Safety risk assessment template

Enhance your safety programs and (workplace) protection efforts.

Start from a safety risk assessment template that automatically returns actionable feedback in PDF reports.

Pointerpro is the 2-in-1 software that combines assessment building with personalized PDF report generation.

What is a safety risk assessment?

A safety risk assessment focuses on identifying and evaluating potential hazards that could cause physical harm to people, within a particular context. They can also encompass elements of health and environmental safety, such as exposure to hazardous substances, ergonomic risks, and potential environmental contamination.

Safety risk assessment involves systematically examining processes, activities, and environments to determine the following:

The ultimate goal is to enhance safety by proactively addressing hazards and ensuring compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations. That’s why objective measurement, feedback and streamlined reporting are crucial.

Building digital questionnaires with auto-personalized feedback reports allows you to not only enable needed policy measures, but also to engage individual respondents to adapt necessary behaviors. The result? Actionable progress on every level.

Note: In contrast, a generic risk assessment pertains to any or several types of risk. In other words, it’s not limited to safety. This broader evaluation might include financial risks, operational risks, strategic risks, and more. While safety risk assessment is a subset of risk assessment, the latter can apply to any area where uncertainty and potential negative outcomes are a concern.

3 reasons to use Pointerpro as a safety risk assessment tool

Interactive user experience

With the Questionnaire Builder, you get to create an engaging assessment. How? With numerous design and layout options, useful widgets, and countless question types.

Refined, score-based analysis

Our custom scoring engine helps you quantify and categorize diverse answers. The result? An objective and nuanced assessment of the safety risk posture.

Automated feedback in PDF

Thanks to your setup in the Report Builder, respondents instantly get a detailed PDF report: with personalized responses, useful information, and your brand design.

Interactive user experience

Numerous design options, useful widgets, and countless question types.

Refined, score-based analysis

The custom scoring engine helps you quantify answers for easier decision making.

Automated feedback in PDF

For each respondent or stakeholder! With personalized responses, useful information, and your brand design.

1.500+ businesses worldwide build assessments with Pointerpro

What are different steps to build an effective safety risk assessment template?

Building an effective safety risk assessment template with questionnaires and auto-generated feedback reports involves a few key steps:

Define objectives and scope: Clearly outline the purpose of the safety risk assessment and determine the specific areas, departments, processes, and activities that the assessment will cover.
Identify key hazards: Develop a comprehensive list of common hazards relevant to your organization or industry, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
Develop the questionnaire: Create specific, clear, and relevant questions that address the identified hazards, ensuring the questions are designed to elicit detailed and useful responses.
Incorporate conditional logic: Design the questionnaire to adapt questions based on previous answers, making the assessment more dynamic and tailored to the respondent’s situation.
Create a scoring system: Develop a method to quantify the risk levels based on the responses, assigning numerical values or risk levels to different answers to enable consistent and objective evaluation of risks. Our Product Director, Bruno, gives a brief introduction on custom scoring in the video below.
Design feedback report templates: Use the scoring system to develop an algorithm that generates feedback reports automatically, providing respondents with immediate, tailored feedback on their risk levels and recommended actions.
Test and refine: Conduct pilot tests with a small group of users to identify any issues or areas for improvement, and refine the questionnaire and reporting system based on their feedback.
Implement and monitor: Roll out the finalized template across the organization, providing training and support as needed. Continuously monitor its effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary based on user feedback and changes in the workplace environment.

Why should you create a scored assessment? Consider these benefits.

Circling back to the importance of having a scoring system – otherwise known as “custom scoring.” Creating a scored safety risk assessment offers several key benefits.

Here are the main ones:

Objectivity: A scored assessment ensures that risks are evaluated objectively and consistently. By assigning numerical values to responses, you eliminate subjective judgment and provide a standardized way to measure risk levels.
Quantifiable results: Scoring allows for quantifiable results, making it easier to analyze and compare risks across different areas, departments, or time periods. This helps in prioritizing which risks need immediate attention.
Clear benchmarking: With a scoring system, you can establish benchmarks and thresholds to identify high-risk areas or activities. This enables you to set clear criteria for acceptable levels of risk and determine when corrective actions are necessary.
Enhanced decision-making: Quantitative scores provide a solid foundation for decision-making. Management can more easily allocate resources and implement control measures based on the severity and likelihood of identified risks.
Feedback and reporting: A scoring system allows for efficient tracking of risk levels over time. By monitoring scores, you can assess the effectiveness of implemented safety measures and make data-driven adjustments to improve overall safety.
Engagement and awareness: Providing a clear, scored feedback report can increase engagement and awareness among employees. Understanding their own risk scores can motivate individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining a safer workplace.
Compliance and documentation: Scored assessments create a documented trail of risk evaluations, which can be useful for demonstrating compliance with safety regulations and standards during audits or inspections.
Implement and monitor: Roll out the finalized template across the organization, providing training and support as needed. Continuously monitor its effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary based on user feedback and changes in the workplace environment.

