Construction Risk Assessment Examples: 3 Worked Templates
Last reviewed: 24 February 2026
Reading about risk assessments in the abstract only gets you so far. What most tradespeople actually need is to see what a realistic, site-specific risk assessment looks like for a job similar to theirs — with real hazards, honest risk ratings, and control measures specific enough to pass scrutiny.
This guide provides three worked examples across different project types. Each one follows HSE's five-step framework (INDG163, Risk Assessment: A Brief Guide to Controlling Risks in the Workplace) and uses a standard risk matrix. The hazards, control measures, and risk ratings are based on common construction scenarios and current regulatory requirements — they aren't templates to copy verbatim, but examples of the level of detail that principal contractors and HSE inspectors expect.
For the full legal requirements and document structure, see our risk assessment template guide.
How to use these examples
Each example shows a hazard table for a specific project type. The hazards, risk ratings, and control measures are realistic — not inflated to look impressive, not deflated to make everything look green.
The risk matrix used throughout is a standard 3x3:
| Low Severity | Medium Severity | High Severity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | 1 (Low) | 2 (Low) | 3 (Medium) |
| Possible | 2 (Low) | 4 (Medium) | 6 (High) |
| Likely | 3 (Medium) | 6 (High) | 9 (High) |
Severity refers to the worst realistic outcome if the hazard causes harm. Likelihood refers to how likely that outcome is, given the conditions and controls in place. Controls reduce the likelihood — they don't usually change the severity. A fall from a scaffold is still high severity whether or not you have edge protection; the edge protection makes it unlikely.
Example 1: Loft conversion — structural and first fix
Project: Loft conversion in a 1980s detached house. Steel beam installation, dormer construction, staircase opening, first-fix electrical and plumbing.
Duration: 6 weeks. Single contractor with 3 operatives and 1 electrical subcontractor.
Hazard table
| Hazard | Who's at risk | Uncontrolled risk (L×S) | Control measures | Residual risk (L×S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from height during roof work and dormer construction | Operatives, electrical sub | Possible × High = 6 (High) | Scaffold erected to TG20 spec by licensed contractor. Full edge protection with double guardrail, mid-rail, and toe board. Scaffold inspected weekly and after adverse weather. Roof ladders secured at ridge. Harness and lanyard for any work beyond scaffold reach. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Structural collapse during beam installation | Operatives, occupants below | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) | Structural engineer's design followed precisely. Acrow props installed per engineer's propping schedule before any load-bearing removal. No props removed until steelwork is permanently fixed and bearing plates confirmed. Area below cleared and barriered. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Manual handling — steel beam (180kg UB) | Operatives | Possible × Medium = 4 (Medium) | Beam lifted by mini crane to scaffold platform. Minimum 4 persons for final positioning. Route planned and cleared before lift. Gloves (EN 388 cut level 4) and safety boots with metatarsal protection. | Unlikely × Medium = 2 (Low) |
| Dust from cutting timber, plasterboard, and masonry | Operatives, occupants | Likely × Medium = 6 (High) | On-tool extraction for all power tool cutting. RPE (FFP3, face-fit tested) during cutting operations. Dust sheets and temporary partition between work area and occupied rooms. HEPA vacuum for clean-up, not sweeping. | Unlikely × Medium = 2 (Low) |
| Electrical contact with existing circuits | Operatives, electrical sub | Possible × High = 6 (High) | All circuits in work area identified and isolated before structural work. Safe isolation procedure per BS 7671 / GS38. Proved dead at point of work. Personal lock-off on each isolated circuit. CAT scanner used before any drilling or cutting into walls/floors. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Noise from power tools (chop saw, SDS drill, circular saw) | Operatives, occupants, neighbours | Likely × Medium = 6 (High) | Hearing protection (SNR 30+ earmuffs) mandatory during power tool use. Noise-generating work restricted to 08:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 08:00-13:00 Sat. Neighbours notified of schedule. Occupants excluded from work area during cutting. | Possible × Low = 2 (Low) |
| Asbestos in existing materials (1980s property — textured coatings, soffits, flue pipe) | All persons on site | Possible × High = 6 (High) | Asbestos refurbishment survey commissioned before work starts. Any asbestos-containing materials identified by survey to be managed or removed by licensed contractor before construction work proceeds. If suspect materials found during work — stop, seal area, do not disturb, contact surveyor. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Fire risk during hot works (lead flashing, soldering) | All persons on site, adjacent properties | Possible × High = 6 (High) | Hot works permit system. CO2 extinguisher and fire blanket within 2m. Heat-resistant mat behind all work. Non-combustible materials cleared from vicinity. 60-minute fire watch after works complete. Smoke detection in property tested and active. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
Notes on this example
- The asbestos hazard is included because it's a 1980s property. For a post-2000 building, this wouldn't apply. Site-specific means including what's actually present and excluding what isn't.
