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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather-related issues | Attendees, Staff – Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia | Monitor weather forecasts and provide shelter, appropriate clothing, and hydration stations for attendees. | High | Medium | D. Ahmed |
| Contractor safety | Contractors, Staff – Injuries, accidents, project delays | Ensure contractors provide their own risk assessments and public liability insurance. Monitor their adherence to safety protocols. | High | Medium | K. Morgan |
Benefits: Supports local businesses and initiatives.; Encourages social bonding and connections.; Fosters community pride and belonging.
3. Risk assessment example: Mechanical Workshop
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leader experience/qualifications | Participants – Inadequate supervision, poor instruction, increased accidents | Verify that all leaders and instructors have relevant qualifications and experience for the activities being conducted. Ensure ongoing professional development and conduct periodic competency assessments. Have experienced staff lead higher-risk activities. | High | Low | B. Jones |
| Ergonomic strain injuries | Participants – Back pain, repetitive strain, musculoskeletal disorders | Provide adjustable workstations and encourage regular breaks to prevent strain. Train participants on proper posture and tool handling techniques to reduce ergonomic risks. | Medium | Low | J. Lewis |
Benefits: Promotes teamwork and collaboration in group tasks.; Fosters creativity and innovation in designing mechanical solutions.; Develops technical and mechanical skills through hands-on projects.
4. Risk assessment example: Environmental Clean-Up Initiative
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical exposure from nearby industrial waste | Participants, Supervisors – Poisoning, irritation | Survey the area before cleanup to identify potential industrial waste sources. Clearly mark hazardous zones and provide participants with instructions to avoid these areas. Alert local authorities to arrange for safe disposal of industrial waste. | High | Low | E. Brown |
| Handling sharp objects | Participants – Cuts, punctures | Ensure participants wear sturdy gloves, and use litter pickers to handle sharp objects like glass. Conduct a safety briefing on proper handling techniques and avoid direct contact. Team leaders should manage hazardous materials disposal. | Medium | Low | F. Wilson |
Benefits: Promotes environmental stewardship and responsibility.; Fosters teamwork and collaborative effort in achieving common goals.; 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation from contact with paints and solvents | Workers – Rashes from chemical exposure, burns from harsh solvents, allergic reactions | Provide gloves, barrier creams, and washing facilities. Use low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints where possible. Educate workers on minimizing skin contact and immediately washing off substances. | Medium | Low | B. Jones |
| Exposure to lead-based paints | Workers – Lead poisoning from inhalation, contamination through contact, long-term health issues | Test surfaces for lead before commencing work. If lead is present, follow lead-safe practices such as wet sanding and containment. Provide PPE and ensure hygiene facilities for handwashing. Dispose of lead-containing waste according to regulations. | High | Low | C. Patel |
Benefits: Supports maintenance and longevity of building surfaces.; Facilitates customization and personalization of environments.; Improves indoor air quality with low-VOC paints and materials.
6. Risk assessment example: Catering Service
| Hazard | Who might be harmed & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food hygiene and cross-contamination | Staff, customers – Food poisoning, allergic reaction, illness spread | Segregate raw/cooked food with colour-coded storage, sanitise prep areas, and enforce strict handwashing. Train staff in HACCP, record fridge/freezer temps, and keep allergen-free prep areas separate. | High | Low | C. Patel |
| Staff fatigue and long shifts | Staff, drivers – Fatigue, reduced alertness, driving risk | Schedule rest breaks into shift patterns, rotate staff across roles to reduce strain, and provide hydration and meals during long events. Train supervisors to recognise fatigue, limit driving after long shifts, and log hours worked for compliance. | Medium | Low | B. Jones |
Benefits: Stimulates repeat business and referrals across corporate and social clients.; Reduces onsite disruption by centralizing prep and hygiene controls.; Delivers scalable food solutions for meetings, events, and remote sites.
