School & Education
Field Trip Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for educational field trips and visits.
Free to use
Instant PDF download
Updated February 2026
The essential guide to field trip safety
Field trips connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Whether visiting museums, farms, historical sites, or nature reserves, these educational visits require thorough planning and risk management to ensure safe participation.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough field trip risk assessment—from transport and venue safety to supervision ratios, weather conditions, and emergency procedures.
Educational
Activity Benefits
Why field trips are worth the investment
Real-World Context
Connects classroom learning to real world contexts and environments.
Confidence Building
Builds confidence and independence in community settings.
Enquiry Skills
Strengthens enquiry skills through observation and interviewing.
Collaboration
Promotes collaboration and shared responsibility during travel.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Transport HazardsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Road accidents, injuries, collisions when crossing roads.
Control Measures
- Licensed, reputable transport providers
- Seatbelts worn at all times
- Supervised boarding and alighting
- Headcount before and after travel
Lost StudentsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Separation from group, distress, safeguarding concerns.
Control Measures
- Regular headcounts throughout trip
- Buddy system in operation
- Meeting point established if separated
- Hi-vis clothing for easy identification
Weather ExposureMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Sunburn, heatstroke, hypothermia from outdoor conditions.
Control Measures
- Weather forecast checked before trip
- Appropriate clothing requirements communicated
- Sun protection and water available
- Indoor alternatives identified
Medical IssuesMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Allergic reactions, asthma attacks, illness during trip.
Control Measures
- Medical information collected beforehand
- Medications carried with protocols
- First aider on every trip
- Emergency contacts accessible
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 27 hazards and 27+ control measures for Field Trip, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Pre-trip checklist
Planning
- Risk assessment complete
- Venue pre-visited
- Parent consent obtained
- Itinerary shared
Staffing
- Ratios appropriate
- First aider designated
- Roles assigned
- Emergency contacts listed
Medical
- Medical forms reviewed
- Medications packed
- Allergies noted
- First aid kit ready
On the Day
- Weather checked
- Headcount done
- Phones charged
- Procedures briefed
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