Risk Assessment Template Singapore — Free Guide with Examples

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying workplace hazards, evaluating the risks they pose, and implementing control measures to eliminate or minimise those risks. In Singapore, risk assessments are mandatory under the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations. Every employer must conduct risk assessments for all work activities and review them regularly.

What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment evaluates the likelihood and severity of potential harm from workplace hazards. It is a legal requirement in Singapore and forms the foundation of your workplace safety management system. Without proper risk assessments, you cannot identify what could go wrong or determine the right protective measures.

The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations require every employer and self-employed person to conduct a risk assessment for all work activities carried out in their workplace.

How to Conduct a Risk Assessment: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify Hazards

Walk through your workplace and identify all potential hazards. These may include:

• Physical hazards (slips, falls, moving machinery, noise, heat)
• Chemical hazards (toxic substances, flammable materials, dust)
• Biological hazards (bacteria, viruses, mould)
• Ergonomic hazards (repetitive movements, poor workstation design)
• Psychosocial hazards (stress, violence, harassment)

Step 2: Identify Who Might Be Harmed

Consider all people who could be affected, including employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public. Pay special attention to vulnerable groups such as new workers, young workers, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

Step 3: Evaluate the Risks

For each hazard, assess the likelihood of harm occurring and the potential severity. Use a risk matrix to determine the risk level:

• Likelihood: Rare, Unlikely, Possible, Likely, Almost Certain
• Severity: Negligible, Minor, Moderate, Major, Catastrophic
• Risk Level: Low, Medium, High, Extreme

Step 4: Implement Control Measures

Apply the hierarchy of controls to manage each risk:

1. Elimination — Remove the hazard entirely
2. Substitution — Replace with something less hazardous
3. Engineering controls — Isolate people from the hazard
4. Administrative controls — Change the way people work
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — Last resort protection

Step 5: Record and Review

Document your findings in a risk assessment form and communicate the results to all affected workers. Review and update your risk assessment:

• At least once every 3 years (regulatory requirement)
• After any workplace incident or near-miss
• When work processes or equipment change
• When new hazards are identified

Risk Assessment Template Components

A proper risk assessment form should include the following sections:

• Company and workplace details — Name, address, department, date of assessment
• Work activity description — What is being done and where
• Hazard identification — List all hazards associated with the activity
• Existing control measures — What is already in place to manage each hazard
• Risk evaluation — Likelihood, severity, and resulting risk level
• Additional control measures — What else needs to be done to reduce the risk
• Responsible person — Who is accountable for implementing each measure
• Target date — Deadline for implementing additional controls
• Review date — When the assessment will be reviewed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using generic templates without customising them to your actual workplace
• Failing to involve workers who perform the activities being assessed
• Not reviewing and updating assessments after changes or incidents
• Identifying hazards but not implementing adequate control measures
• Treating risk assessment as a one-time paperwork exercise instead of a living document

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can conduct a risk assessment in Singapore?

Risk assessments should be conducted by competent persons who have been trained in risk management. For bizSAFE Level 3 and above, the risk assessment must be conducted or approved by an approved Workplace Safety and Health auditor or consultant.

How often must risk assessments be reviewed?

The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations require risk assessments to be reviewed at least once every 3 years, or whenever there is a change in work processes, equipment, or materials that may introduce new hazards.

What happens if I do not have a risk assessment?

Failure to conduct a risk assessment is a legal offence under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. Penalties can include fines of up to SGD 200,000 and imprisonment. Beyond legal consequences, the absence of risk assessments puts your workers at risk and exposes your business to significant liability.

Get Professional Risk Assessment Help

Sage Shield Safety Consultants provides professional risk assessment services for all industries in Singapore. We help you identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement effective control measures that protect your workers and meet regulatory requirements.

Call: +65 8332 8220
WhatsApp: Chat with us
Email: info@sageshield.com