Place of Worship
Grounds & Cemetery Care Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for grounds and cemetery maintenance.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
Essential guidance for grounds and cemetery safety
Church grounds and cemeteries require careful maintenance to remain safe and welcoming spaces for visitors. Work involves powered equipment, unstable memorials, weather exposure, and sometimes hazardous materials like pesticides.
This guide covers key hazards including powered mowing equipment, unstable gravestones, manual handling, and adverse weather conditions.
Community Safety
Community Safety
Activity Benefits
Why grounds care matters
Welcoming Environment
Creates attractive, well-maintained spaces for worship and reflection.
Memorial Care
Honours the deceased by maintaining their final resting places.
Visitor Safety
Ensures safe paths and stable memorials for all visitors.
Wildlife Habitat
Church grounds often provide valuable green spaces for biodiversity.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Unstable MemorialsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Toppling gravestones causing crush injuries, impact from falling masonry.
Control Measures
- Regular stability testing
- Unstable stones cordoned
- Warning signs displayed
- Professional repairs arranged
Powered EquipmentHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Cuts, flying debris, hearing damage from mowers and strimmers.
Control Measures
- Trained operators only
- PPE worn (boots, visor, ear protection)
- Equipment maintained
- Area cleared of debris first
Weather ExposureMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Heatstroke, hypothermia, lightning strikes, slips on wet ground.
Control Measures
- Weather forecast checked
- Sun protection provided
- Water available
- Work suspended in storms
Uneven GroundMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Trips, slips, falls from uneven paths and grassed areas.
Control Measures
- Sturdy footwear worn
- Paths maintained
- Hidden hazards marked
- Caution in wet conditions
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 24 hazards and 68+ control measures for Grounds & Cemetery Care, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Grounds care checklist
Equipment
- Equipment inspected
- Fuel handled safely
- PPE available
- Guards in place
Memorials
- Stability check done
- Unsafe stones marked
- Work area clear
- Visitors warned
Weather
- Forecast checked
- Sun protection ready
- Water available
- Shelter accessible
After Work
- Equipment cleaned
- Waste disposed
- Tools stored
- Area inspected
Ready to create your grounds care risk assessment?
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