This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying hazards, rating risk and recording controls, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and saved to Google Docs format if required. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout with styles to match the risk-ratings which are input using select boxes pre-populated with all possible risk ratings. All text is in Calibri font for improved readability.
The following document labelling is included in the footer:
- Form number and title
- Information-classification
- Version
- Page number / total pages
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Excavation Operations Risk Assessment
This fully completed excavation operations risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers a typical range of hazards, risks and associated control measures for all excavation activities including digging, trenching, boring and piling and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Excavation Operations Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with excavation operations including;
- Excavation collapse and burial — collapse of excavation sides burying operatives causing fatal crush injuries and asphyxiation
- Strike on buried services — plant or hand tools striking live gas mains, electricity cables or water services causing explosion, electrocution or flooding
- Falls into excavations — persons, plant or vehicles falling into open excavations causing fatal and serious injuries
- Flooding and water ingress — sudden water ingress from rain, rising water table or burst mains flooding the excavation
- Toxic and oxygen-deficient atmospheres — accumulation of carbon dioxide, methane or hydrogen sulphide in deep excavations causing asphyxiation
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating of Substantial, and a comprehensive listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Shoring, trench boxes or battering designed by a competent person; inspected at start of each shift
- Excavated material and plant kept at least 0.5 metres from excavation edge
- Services survey (CAT and Genny sweep) before any excavation; hand digging within 500mm of known services
- Rigid barriers or edge protection at least 900mm high around all open excavations; vehicle stop blocks
- Dewatering equipment available; weather monitoring; emergency evacuation plan for flooding
- Atmospheric monitoring in deep excavations; forced ventilation; rescue plan
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management reduces overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries — improving clarity and helping to highlight risks and mandatory controls.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Risk Assessment Template Suitable For?
This excavation operations risk assessment template is suitable for health and safety advisers, site managers, civil engineering supervisors and any employer with a duty to assess risks associated with excavation works. It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.