Simple Risk Assessment Example UK

A risk assessment doesn't need to be complicated. The HSE has been clear on this: a suitable and sufficient risk assessment should be proportionate to the risk. For many small businesses and straightforward tasks, a simple, focused assessment is exactly what's needed.

Example: Office-based small business

Here's a simplified example showing the format and thinking behind a basic risk assessment:

Hazard: Slips, trips, and falls

• Who's at risk: All staff, visitors
• Current controls: Cables routed away from walkways, spillages cleaned immediately, adequate lighting, no trailing leads
• Risk level: Low (after controls)
• Further action: Monthly walkthrough to check cable management. Anti-slip mats at entrance during wet weather.

Hazard: Display screen equipment (DSE)

• Who's at risk: Office staff using computers daily
• Current controls: Adjustable chairs, monitor stands, DSE assessment completed for each workstation, regular breaks encouraged
• Risk level: Low (after controls)
• Further action: Repeat DSE assessments when workstations change or staff report discomfort.

Hazard: Fire

• Who's at risk: All occupants
• Current controls: Smoke detectors tested weekly, fire extinguishers serviced annually, evacuation plan displayed, fire drill conducted every 6 months
• Risk level: Low (after controls)
• Further action: Fire risk assessment reviewed annually by competent person.

Key principles of a simple risk assessment

• Identify real hazards — focus on what could genuinely cause harm in your workplace
• Be specific about controls — "we take precautions" is not a control measure
• Record it — even if you have fewer than 5 employees, writing it down protects you
• Review it — set a date and stick to it. See how often to review risk assessments.
• Keep it proportionate — don't produce a 30-page document for a 3-person office

For construction and trade work, risk assessments need more detail and are typically combined with method statements into a RAMS document. A risk assessment generator helps create the right level of detail for your specific work type.

For the full legal picture, see risk assessment legal requirements in the UK. Small businesses should also read our small business risk assessment guide.

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