Risk Assessment Template (Free Excel Template)
A risk assessment template for workplace hazards: list each task, its hazard and possible harm, and score severity and likelihood from 1 to 4. The risk score and risk level are calculated, and each control has an owner, a due date, and a residual risk.
Excel (.xlsx) · 4 sheets · Updated 2026-10-21
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Who is this risk assessment template for?
- Safety managers who need a written hazard assessment for tasks, machines, and chemicals
- Supervisors who review a task before new equipment or a new process starts
- Safety committees that track open controls until they are done
When to use it
Do a risk assessment before a new task, machine, chemical, or process starts, after an injury or near miss, and when the way a job is done changes. Many workplaces also review every row once a year. Use one register per site or department, and one row per task and hazard.
What's included
The template includes the following. Delete anything you do not need.
- Header: site, assessment date, and who did the assessment
- Task, hazard source, hazard, and possible harm for each row
- Severity and likelihood drop-downs from 1 to 4
- Risk score (severity x likelihood) and risk level (Critical, High, Medium, Low) calculated, with Critical and High shown in red
- Controls and the control type from the hierarchy of controls (elimination to PPE)
- Owner, due date, completed date, residual risk, and review date
- Scoring rules and sign-off, a filled-in sample, and a print layout for US Letter
Preview the Excel file
This is the actual file. Use the tabs below to switch between the 4 sheets. How to mark each result is explained on the "Instructions" sheet.
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Risk Assessment Template (Workplace Hazard Risk Register) |
| 2 | |
| 3 | ■ Source |
| 4 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/risk-assessment-template/ |
| 5 | Request a template or an extra item: https://worker-library.com/contact/ |
| 6 | |
| 7 | ■ Sheets in this workbook |
| 8 | "Entry Sheet" … The sheet you fill in on a computer. Landscape layout. |
| 9 | "Sample (Filled In)" … A filled-in example. Use it as a guide to how each column is written. |
| 10 | "Print (Letter)" … For printing and filling in by hand. Taller rows, and the column headings repeat at the top of every page. Set up for US Letter. |
| 11 | |
| 12 | ■ How to use |
| 13 | 1. List the tasks in the area. For each task, write what could cause harm (the hazard source), the hazard, and the harm it could do. |
| 14 | 2. Pick a severity and a likelihood from 1 to 4 for the task as it is done today. The score and the level fill in. |
| 15 | 3. For Critical and High rows, write controls before the task goes ahead. Start at the top of the hierarchy of controls and pick the control type. |
| 16 | 4. Give each control an owner and a due date. When it is done, write the completed date and pick the residual risk. |
| 17 | 5. Share the results with the workers and set a review date for each row. |
| 18 | |
| 19 | ■ How to score risk, and what to do when it is high (read before you start) |
| 20 | Severity (1-4): 4 = death or permanent disability, 3 = serious injury (lost time), 2 = injury that needs medical treatment, 1 = minor (first aid only). |
| 21 | Likelihood (1-4): 4 = very likely, 3 = likely, 2 = possible, 1 = unlikely. Score the task as it is done today, not as it should be done. |
| 22 | Risk score = severity x likelihood (calculated). Risk level: 8 or more = Critical, 6 = High, 3-4 = Medium, 1-2 = Low. |
| 23 | Do not start a Critical or High task until the controls are in place. If the work must go ahead, change the procedure for that day and write what you changed in the controls column. |
| 24 | Do not stop at "be careful". Work down the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE. Do not rely on PPE alone. |
| 25 | Never leave the due date blank. A control with no due date does not get done. |
| 26 | A row is closed only when the completed date and the residual risk are both filled in. Writing the control is not the end. |
| 27 | Share the results with the workers who do the task. A register kept in a drawer does not reach the next person who does the job. |
| 28 | |
| 29 | ■ Adapting it to your site |
| 30 | • If your company uses a 5 x 5 matrix, change the drop-downs to 1-5 and adjust the thresholds in the Risk level formula. |
| 31 | • Add a column for the people at risk (operators, contractors, visitors) if you need it. |
| 32 | • For chemicals, add the product name and the safety data sheet date to the hazard source column. |
| 33 | |
| 34 | ■ Things to watch |
| 35 | • This is a general risk assessment template for workplace hazards, not an official OSHA form. |
| 36 | • The scoring scale and the risk level thresholds are common practice, not a federal rule. Use your company's scale if it has one. |
| 37 | • A risk assessment does not replace the specific inspections and procedures your equipment and work need. Check the rules that apply to your industry and state. |
| 38 | • Review the register after any injury, near miss, or change in the task. |
| 39 | |
| 40 | ■ About this template |
| 41 | A free inspection template from Worker Library. |
| 42 | You may copy, edit, and print it for use in your own organization. Add or delete items as you need. |
| 43 | Please do not redistribute or sell the template itself. |
| 44 | |
| 45 | ■ Important notice |
| 46 | This template organizes common inspection items for reference. It is not an official form issued by OSHA or any other authority, and using it does not by itself show compliance. |
| 47 | Which inspections are required, how often, and how long records must be kept depend on the equipment, industry, size of the operation, and location (federal, state, and local rules can all apply). |
| 48 | Check the regulations and standards that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified or competent person. |
| 49 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. |
| 50 | Regulations change. Check the source page above for the latest version. |
