What is a risk matrix?
A risk matrix is a visual tool used to evaluate and prioritize risks by assessing their likelihood and impact. It is commonly used in safety planning to make informed decisions about risk mitigation strategies.
A risk matrix is a grid with two axes: one for the likelihood of an event occurring, and one for the severity of its consequences. Each cell in the matrix represents a specific risk scenario, and the risk level is assigned based on the intersection of the two axes.
Identifying Hazards
- Identify potential safety hazards in the workplace or during specific tasks (e.g., machinery malfunctions, slips and falls, exposure to harmful substances, or fire hazards).
- Hazards may arise from physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or human factors.
Assessing Risk Likelihood and Impact
- Evaluate each hazard in terms of:
- Likelihood: How likely is it for the hazard to result in an incident?
- Impact: What would be the severity of harm or damage if the incident occurs?
- Example safety-specific scales:
- Likelihood:
- Rare: Highly unlikely to occur.
- Likely: Happens often under current conditions.
- Impact:
- Minor: No injury or a first-aid-level injury.
- Catastrophic: Fatality or permanent disability.
- Likelihood:
Plotting Hazards on the Risk Matrix
- Place each hazard on the matrix to determine its risk level based on its likelihood and impact:
- Low Risk: Acceptable; routine precautions are sufficient.
- Medium Risk: Requires monitoring and possible mitigation.
- High Risk: Needs immediate action and controls.
- Critical Risk: Must be addressed urgently to prevent severe consequences.
Prioritizing Risks
- Use the matrix to rank risks by severity and urgency. High and critical risks should take priority for mitigation efforts.
- Focus resources on controlling the most dangerous hazards first.
Developing Risk Controls
- Implement measures to eliminate or reduce risks, following the hierarchy of controls:
- Elimination: Remove the hazard completely.
- Substitution: Replace the hazard with something less risky.
- Engineering Controls: Use physical safeguards (e.g., guardrails, ventilation systems).
- Administrative Controls: Change work policies or procedures (e.g., training, scheduling).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use equipment like helmets, gloves, or goggles.
Monitoring and Reviewing
- Continuously monitor risks and update the risk matrix as conditions, hazards, or controls change.
- Conduct regular safety audits and incident investigations to refine risk assessments and improve controls.