Risk Assessment Example (Completed Samples + Free PDF)
Worked examples with hazards, controls and before/after ratings. Use these as a model, open the matching template, then export a professional PDF with your logo. No account needed.
Quick index
1. What a good risk assessment example looks like
Structure: hazard → who might be harmed & how → existing controls → risk before and after → owner.
Ratings: keep one scale for the team (3×3 or 5×5). Define levels in plain English so everyone agrees what “Low”, “Medium” and “High” mean.
Owners: assign a person for each measure so things actually happen.
2. Risk assessment example: Community Events
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting hazards | Attendees, Staff – Burns, electrical shock, tripping | Ensure all lighting installations are securely mounted and checked regularly. Use low-voltage lights for temporary events. | High | Medium | J. Lewis |
| Trip hazards from cables | Attendees, Staff – Falls, injury, tripping | Ensure all cables are securely taped down or covered with cable protectors. Avoid running cables across walkways, or mark them clearly to prevent trips. | High | Medium | B. Jones |
Benefits: Supports local businesses and initiatives.; Fosters community pride and belonging.; Encourages social bonding and connections.
3. Risk assessment example: Mechanical Workshop
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual handling injuries | Participants – Back injuries, muscle strains, repetitive stress | Train participants on proper lifting techniques and provide mechanical aids like trolleys and hoists for heavy loads. Encourage team lifting for large objects. Ensure ergonomic workstations to reduce strain. | Medium | Low | K. Morgan |
| Fire hazards from flammable materials | Participants, staff – Fire, explosions, burns | Store flammable substances in designated fireproof cabinets. Ensure proper disposal of rags and waste soaked in flammable liquids. Provide fire extinguishers and conduct regular fire drills. | High | Low | A. Smith |
Benefits: Develops technical and mechanical skills through hands-on projects.; Encourages safety awareness and responsible tool usage.; Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
4. Risk assessment example: Environmental Clean-Up Initiative
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burns from discarded materials (e.g., chemical burns) | Participants – Burns | Discourage handling of unknown substances. Ensure participants immediately report hazardous materials, and provide them with protective gloves and equipment. | High | Low | C. Patel |
| Cold weather | Participants – Health issues from cold | Ensure participants wear layered clothing and are regularly checked for signs of hypothermia. Arrange for indoor rest breaks when temperatures drop. | Medium | Low | K. Morgan |
Benefits: Encourages respect and appreciation for the natural environment.; Promotes environmental stewardship and responsibility.; Builds a sense of accomplishment and pride in contributing to the community.
5. Risk assessment example: Painting and Decorating
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat stress | Workers – Heat exhaustion, dehydration, reduced work efficiency | Plan work schedules to avoid the hottest part of the day. Provide shaded rest areas and ensure a constant supply of drinking water. Train workers to recognize symptoms of heat stress and implement regular breaks during hot weather. | Medium | Low | H. Clark |
| Manual handling injuries | Workers – Strains from lifting heavy objects, sprains from improper lifting, back injuries | Assess each task for lifting risks and provide mechanical aids such as trolleys or hoists for heavy loads. Offer training on safe lifting techniques and encourage team lifting for bulky or awkward items. Limit the weight of materials where possible and ensure pathways are clear. | Medium | Low | J. Lewis |
Benefits: Supports maintenance and longevity of building surfaces.; Protects surfaces from damage, corrosion, and wear.; Facilitates customization and personalization of environments.
6. Risk assessment example: Catering Service
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp utensils and cutting equipment | Staff – Cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds | Store knives in cases or racks, keep blades sharp to avoid slips, and provide cut-resistant gloves. Train staff in safe handling and never leave knives unattended at venues. Inspect equipment after each job. | Medium | Low | J. Lewis |
| Alcohol service at catered events | Customers, staff – Intoxication, underage sales, disorderly conduct | Train staff in Challenge 25 and intoxication recognition, provide free water, and record refusals. Coordinate with event organisers on licensing compliance and security support for alcohol-heavy functions. | High | Medium | A. Smith |
Benefits: Enhances event satisfaction through professional presentation and timing.; Creates logistics roles in transport, setup, and off-site service.; Reduces onsite disruption by centralizing prep and hygiene controls.