- Residual risk for falls remains Medium, not Low. Even with full edge protection, a fall from a loft conversion height can still cause serious injury. Rating it Low would be dishonest.
- The steel beam manual handling control specifies the lifting method, team size, and specific PPE — not just "use appropriate lifting techniques."
Example 2: Bathroom refit — plumbing, tiling, and electrical
Project: Full bathroom strip-out and refit in a 1960s mid-terrace house. New sanitaryware, re-tile, new lighting circuit, electric shower installation.
Duration: 2 weeks. Sole trader with 1 labourer and an electrical subcontractor for the shower circuit.
Hazard table
| Hazard | Who's at risk | Uncontrolled risk (L×S) | Control measures | Residual risk (L×S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos in floor tiles, adhesive, or textured ceiling (1960s property) | Operatives, occupants | Possible × High = 6 (High) | Pre-start asbestos survey of bathroom — specifically floor tiles, tile adhesive, Artex ceiling, and any pipe insulation. If ACMs found, specialist removal or encapsulation before refit begins. Operatives briefed on asbestos awareness (mandatory UKATA Category A training). | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Slips on wet surfaces during strip-out and tiling | Operatives, occupants | Likely × Low = 3 (Medium) | Non-slip footwear (safety boots with SRC-rated soles). Wet areas mopped and dried regularly. Temporary barriers at bathroom door to prevent occupants entering wet area. | Possible × Low = 2 (Low) |
| Manual handling — cast iron bath removal (approx. 90kg) | Operatives | Possible × Medium = 4 (Medium) | Two-person lift minimum. Route assessed — doorway width, staircase turns measured. Bath broken in situ if removal in one piece is not feasible (hearing protection and RPE for breaking). Anti-vibration gloves for breaker work. | Unlikely × Medium = 2 (Low) |
| COSHH — tile adhesive, grout, silicone sealant, solvent-weld cement | Operatives | Possible × Medium = 4 (Medium) | SDS obtained for each product. Ventilation: bathroom window open during application. RPE (FFP2 minimum) for solvent-weld cement use in confined bathroom. Nitrile gloves for all adhesive and grout application. Barrier cream applied before work. Eye wash station accessible. | Unlikely × Medium = 2 (Low) |
| Electrical shock — existing circuits and new shower installation | Electrical sub, operatives | Possible × High = 6 (High) | All work on electrical circuits by Part P competent electrician. Safe isolation per BS 7671 and GS38. Shower circuit on dedicated 10mm² cable with 40A RCBO. IP ratings appropriate for bathroom zones (IP65 minimum in zone 1). Earth bonding verified. Electrical sub holds current ECS card. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Hot works — soldering copper pipework | Operatives, occupants | Possible × High = 6 (High) | Heat-resistant mat behind all joints. CO2 extinguisher and fire blanket within arm's reach. No soldering within 200mm of combustible materials. Alternatives used where possible (push-fit for accessible joints). 60-minute fire watch after final joint. Smoke alarm tested before and after work. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Dust from tile removal and wall preparation | Operatives, occupants | Likely × Low = 3 (Medium) | Dust sheet sealed over bathroom door opening. RPE (FFP2) during tile removal and sanding. HEPA vacuum for debris. Occupants kept out of work area. Window open for ventilation where possible. | Possible × Low = 2 (Low) |
Notes on this example
- The asbestos hazard is essential for a 1960s property. Vinyl floor tiles from this era commonly contain chrysotile asbestos. If this were a 2010 property, this hazard wouldn't apply.
- The COSHH entry names the actual substances. "Chemicals" isn't sufficient — inspectors and PCs expect to see the products and their hazard classifications referenced.
- Cast iron bath at 90kg is realistic and exceeds any single-person lift threshold. The control measure includes an alternative approach (breaking in situ) if the route assessment fails.
Example 3: Commercial office fit-out — multi-trade coordination
Project: Internal fit-out of a 400m² office space in a 2015 commercial building. Partitioning, mechanical and electrical first and second fix, suspended ceiling, flooring, decoration. Principal contractor managing 5 subcontractor packages.
Duration: 8 weeks.
