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Students walking safely in group
School & Education

Walking Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for walking trips, routes to school, and pedestrian activities.

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Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026

In This Guide

1 Introduction & Overview 2 Activity Benefits 3 Hazards & Control Measures 4 Safety Checklist 5 Related Guides

The essential guide to walking safely

Walking is fundamental to school life—from trips to local venues to daily journeys between buildings. Managing pedestrian activities safely requires attention to traffic, surfaces, weather, and group dynamics.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough risk assessment—from road crossing procedures and route planning to weather considerations, fatigue management, and keeping groups together.

Students with teacher walking outdoors
Educational
Activity Benefits

Why walking matters

Physical Health

Increases daily physical activity and cardiovascular health.

Road Safety

Builds road safety awareness and route planning skills.

Focus

Enhances mood and focus with regular outdoor time.

Independence

Encourages independence and responsibility for timekeeping.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Road CrossingsHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Vehicle collision, injury at junctions and crossings.

Control Measures
  • Use designated crossing points
  • Stop, look, listen procedure followed
  • Adult leads at each crossing
  • Group crosses together
Group SeparationHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Lost children, anxiety, unsafe decisions when separated.

Control Measures
  • Adults front and rear of group
  • Regular headcounts
  • Separation procedure briefed
  • Pace suitable for all abilities
Trips & FallsMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Falls, sprains, cuts from uneven surfaces and kerbs.

Control Measures
  • Appropriate footwear required
  • Route checked for hazards
  • Walk, don't run
  • Watch for uneven surfaces
WeatherMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Heat illness, hypothermia, slips on wet surfaces.

Control Measures
  • Weather forecast checked
  • Appropriate clothing worn
  • Water carried in hot weather
  • Route adjusted if needed

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 27 hazards and 27+ control measures for Walking, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Safety Checklist

Walking trip checklist

Pre-Walk

  • Route planned
  • Weather checked
  • Register taken
  • Briefing done

Group

  • Ratios correct
  • Adults positioned
  • Contact numbers
  • Medical needs known

During Walk

  • Regular headcounts
  • Safe crossings used
  • Pace managed
  • Behaviour monitored

Welfare

  • Water available
  • First aid carried
  • Toilet stops planned
  • Rest breaks if needed

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