Health risk assessment vs safety risk assessment template

It’s important to not conflate health risk assessments and safety risk assessments because they address fundamentally different aspects of risk management. Both types of assessments aim to protect individuals, but they differ significantly in their focus, methodologies, and the immediacy of the interventions they propose.

A more elaborate explanation of a few key points:

Training assessment questionnaire template:

Distinct focus: Health risk assessments focus on long-term health outcomes and chronic risks related to lifestyle, medical conditions, and environmental exposures. Safety risk assessments, on the other hand, address immediate physical hazards and risks that can cause accidents or injuries in the workplace. Mixing these focuses can lead to inadequate or misplaced risk management strategies.
Different methodologies: Health risk assessments typically involve gathering personal health data, analyzing medical histories, and providing long-term health recommendations. Safety risk assessments involve identifying physical hazards, evaluating the potential for immediate harm, and implementing control measures to prevent accidents. Using the wrong methodology can result in ineffective or irrelevant assessments and interventions.
Varied objectives: The objective of a health risk assessment is to improve overall health and prevent long-term health issues by identifying and managing risks related to personal health and lifestyle. The objective of a safety risk assessment is to prevent immediate physical harm by identifying and controlling hazards in the environment or workplace. Conflating these objectives can lead to inadequate protection and oversight.
Specific action plans: Each type of assessment requires different action plans. Health risk assessments might recommend lifestyle changes, medical check-ups, or wellness programs, while safety risk assessments might suggest changes in procedures, equipment safety measures, or personal protective equipment. Conflating the two can result in incomplete or ineffective action plans.
Regulatory and compliance differences: Health and safety regulations and compliance standards vary significantly. Health risk assessments are often governed by health and wellness regulations, while safety risk assessments are regulated by occupational health and safety standards. Mixing these frameworks can lead to non-compliance and legal issues.
Effective communication and reporting: The feedback and reports generated from each type of assessment serve different purposes and audiences. Health risk assessment reports are tailored to individuals, focusing on personal health improvements, while safety risk assessment reports are intended to inform organizational safety practices and compliance. Combining these reports can create confusion and dilute their effectiveness.

40 safety risk assessment example questions

Here are 40 safety risk assessment example questions divided into 5 categories:

10 fire safety risk assessment example questions

How frequently are fire extinguishers inspected and maintained?
How comprehensive is the fire safety training provided to employees?
How effectively is the fire evacuation plan communicated to all employees?
To what extent are fire exits clear of obstructions and properly marked?
How often are fire alarm systems tested and maintained?
How rigorous is the inspection of electrical systems and equipment for fire hazards?
How well are flammable materials stored and managed to minimize fire risk?
How accessible and effective is the system for reporting fire safety hazards?
How regularly are fire drills conducted, and what is the participation rate among employees?
How reliable are the emergency lighting systems, and how frequently are they tested?

These fire safety risk assessment template questions go into the specifics of fire safety practices, which makes them suitable for nuanced responses. Each question is designed to assess different aspects of fire safety management, from the frequency of inspections to the effectiveness of training and the clarity of evacuation plans.

10 home safety risk assessment example questions

How often are smoke detectors tested and their batteries replaced?
How well are electrical outlets and cords maintained to prevent fire hazards?
How effective is the home’s emergency plan for natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods)?
How secure are windows and doors against unauthorized entry?
To what extent are hazardous substances (e.g., cleaning agents, medications) safely stored?
How regularly are steps and handrails inspected and maintained to prevent falls?
How effective are the home’s security systems (e.g., alarms, cameras) in deterring intruders?
How accessible are emergency contacts and important documents in case of an emergency?
How well is the home’s lighting (e.g., outdoor, hallway) maintained to prevent accidents?
How frequently are household appliances checked for safety and maintenance issues?

The home safety risk assessment template questions are crafted to address critical aspects of maintaining a safe living environment. They focus on a range of potential hazards and safety measures, from fire prevention and emergency preparedness to home security and fall prevention.

Each question is designed to probe specific safety practices and maintenance routines, such as the regular testing of smoke detectors, the secure storage of hazardous substances, and the upkeep of safety features like handrails and lighting.

Developing an assessment based on these safety risk assessment template questions is useful for homeowners, renters, landlords, property managers, insurance companies, safety inspectors, emergency preparedness planners, home improvement professionals, health and safety consultants, and community organizations.

