Risk Assessment Matrix

What is the Risk Assessment Matrix?

A risk matrix, known as a Likelihood-Severity Matrix, is a tool used in health and safety to assess risks based on their likelihood and potential impact.

This visual representation helps prioritize risks and allocate resources for mitigation efforts.

A risk matrix, also known as a Probability-Impact(Consequence) Matrix, is a tool used in health and safety to assess risks based on their likelihood and potential impact.

How to read the Risk Assessment Matrix?

A risk matrix involves understanding two main axes: likelihood and severity.

Likelihood: This axis represents the probability or frequency of a hazardous event occurring, such as an accident or incident. It often ranges from low to high probability or frequency.

Severity: This axis indicates the potential impact or consequences of the hazardous event if it were to occur, ranging from minor to catastrophic consequences.

The intersection of these two axes on the risk matrix grid denotes the overall risk level associated with a specific hazard.

Typically, the risk levels are color-coded or numbered for easy interpretation, with each cell representing a different level of risk, ranging from low to extreme.

For example, a hazard with a high likelihood and severe consequences would be classified as high risk and would require immediate attention for mitigation.

Understanding and interpreting the risk matrix allows organizations to prioritize hazards and allocate resources effectively to control risks and enhance health and safety in the workplace.

Scenario 1:

A worker is working at a height with the help of a Ladder in an awkward posture and trying to overreach beyond the Ladder limit. The height is considered around 20 meters from the ground level. No Full-body harness was provided. No Safety helmet or any other PPE was provided. The ladder is also not secured. No safety net was installed.

Solution :

By considering the worst-case scenario, what is the level of LIKLIHOOD may be considered? The answer is VERY LIKELY. In the absence of a Safety belt and trying to overreach while working in an awkward posture will increase the likelihood of falling from the Ladder.

What is the level of SEVERITY? A possible answer is MAJOR INJURY. It may lead to multiple fractures, Neck injury, backbone injury, and Fatality to the worker from falling from the 20-meter height.

Then, What is the level of RISK? The level of RISK is HIGH as per RISK MATRIX (likelihood X Severity )( Very Likely X Major Injury ) (3 X 3)( RED ZONE).

The calculation steps are:

The Level of Likelihood - VERY LIKELY

The Risk Rating of Likelihood - 3

The Level of Severity - Major Injury

The Risk Rating of Severity - 3

The formula of RISK - LIKELIHOOD X SEVERITY

Then, RISK = VERY LIKELY X MAJOR INJURY

RISK RATING = 3 x 3

RISK Rating = 9

Zone of the RISK = RED ZONE

Why to use the Risk Assessment Matrix?

1. increase the risk awareness
2. Helps to identify the level of Risk
3. Helps to identify the likelihood Level
4. Helps to identify the Severity level
5. Helps to determine Risk rating ( HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW)
6. Easy understanding (Visual Presentation) for the workers/Managers ( Green, Yellow, Red Colour)
7. Helps to decide to reduce the level of Risk /Likelihood / Severity
8. Helps to decide Risk Priority ( Higher Risk-Higher Priority) ( Lower Risk-Lower Priority)

Group Discussion :

1. Draw a Risk Assessment matrix by considering any hazardous condition / unsafe behavior at your workplace and discuss the level of Risk.
2. Why Risk Matrix is used?
3. What do you mean by the Risk Matrix?

Review your Learning ( Take away) :

Try this Google quiz for practice about the Risk Matrix.

https://forms.gle/q1zff5WM58KeB4V9A or Click on the image for the Risk Matrix Quiz.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.

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