| 51 | |
| 52 | ■ Updated |
| 53 | 2026-10-21 (reviewed every 3 months) |
| 54 | |
| 55 | ■ About Worker Library |
| 56 | Worker Library publishes free Excel inspection checklists, logs, and forms for maintenance, safety, and quality teams. |
| 57 | All templates: https://worker-library.com/templates/ |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Risk Assessment Template (Workplace Hazard Risk Register) | |||||
| 2 | Site | Assessment date | Assessed by | |||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | No. | Task / process | Hazard source (substance, machine) | Hazard | Possible harm | Severity (1-4) |
| 5 | ||||||
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | (15 more blank rows) | |||||
| 10 | Prepared by | Reviewed by (safety lead) | ||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 14 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 15 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/risk-assessment-template/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 16 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Risk Assessment Template (Workplace Hazard Risk Register) [SAMPLE] | |||||
| 2 | Site | Plant 1, Building C | Assessment date | 07/15/2026 | Assessed by | |
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | No. | Task / process | Hazard source (substance, machine) | Hazard | Possible harm | Severity (1-4) |
| 5 | 1 | Parts degreasing | Toluene-based solvent | Vapors affect the nervous system; flammable | Solvent poisoning, fire | 3 |
| 6 | 2 | Press operation | Hydraulic press M-014 | Caught in the die area | Finger amputation | 4 |
| 7 | 3 | In-plant material handling | Forklifts | Struck by a forklift; collision at intersections | Fractures, death | 4 |
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | ||||||
| 10 | ||||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | (12 more blank rows) | |||||
| 13 | Prepared by | Reviewed by (safety lead) | ||||
| 14 | ||||||
| 15 | ||||||
| 16 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 17 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 18 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 19 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/risk-assessment-template/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 16 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Risk Assessment Template (Workplace Hazard Risk Register) | |||||
| 2 | Site | Assessment date | Assessed by | |||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | No. | Task / process | Hazard source (substance, machine) | Hazard | Possible harm | Severity (1-4) |
| 5 | ||||||
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | (15 more blank rows) | |||||
| 10 | Prepared by | Reviewed by (safety lead) | ||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 14 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 15 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/risk-assessment-template/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 16 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
Cells marked ▼ have a drop-down list. Lightly shaded rows are where you write.
File details
| Format | Excel (.xlsx) |
|---|---|
| Works with | Microsoft Excel 2016 or later, Excel for Microsoft 365, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc |
| Paper | Print areas set for US Letter |
| Sheets | Instructions / Entry Sheet / Sample (Filled In) / Print (Letter) |
| Macros | None |
| File size | About 19 KB |
| Updated | 2026-10-21 |
How to use the risk assessment template
- List the tasks in the area. For each task, write what could cause harm (the hazard source), the hazard, and the harm it could do.
- Pick a severity and a likelihood from 1 to 4 for the task as it is done today. The score and the level fill in.
- For Critical and High rows, write controls before the task goes ahead. Start at the top of the hierarchy of controls and pick the control type.
- Give each control an owner and a due date. When it is done, write the completed date and pick the residual risk.
- Share the results with the workers and set a review date for each row.
Adapting it to your site
- If your company uses a 5 x 5 matrix, change the drop-downs to 1-5 and adjust the thresholds in the Risk level formula.
- Add a column for the people at risk (operators, contractors, visitors) if you need it.
- For chemicals, add the product name and the safety data sheet date to the hazard source column.
Before you use it
Please read
- This is a general risk assessment template for workplace hazards, not an official OSHA form.
- The scoring scale and the risk level thresholds are common practice, not a federal rule. Use your company's scale if it has one.
- A risk assessment does not replace the specific inspections and procedures your equipment and work need. Check the rules that apply to your industry and state.
- Review the register after any injury, near miss, or change in the task.
- This template is provided as-is for reference. Worker Library is not liable for any loss arising from its use. Regulations change, so check the update date on this page.
Risk Assessment Template FAQ
What is a workplace risk assessment?
It is a written review of a task: what could cause harm, how bad the harm could be, how likely it is, and what controls will bring the risk down. This template records each step and who will put each control in place.
How do you calculate a risk score?
A common method multiplies severity by likelihood. In this template both are scored 1 to 4, so the score runs from 1 to 16. A score of 8 or more is Critical, 6 is High, 3 to 4 is Medium, and 1 to 2 is Low.
What is the hierarchy of controls?
It is the order to choose controls in: remove the hazard (elimination), replace it with something less hazardous (substitution), isolate people from it (engineering controls), change the way people work (administrative controls), and last, PPE.
How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?
Common practice is to review it before any change in the task, after any injury or near miss, and at least once a year. Set the review date on each row.