Use personal fall arrest systems when edge protection not possible
- Ensure safe access via scaffold or MEWPs
- Plan erection sequence to maximize collective protection
Welding & Hot WorkHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Burns, fire, toxic fume inhalation, eye damage.
Control Measures
- Obtain hot work permits for all welding operations
- Use appropriate PPE including welding masks and gloves
- Ensure adequate ventilation or use extraction equipment
- Maintain fire watch during and after hot work
Falling ObjectsMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Head injuries, crushing, fatalities from dropped steel or tools.
Control Measures
- Establish exclusion zones beneath erection areas
- Use tool lanyards and secure storage for equipment
- Coordinate with crane operations for safe lifting
- Mandatory hard hats throughout site
Manual HandlingMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Back injuries, strains, crush injuries from heavy steel sections.
Control Measures
- Use mechanical handling wherever possible
- Team lift for components requiring manual handling
- Provide manual handling training
- Wear appropriate gloves to prevent cuts
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 33 hazards and 68+ control measures for Steelwork and Structural Installation, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Steelwork safety checklist
Pre-Erection
- Erection method statement approved
- Structural engineer sign-off obtained
- Crane and lifting plan in place
- Temporary bracing requirements identified
PPE Requirements
- Hard hats worn at all times
- Safety harnesses for work at height
- Welding PPE available
- Cut-resistant gloves provided
Fall Protection
- Safety netting installed
- Edge protection in place
- Anchor points identified and tested
- Rescue plan established
Hot Work
- Hot work permit obtained
- Fire extinguisher accessible
- Combustibles cleared from area
- Fire watch assigned
Ready to create your steelwork risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional, compliant risk assessment in minutes.