7. Risk assessment example: Museum/Educational Visit
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inadequate briefing / behaviour expectations | Pupils, staff – Disruptive behaviour, damage to exhibits | Provide pre-visit briefing in class and a refresher on arrival. Emphasise respect for exhibits, staff, and other visitors. Display clear signage in galleries and place staff at points of interest to manage excitement and volume levels. | Medium | Low | B. Jones |
| Accessibility barriers for SEND pupils | SEND pupils, staff – Stress, exclusion, missed opportunities | Pre-visit with SENDCO to assess lifts, ramps, and quiet rooms. Provide easy-read guides, induction loops, and sensory bags. Train museum staff on adjustments. Build a bespoke schedule for high-needs students. | Medium | Low | K. Morgan |
Benefits: Develops enquiry skills through guided and independent exploration.; Strengthens note taking, sketching, and question framing.; Motivates further research and project based learning.
8. Risk assessment example: Chemical hair services (colour, bleach, perms)
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxer scalp sensitivity and burns | Clients – Scalp damage, burns, discomfort | Protect hairline/ears with petroleum jelly, avoid abraded skin, and section cleanly. Apply per brand, monitor sensation constantly, and neutralise thoroughly once the target is reached. Record sensitivities and adjust strength, timing or technique for future services. | High | Medium | A. Smith |
| Neutraliser errors in perms | Clients – Hair breakage, weak curls, scalp irritation | Use fresh neutraliser at correct volume; saturate evenly and observe full contact time. Rinse thoroughly to remove residues, avoid brand mixing mid-service, check elastic recovery on a test curl, and coach clients on aftercare and first-wash timing for best longevity. | Medium | Low | H. Clark |
Benefits: Provides opportunities for personalised colour and texture solutions.; Encourages advanced technical skills and product knowledge development.; Expands service offerings, attracting a wider range of clientele.
9. Risk assessment example: Communal meals & coffee mornings
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergies and intolerances | Guests – Allergic reactions, illness | Label all dishes with allergen content, provide separate utensils, and avoid nuts unless clearly stated. Encourage guests to notify organisers of allergies in advance, and train volunteers to answer queries confidently. | High | Low | K. Morgan |
| Restricted mobility access | Guests with limited mobility – Exclusion, injury from stairs, blocked access | Reserve accessible seating, provide ramps for steps, and keep aisles wide for wheelchairs. Ensure accessible toilets are open and clear, and brief volunteers to assist guests sensitively. | Medium | Low | G. Taylor |
Benefits: Creates safe, welcoming spaces for informal conversations.; Strengthens friendships and intergenerational connections.; Encourages social inclusion and reduces loneliness.
10. Risk assessment example: Indoor Sports/Activity
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor group management | Participants – Injuries from chaos, accidents, conflicts | Conduct a thorough safety briefing before each session, outlining activity rules and expected behavior. Assign participants to smaller groups with dedicated supervisors to maintain order and safety during activities. | Medium | Low | F. Wilson |
| Collisions between participants | All participants – Injuries, conflicts, strains | Implement rules to maintain safe distances between players and use protective equipment where necessary. Supervise activities closely, especially during high-energy games. | Medium | Low | A. Smith |
Benefits: Enhances teamwork and cooperative strategies in indoor games.; Encourages discipline and adherence to game rules.; Provides a fun and engaging way to stay active indoors.
11. Risk assessment example: Electrical Maintenance and Installation
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improper use of extension cords | Workers – Overheating, fire, electric shock | Limit the use of extension cords; when necessary, use only heavy-duty, grounded cords rated for the specific load. Regularly inspect cords for damage. Train employees on proper usage. | Medium | Low | D. Ahmed |
| Vibration damage to equipment | Workers – Equipment failure, electrical faults, injuries | Use anti-vibration mounts and brackets for equipment in high-vibration areas. Conduct regular inspections for loosened connections or signs of wear. Train employees to identify vibration-related damage. | Medium | Low | J. Lewis |
Benefits: Improves the longevity and performance of electrical infrastructure.; Facilitates compliance with electrical codes and standards.; Supports the integration of advanced electrical technologies.
12. FAQs
Can I copy these examples directly?
Use them as a starting point and adapt to your task, people and place. Record what you actually do, not just what looks tidy on paper.
Do I need a 5×5 matrix?
A 3×3 is fine for many teams and quicker to apply. Use 5×5 if you genuinely need finer bands. Keep one scale and stick to it.
How do I export a tidy PDF with our logo?
Create your assessment in the wizard, then export to a branded PDF. You can try the tool without creating an account.
Where can I see more guidance?
See our assessing the risk page and the risk matrix page.
