Free Pilates Risk Assessment Template for Teachers

What Is a Pilates Risk Assessment and How Do You Complete One?

As Pilates teachers, especially those entering into teaching or running their own sessions, it’s essential to understand not just the “how” of movement, but the “why” of safety. One of the key tools we use to ensure that our classes run smoothly and responsibly is a risk assessment.

Pilates Risk Assessment

A risk assessment is a simple but powerful process that helps identify potential hazards in your teaching environment and outlines how to reduce or eliminate them. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive, thinking ahead to create a safer space for both clients and yourself.

It might sound formal or intimidating, but in practice, it’s very practical and grounded in common sense. You’re likely already doing it informally every time you check the room, clear the floor, or adjust someone’s form to avoid injury.

Why It Matters

• Professionalism: Completing risk assessments shows you take your role seriously and have considered client wellbeing.

• Legal & Insurance: Many insurance providers and venues require them as part of their terms.

• Confidence: It gives both you and your clients peace of mind.

How to Complete a Pilates Risk Assessment

When completing your risk assessment, the aim is to score each potential hazard by assessing:

1. Likelihood – How likely is it that this hazard could cause harm?Rate it on a scale of 1 to 5:

   • 1 = Unlikely

   • 2 = Possible

   • 3 = Quite Possible

   • 4 = Likely

   • 5 = Very Likely

2. Severity – If harm did occur, how serious would the consequences be?Again, rate it from 1 to 5:

   • 1 = Insignificant (Minor injury/near miss)

   • 2 = Minor (First aid, but able to work)

   • 3 = Moderate (e.g., injury requiring time off)

   • 4 = Major (e.g., serious injury or disease)

   • 5 = Critical (e.g., life-threatening, permanent injury or death)

You then multiply these two numbers together:

Risk Rating = Likelihood x Severity

Example:

A slippery floor near a stretching area might have:

• Likelihood = 4 (Likely)

• Severity = 3 (Moderate)

• Risk Rating = 4 × 3 = 12

This helps you determine the level of risk and what action to take:

• 1–2= Low risk  → (No further action required)

• 3–10 = Medium risk → (Take reasonable steps to reduce and monitor)

• 11–25 = High risk → STOP! Immediate action required

  
  

This approach makes it clear and consistent when deciding which issues to address first helping you create a safe, supportive teaching space for everyone.

Wrapping It Up

Taking the time to complete a proper risk assessment doesn’t just tick a box—it shows your commitment to safety, professionalism, and quality as a Pilates instructor. And the good news? Once you’ve done it once, it becomes a quick and easy habit.

Use the FREE downloadable template (CLICK THE LINK BELOW) to make your classes safer, your insurance happy, and your confidence sky-high.