RISK RATING – RISK MATRIX AND DEFINITIONS

LIKELIHOOD	INSIGNIFICANT	MINOR	MODERATE	MAJOR	CATASTROPHIC
ALMOST CERTAIN	3 HIGH	3 HIGH	4 ACUTE	4 ACUTE	4 ACUTE
LIKELY	2 MODERATE	3 HIGH	3 HIGH	4 ACUTE	4 ACUTE
POSSIBLE	1 LOW	2 MODERATE	3 HIGH	4 ACUTE	4 ACUTE
UNLIKELY	1 LOW	1 LOW	2 MODERATE	3 HIGH	4 ACUTE
RARE	1 LOW	1 LOW	2 MODERATE	3 HIGH	3 HIGH

SCORE

ACTION

4AACUTE

DO NOT PROCEED

3HHIGH

Review before work starts.

2MMODERATE

Ensure control measures in place.

1LLOW

Monitor and keep records.

Hierarchy of Controls

Elimination

Remove the hazard.

Substitution

Replace the hazard.

Engineering

Isolate the hazard.

Administrative

Change the work.

PPE

Notes on Hierarchy of Controls: Elimination methods are the most effective and preferred when controlling a hazard. Substitution is the second most effective method of controlling a hazard. Engineering by isolation is the third most effective, while Administrative Controls by changing the work is the fourth most effective method. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is the least effective method.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

FOOT PROTECTION

HAND PROTECTION

HEAD PROTECTION

HEARING PROTECTION

EYE PROTECTION

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

FACE PROTECTION

HIGH-VIS CLOTHING

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

FALL PROTECTION

SUN PROTECTION

HAIR/JEWELLERY SECURED

Likelihood

Almost certain – will occur in most circumstances when the activity is undertaken [greater than 90% chance of occurring]

Likely – will probably occur in most circumstances when the activity is undertaken (51 to 90% chance of occurring)

Possible – might occur when the activity is undertaken (21 to 50% chance of occurring)

Unlikely – could happen at some time when the activity is undertaken (1 to 20% chance of occurring)

Rare – may happen only in exceptional circumstances when the activity is undertaken (less than 1% chance of occurring)

Consequence

Insignificant – First aid treatment, minor injury, no time off work

Minor – Single occurrence of medical treatment, minor injury, no time off work

Moderate – Multiple medical treatments, non-permanent injury, less than 10 days off work

Major – Extensive injuries requiring major medical treatment (e.g. surgery), serious or permanent injury/illness, greater than 10 days off work

Catastrophic – Catastrophic injury/illness requiring life support, actual or potential fatality, greater than 250 days off work

Risk Rating Priority for Action

Rating	Risk acceptance guide	Action	Recommended action time frame
Acute	Not acceptable	Cease or isolate source of risk Implement further risk controls Monitor, review and document controls	Immediate Up to 1 month Ongoing
High	Generally (in most circumstances) not acceptable	Implement risk controls if reasonably practicable Monitor, review and document controls	1 to 3 months Ongoing
Medium	Generally (in most circumstances) acceptable	Implement risk controls if reasonably practicable Monitor, review and document controls	3 to 6 months Ongoing
Low	Acceptable	Monitor and review	Ongoing