10 workplace safety risk assessment example questions

How frequently are workplace safety inspections conducted to identify potential hazards?
Are safety protocols and emergency procedures clearly communicated and accessible to all employees?
How well are personal protective equipment (PPE) needs identified and met for different job roles?
Are ergonomics considerations incorporated into workstation designs to prevent musculoskeletal disorders?
How effectively are hazardous materials stored and managed according to safety regulations?
Are employees trained in proper procedures for handling machinery and equipment safely?
How regularly are fire safety systems, including alarms and extinguishers, tested and maintained?
Are there established procedures for reporting and addressing workplace safety incidents or near-misses?
How well are work areas maintained to prevent slip, trip, and fall hazards?
Are regular audits conducted to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations?

Workplace safety comes with a variety of aspects. All of them are critical to maintaining a safe work environment. The workplace safety risk assessment questions address the frequency of safety inspections, communication of safety protocols, PPE provision,and much more.

All these areas are crucial for identifying and mitigating risks that could lead to accidents or health issues. The questions are a useful basis for safety managers, human resources professionals, facility managers, compliance officers, and health and safety consultants. By using these questions, these professionals can assess and enhance workplace safety measures, ensuring a safer and more compliant work environment.

10 food safety risk assessment example questions

How frequently are food storage areas cleaned and sanitized?
Are temperature controls for refrigerators and freezers regularly monitored and maintained?
How effectively are food preparation surfaces and utensils cleaned and sanitized?
Are food allergens clearly identified and properly managed to prevent cross-contamination?
How well are food products labeled with expiration dates and storage instructions?
Are employees trained in proper food handling and hygiene practices?
How regularly is waste managed and disposed of to prevent contamination?
Are there procedures in place for inspecting incoming food shipments for quality and safety?
How effectively are pest control measures implemented and monitored?
Are there protocols for responding to food safety incidents or recalls?

The questions are designed to cover key areas critical for maintaining food safety and preventing contamination. They address cleaning and sanitation practices, temperature control, allergen management, labeling, employee training, waste management, food inspection, pest control, and incident response.

These food safety risk assessment template questions help ensure that food handling and preparation processes meet safety standards, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and contamination. They can be a useful basis for food safety managers, restaurant owners, food production facilities, quality assurance professionals, and health inspectors. They can use them to evaluate and improve food safety practices to protect consumers and comply with regulations.

10 training assessment example questions to evaluate customer service training

How effectively did the customer service training improve your communication skills with customers?
To what extent has the customer service training helped you resolve customer issues more efficiently?
How useful were the role-playing exercises in preparing you for real customer interactions?
How well did the training cover techniques for handling difficult or irate customers?
How relevant was the training content to your daily customer service tasks?
How confident are you in applying the customer service strategies learned from the training?
How clear and understandable were the customer service training materials?
How effective was the feedback provided during the customer service training sessions?
How engaging were the customer service training sessions?
How likely are you to recommend this customer service training to others in your organization?

The customer service training assessment template questions measure the impact of the training on participants’ communication and problem-solving skills with customers. These questions evaluate how well the training improved handling of customer issues, the usefulness of role-playing exercises, and the relevance of the content to daily tasks. The assessment also covers participants’ confidence in applying the training and their satisfaction with the training materials and overall experience.

What Pointerpro clients are saying

"We use Pointerpro for all types of surveys and assessments across our global business, and employees love its ease of use and flexible reporting."

“It’s a great advantage to have formulas. There could be hundreds of formulas, but the customer only sees the easy-to-read report. If you’re looking for something like that, it’s really nice to work with Pointerpro.”

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How often should you do a safety risk assessment?

The frequency of conducting a safety risk assessment can vary depending on several factors, but generally, it should be done on the following key moments:

Annually: A standard practice is to conduct a comprehensive safety risk assessment at least once a year to ensure that all safety protocols are up-to-date and effective.
When changes occur: Perform assessments whenever there are significant changes in the workplace, such as new equipment, changes in processes, renovations, or the introduction of new hazards.
Following Incidents: Conduct an assessment after any workplace incident or near-miss to determine if there are any underlying issues or new risks that need addressing.
Regulatory requirements: Adhere to any specific regulations or standards applicable to your industry, which may dictate how often assessments should be conducted.
For continuous Improvement: Some organizations adopt a more proactive approach with periodic reviews, such as semi-annually or quarterly, to continuously improve safety measures and quickly address emerging risks.

Regular assessments help in maintaining a safe environment, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a culture of safety within any organization or community.

Create your first safety risk assessment today