7. Risk assessment example: Museum/Educational Visit
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handling dangerous replicas (weight/fragility) | Pupils, staff – Injury, dropped objects | Limit replica use to small supervised groups. Place replicas on padded mats, train staff in safe handovers, and demonstrate lifting techniques. Remove damaged replicas promptly and record incidents. | High | Medium | B. Jones |
| Boarding and disembarking coaches or minibuses | Pupils, staff, drivers – Falls, traffic accidents | Park in a designated loading bay away from traffic. Use high-vis staff to marshal pupils. Instruct children to board one at a time. Teachers stand at doors and do headcounts each time. Avoid reversing vehicles when pupils are nearby. | High | Medium | D. Ahmed |
Benefits: Motivates further research and project based learning.; Supports inclusive learning with multisensory exhibits.; Strengthens note taking, sketching, and question framing.
8. Risk assessment example: Chemical hair services (colour, bleach, perms)
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfite sensitivity to neutralisers | Clients – Asthma flare-up, skin irritation, breathing difficulty | Screen for asthma and sulfite reactions; choose sulfite-free neutralisers where possible. Avoid aerosolising neutraliser, ensure rapid access to eyewash and client reliever inhalers if prescribed, rinse thoroughly, and document batches; defer and signpost if symptoms arise. | Medium | Low | E. Brown |
| Allergic reaction to persulfate lighteners | Clients, staff – Allergic reaction, respiratory distress, skin irritation | Screen for asthma or past bleach reactions; choose low-dust powders and mix slowly in ventilated areas. Keep product off skin, use gloves/eye protection, check sensation regularly, and remove immediately if tingling escalates to burning; document batch and timing for traceability. | High | Medium | A. Smith |
Benefits: Expands service offerings, attracting a wider range of clientele.; Delivers transformative results that can boost self-esteem and client satisfaction.; Increases expertise in safe chemical handling and professional procedures.
9. Risk assessment example: Communal meals & coffee mornings
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather exposure outdoors | Guests, volunteers – Heatstroke, dehydration, cold injuries | Check forecasts before outdoor events, provide gazebos or shaded areas, and ensure water is available in hot weather. Grit or salt icy paths in winter and cancel or relocate if weather creates unsafe conditions. | Medium | Low | J. Lewis |
| Unsupervised children in hall | Children, parents – Wandering, injury, abduction risk | Encourage parents to supervise, provide a small play area with toys, and position tables away from exits. Volunteers to monitor entrances to prevent children from leaving unsupervised during the event. | Medium | Low | C. Patel |
Benefits: Supports mental health by promoting belonging and routine.; Creates safe, welcoming spaces for informal conversations.; Builds trust and unity among community members.
10. Risk assessment example: Indoor Sports/Activity
| Hazard | Who & how | -Control Measures | Risk before | Risk after | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeguarding | Participants – Abuse, neglect, exploitation | Ensure all staff have safeguarding training and that a designated safeguarding officer is available. Implement procedures for dealing with safeguarding concerns, and ensure that staff work in pairs when possible to avoid being alone with participants. | Medium | Medium | K. Morgan |
| 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 | G. Taylor |
Benefits: Builds confidence and self-esteem through skill development.; Fosters social interaction and bonding among participants.; 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient lighting in work areas | Workers – Reduced visibility, accidents, errors | Install sufficient task lighting in electrical work areas. Use portable, explosion-proof lights in hazardous zones. Conduct regular inspections to ensure lighting is functional. | Medium | Low | A. Smith |
| Inadequate emergency procedures | Workers, site visitors – Delays in response to electrical incidents, injuries, fatalities | Develop and regularly review emergency response plans specific to electrical incidents. Conduct drills and ensure availability of fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. Train employees on emergency protocols. | High | Low | A. Smith |
Benefits: Reduces the risk of electrical hazards and fires.; Supports the integration of advanced electrical technologies.; Facilitates compliance with electrical codes and standards.
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.