Hazard table (electrical package only — each subcontractor produces their own)
| Hazard | Who's at risk | Uncontrolled risk (L×S) | Control measures | Residual risk (L×S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working at height — installing containment and luminaires from MEWP and podium steps | Electrical operatives, other trades below | Possible × High = 6 (High) | MEWP: IPAF-trained operator only. Daily pre-use check. Exclusion zone beneath MEWP during use. Podium steps: maximum 2m platform height, guardrail fitted, used on level surfaces only. No work at height from ladders except for brief access (under 15 minutes, low-risk task). | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Electrical shock during connection to live distribution board | Electrical operatives | Possible × High = 6 (High) | Permit to work issued by PC for all work on live or previously-live systems. Safe isolation per BS 7671 and GS38. Personal lock-off with unique key. Proved dead at point of work. All operatives hold current ECS JIB grading (Approved Electrician minimum for isolation work). Buddy system — no lone working on live connections. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| Interface with other trades — drilling through partitions where M&E services already installed | Electrical operatives, mechanical sub's pipework | Possible × Medium = 4 (Medium) | Service routes coordinated via PC's M&E coordination drawing (BIM model or marked-up layout). Check with mechanical subcontractor before penetrating any partition. CAT scanner used before any drilling into walls or floors. Core drilling: permit required from PC for any penetration > 25mm diameter. | Unlikely × Medium = 2 (Low) |
| Manual handling — cable drums (up to 50kg), distribution boards, containment lengths | Electrical operatives | Likely × Medium = 6 (High) | Cable drums on drum stand for dispensing (not lifted by hand). Distribution boards: two-person lift and wall-mounting bracket aligned before lifting. Containment delivered to work area by trolley. Maximum single-person lift 25kg. Route from loading bay to work area assessed — goods lift confirmed available. | Possible × Low = 2 (Low) |
| Noise and dust from chasing, drilling, and cutting containment | All trades in open-plan space | Likely × Medium = 6 (High) | Noisy work restricted to first 2 weeks (agreed with PC). Hearing protection zones marked with signage. RPE (FFP3) for chasing. On-tool extraction for all masonry cutting. Dust screens between active work area and completed/occupied areas. Other trades notified 24 hours before noisy work in shared areas. | Possible × Low = 2 (Low) |
| Fire from hot works or cable overload during testing | All persons on floor | Possible × High = 6 (High) | No hot works in scope (all mechanical connections are press-fit). Cable sizing per BS 7671 design with diversity applied correctly. Testing sequence: visual inspection before energisation. RCD testing before circuits go live. Fire alarm system operational throughout — coordination with PC for any temporary isolation during works. CO2 extinguisher in electrical work area. | Unlikely × High = 3 (Medium) |
| COSHH — PVC solvent-weld cement, cable pulling lubricant, fire-stop mastic | Electrical operatives | Possible × Low = 2 (Low) | SDS obtained and filed with RAMS. Ventilation adequate in open-plan space. Nitrile gloves for solvent-weld and fire-stop application. RPE (FFP2) if solvent-weld used in enclosed risers. Quantities minimised — decant into small containers rather than using bulk tins. | Unlikely × Low = 1 (Low) |
Notes on this example
- This is the electrical subcontractor's risk assessment, not the PC's site-wide one. Each sub produces their own for their specific work package.
- Interface with other trades is a hazard that doesn't appear on single-trade domestic jobs. On a multi-trade commercial site, it's critical.
- The hot works entry explicitly states "not in scope" and explains why — this is good practice. It shows you've considered it and made a deliberate decision, rather than simply omitting it.
- COSHH risk is genuinely low for this scope (small quantities of low-volatility products in a well-ventilated space), so rating it Low is honest, not evasive.
What makes these examples work
The common thread across all three examples:
- Hazards match the actual job. No generic padding, no irrelevant items copied from a template.
- Risk ratings are honest. High-severity hazards don't magically become Low risk after controls. Falls, electrical shock, and asbestos remain Medium residual risk because the consequences remain serious — controls reduce likelihood, not severity.
- Control measures are specific. Named standards (BS 7671, GS38, TG20), specific equipment, specific procedures, specific competence requirements.
- COSHH substances are named. Not "chemicals" — actual products with actual hazard profiles.
- Site-specific details are present. The 1980s loft conversion has asbestos risk. The 2015 office doesn't. The domestic bathroom has occupant risks. The commercial site has multi-trade interface risks.
Adapting these for your work
Don't copy these examples and change the company name. That's exactly the problem with generic templates, and principal contractors will recognise it.
Instead, use the structure and level of detail as a benchmark. When you write your own risk assessment:
- Walk the site and identify the hazards that actually exist there
- Rate risks honestly — if it could kill someone, the severity is high regardless of controls
- Specify controls precisely enough that a new operative could read it and know what to do
- Include only hazards relevant to your scope — and include all of them
For a step-by-step guide on how to write these from scratch, see our guide to writing risk assessments that pass HSE inspection.
If producing site-specific risk assessments for every job is eating your evenings, that's the problem TradeRAMS is built for. You provide the project details and it produces a risk assessment with the right hazards, realistic ratings, and specific control measures for your trade and site conditions. Join the waitlist to get early access.