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Dry Stone Walling Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe the walling job — wall height, site location, terrain, heritage status. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant dry stone walling risk assessment covering manual handling, tools, work at height and site-specific hazards in minutes.
Used by dry stone wallers, heritage contractors and rural conservation teams across the UK
🪨 Working on a heritage structure or scheduled monument? Mention it in the job description — we will include archaeological sensitivity controls, heritage material handling protocols, and any restricted working methods required by conservation guidelines.
Legal requirements for dry stone walling work
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all employers and self-employed persons must ensure the health and safety of themselves and others affected by their work. For dry stone wallers, this includes managing risks from manual handling, hand tools, unstable structures, working at height, and site-specific hazards such as steep terrain, livestock, and weather exposure.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, specifically Regulation 3, require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to be carried out before work begins. This assessment must identify hazards, evaluate who might be harmed, and document the control measures in place. A written risk assessment is expected by landowners, heritage organisations, principal contractors, and the HSE.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, and where it cannot be avoided, to reduce the risk of injury. Dry stone walling involves repeated lifting and positioning of heavy, irregularly shaped stones — often weighing 20-50kg or more. The assessment must document safe lifting techniques, team lifting procedures, and the use of mechanical aids where appropriate.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply when constructing or repairing walls above 2 metres, or when working on scaffolding or raised platforms. All work at height must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons using suitable equipment. Even low walls present a fall risk when working on uneven or sloping ground, and this must be addressed in the risk assessment.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Tell us the wall type (field boundary, garden wall, retaining wall, heritage restoration), wall height, site location, terrain (flat, sloping, steep), and any specific hazards (livestock, public access, scheduled monument status). If you are working alone, mention it and we will include lone working controls.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant dry stone walling risk assessment referencing the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and all relevant health and safety legislation.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to the landowner, heritage officer, or principal contractor, or file it for your own compliance records. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every dry stone walling risk assessment is written in full — covering all site and activity hazards relevant to your specific job.
Manual handling of heavy, irregular stones — lifting technique and team lifting
Use of hand tools — hammers, chisels, pinch bars, walling bars
Work at height — walls over 2 metres, scaffolding, mobile platforms
Unstable structures — working on partially collapsed or unsafe walls
Slips, trips and falls on uneven, sloping or wet ground
Weather exposure — cold, wind, rain, sun exposure
Livestock proximity — cattle, sheep, working near animals
Public access — walkers, cyclists, proximity to rights of way
Vehicle movements — deliveries of stone, machinery on site
Dust and stone chips — eye protection and respiratory hazards
Lone working in remote rural locations
Heritage and archaeological sensitivity — listed structures, scheduled monuments
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 compliance
Work at Height Regulations 2005 compliance
Works for
From field boundaries to heritage restoration, Anyrisks covers every type of dry stone walling work.
What customers say
"I do a lot of National Trust work and they always ask for a risk assessment. Anyrisks gave me something professional that covered the heritage status, site access and manual handling all in one document."
Tom W.
Dry stone waller, Peak District
"We do field boundary repairs across the Yorkshire Dales. The assessment covered livestock, steep slopes, lone working and weather exposure — exactly what we needed for each job."
Rachel M.
Heritage walling contractor, North Yorkshire
"I use Anyrisks for every restoration job on listed structures. It references the Manual Handling Regs and Work at Height Regs properly — landowners and conservation officers are happy with it every time."
David C.
Conservation waller, Lake District
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 compliance | ✓ | ✗ |
| Site-specific hazards included (terrain, livestock, heritage) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers new builds, repairs and restoration work | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lone working and remote location controls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment for dry stone walling work?
Yes — under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all work activities require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Dry stone walling involves manual handling of heavy stones, use of hand tools, work at height, and uneven ground — all of which must be documented.
Does it cover work in rural and heritage sites?
Yes — describe the site location, terrain and environmental conditions (steep slopes, livestock, public access, heritage designation) and the assessment will include site-specific controls, environmental protection measures, and any access restrictions required.
Is it suitable for sole traders and small walling businesses?
Absolutely — whether you are a self-employed dry stone waller or run a small heritage conservation business, Anyrisks produces a professional risk assessment tailored to the specific wall type, height, location and materials you describe.
Does it include manual handling controls for lifting stones?
Yes — manual handling is the primary hazard in dry stone walling. The assessment includes lifting technique controls, team lifting procedures, use of lifting aids (slings, hoists, trolleys where applicable), and maximum stone weight guidance aligned with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Can I use it for both new builds and restoration work?
Yes — describe whether the job is new construction, wall repair, restoration of a heritage structure, or rebuilding a collapsed section. Each type of work has different hazards (removal of loose stones, working with unstable structures, archaeological sensitivity) and the assessment will reflect this.
Does it meet requirements for work in national parks and conservation areas?
The risk assessment covers health and safety requirements under UK law. For work in national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or on listed structures, you may also need separate planning or heritage consent — but the health and safety risk assessment produced by Anyrisks is the document required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
How long does it take?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the wall type, height, site conditions, and any specific hazards (steep ground, proximity to public rights of way, listed structure status) and Anyrisks generates a complete, regulation-referenced dry stone walling risk assessment instantly.
Is it accepted by landowners and heritage organisations?
Yes — Anyrisks produces a fully written, professionally formatted risk assessment in the standard format expected by landowners, National Trust properties, local authorities, and heritage conservation officers. The document references all relevant UK health and safety legislation.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator