Construction Risk Assessment Template

Construction risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify hazards on a building site, evaluate the level of risk they present, and determine appropriate control measures to protect workers, subcontractors, visitors, and the public. It is a legal requirement in most countries (e.g., under the UK’s Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, CDM 2015, or similar legislation worldwide) and forms the foundation of effective health and safety management on any project.

When is a Risk Assessment Required in Construction?

A risk assessment must be completed:

• Before work starts on site (pre-construction phase)
• Whenever a new activity, piece of equipment, or material is introduced
• When site conditions change significantly (e.g., weather, ground conditions, new subcontractors)
• For all high-risk activities (working at height, demolition, confined spaces, etc.)
• As part of site-specific or task-specific assessments
• Regularly reviewed (typically every 3–12 months or after an incident/near miss)

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment is mandatory whenever five or more people are working on a project in the UK.

How to Conduct a Construction Site Risk Assessment (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify the hazards – Walk the site and consult workers. Look for physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, environmental, and security hazards.
2. Decide who might be harmed and how – Consider operatives, subcontractors, delivery drivers, members of the public, and vulnerable groups.
3. Evaluate the risks – Use a risk rating matrix (usually Severity × Likelihood = Risk Rating). Common scales are 1–5 or 1–4 for both severity and probability.
   • Example matrix: Low (1–4), Medium (5–9), High (10–15), Very High (16–25)
4. Record significant findings – Use a clear construction risk assessment template (method statement + risk assessment combined is common).
5. Implement control measures – Follow the hierarchy of risk control: Eliminate → Substitute → Engineering controls → Administrative controls → PPE.
6. Communicate and train – Toolbox talks, site inductions, and signage.
7. Monitor and review – Set a review date and update after incidents, audits, or changes.

Common Types of Risks on Construction Sites

• Falls from height (roofs, scaffolds, ladders, fragile surfaces)
• Slips, trips, and falls on the same level (uneven ground, trailing cables, wet surfaces, poor housekeeping)
• Falling objects (tools, materials, debris)
• Machinery and plant hazards (excavators, forklifts, power tools)
• Manual handling (lifting blocks, steel, bags of cement)
• Heavy vehicle movement (delivery lorries, dumpers, reversing vehicles)
• Chemical risks (cement dermatitis, solvents, adhesives, asbestos)
• Noise and vibration (breakers, disc cutters, piling)
• Dust and respiratory hazards (silica, wood dust)
• Biological hazards (leptospirosis from rats, needlesticks on brownfield sites)
• Severe weather (high winds, extreme heat/cold, lightning)
• Ergonomic risks (repetitive strain, poor posture)
• Environmental risks (contaminated land, protected species)
• Security risks (theft of materials/plant, vandalism, unauthorized access, arson)

Specific High-Risk Activities That Always Need Detailed Assessment

• Working at height (scaffolding, MEWPs, roof work)
• Temporary works (excavations, formwork, scaffolding, temporary fencing)
• Hot works
• Confined spaces
• Lifting operations (cranes, hiabs, excavator lifts)
• Demolition or refurbishment involving asbestos
• Work near underground or overhead services

Example Risk Assessment Entries (Generic but Realistic)

Useful Templates and Standards

• Free generic construction risk assessment templates are widely available from the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE), CITB, or CHAS.
• Many principal contractors require the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) for pre-qualification, which includes standardised health & safety questions and risk assessment evidence.
• Subcontractors are usually asked to provide their own task-specific risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).

Risk Assessment for Temporary Security and Perimeter Fencing

A dedicated assessment is often required because construction sites are high-value targets. Typical controls:

• 2–2.4 m Heras fencing or hoarding with anti-climb panels
• Locked gates and sign-in/out procedures
• Night-time security guards or monitored CCTV
• Immobilisation of plant (keys removed, tracked machines with CESAR/DatTag)
• Lighting of compounds and access points
• Regular security risk reviews

Review and Continuous Improvement

Every risk assessment should have a review date (usually 3–12 months depending on risk level). Trigger reviews immediately after:

• Any accident or near miss
• Introduction of new equipment or processes
• Changes in legislation
• Audit findings or enforcement visits

By treating risk assessment as a live document rather than a one-off paperwork exercise, construction teams significantly reduce accidents, improve productivity, and demonstrate legal compliance. This guide provides a practical, plagiarism-free overview that can be adapted to any construction project, large or small, anywhere in the world.