Download the HLS Risk Assessment Template

If your business involves working at height, it is a legal and safety requirement that a risk assessment is carried out before any task begins. The HLS Risk Assessment Template has been developed to help employers, managers, and safety officers identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement effective control measures. Available as a PDF download, this ready-to-use form ensures you can start assessing immediately.

Why Use a Work at Height Risk Assessment Form?

Working at height remains one of the most dangerous workplace activities, with falls still being the leading cause of fatalities and major injuries. A risk assessment is designed to reduce the chance of harm by identifying potential hazards and determining how to control them.

The HLS Risk Assessment Form enables you to:

• Assess the risks linked to specific activities.

• Decide on the necessary precautions.

• Record significant findings for accountability.

• Review and update the assessment when needed.

By using this template, you gain a structured, legally compliant way of managing safety when working at height.

What’s Included in the HLS Risk Assessment Template?

Our comprehensive template includes the following sections:

• Key Contact Information – Names and roles of risk assessors.

• Description of Task or Activity – Clear outline of what is being assessed.

• Location of Work – Where the activity will take place.

• Equipment and Substances Used – Identification of tools, materials, or machinery involved.

• Hazards and Potential Risks – Such as falling materials, unprotected edges, or weather conditions.

• Who Is at Risk? – Employees, contractors, visitors, or the public.

• Control Measures – Existing safety systems, barriers, PPE, or protocols.

• Risk Rating Calculator – Likelihood x Consequence to measure severity.

• Actions Required – Additional measures to reduce risks.

• Review and Target Dates – Ensuring continual improvement and accountability.

  
  

This HLS Risk Assessment Form follows best practice standards and aligns with UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance.

Identifying Hazards at Height

When carrying out a Work at Height Risk Assessment, hazards generally fall into five main categories:

1. Material Deterioration – Unsafe structures, weakened ladders, or damaged scaffolding.

2. Weather Conditions – Ice, rain, wind, or heat that could compromise stability.

3. Access Equipment – Poorly maintained MEWPs, ladders, or towers increasing risk.

4. Falling Materials – Tools, debris, or waste that could injure people below.

5. Unprotected Edges – Missing guardrails or insufficient fall protection barriers.

Each of these risks must be carefully considered before work begins.

Who Could Be Harmed and How?

It’s not only employees working at height who face risks. Passers-by, subcontractors, and even staff from neighbouring businesses may be exposed to falling objects or unstable equipment. A strong risk assessment considers all possible people affected and outlines measures to keep them safe.

Engaging with employees during the process also helps identify overlooked hazards and improves compliance.

Evaluating and Controlling Risks

Once hazards are identified, you must evaluate the risk level using the HLS Risk Rating Calculator. This is based on:

• Likelihood – How probable the event is (from very unlikely to very likely).

• Consequence – The potential severity (from no injury to death).

  
  

By multiplying likelihood and consequence, you get a risk score that falls into one of three categories:

• Low Risk (Green) – Safe to proceed with existing controls.

• Medium Risk (Amber) – Additional measures required before continuing.

• High Risk (Red) – Work must be stopped until adequate controls are in place.

  
  

The Action Level Table in the template gives clear guidance on what to do for each score, ensuring consistency across assessments.

Why This Template Matters

The HSE requires that employers take all steps that are “reasonably practicable” to reduce risks. Using the HLS Risk Assessment Template provides:

• A structured way to manage risks.

• A record of compliance with Work at Height Regulations 2005.

• Peace of mind for employers, managers, and employees.

• A clear plan of action if conditions change.

  
  

Download Your Free Risk Assessment Template

Do not leave safety to chance. Download the HLS Risk Assessment Template PDF today and ensure that all your working at height activities are properly evaluated, documented, and controlled.

By identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures, you not only comply with legislation but also protect your workforce and reduce the risk of serious accidents.

Stay safe. Stay compliant. Start using the HLS Risk Assessment Form now.