How to use the Risk Matrix
For each potential Safety Issue on a Job Site, consult the below table to assess the potential likelihood of harm occurring and the consequences of harm occurring. The combination of these two factors will result in a risk rating of extreme, high, medium or low. Example: When a potential Safety Issue has a likelihood of “Possible” and a consequence of “Severe”, then according to the below table, the matrix will return a risk rating of “HIGH”.
Once you have identified the potential Safety Issue and implemented control measures, again assess the likelihood of harm occurring and the consequences of harm occurring in order to produce a new risk rating to determine whether it is now safe for crew to work in the area. Control Measures are Elimination, Substitute, Isolation, Engineering, Administration and PPE:
1. Certain to Occur
expected to occur in all circumstances (every time)
2. Very Likely
Will probably occur in most circumstances (1 in 5 times)
3. Possible
Might occur occassionally (1 in 50 times)
4. Unlikely
Could happen at some time (1 in 100 times)
5. Rare
May happen only exceptional circumstances
1. Catastrophic
Many injuries fatalities and widespread medical attention required
2. Severe
Extensive injuries hospitalisation possible fatalities, long term disabilities
3. Major
Medical treatment required but no fatalities
4. Moderate
Minor injuries no fatalities first aid treatment required
5. Minor
No injuries or fatalities little or no personal support required