Risk Assessment Template Example (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

Risk Assessment Template Example Page 3

Risk Assessment Severity & Likelihood

Likelihood of Harm Severity of Harm

Slight Harm

Moderate Harm Extreme Harm

Very unlikely

Very low risk Very low risk

High risk

Unlikely

Very low risk Medium risk

Very high risk

Likely

Low risk

High risk

Very high risk

Very likely

Low risk

Very high risk

Note: These categorizations and the resulting asymmetry of the matrix arise from the examples of harm and likelihood.

Organisations should adjust the design and size of the matrix to suit their needs.

Definitions for Likelihood of Harm

Very Likely - Typically experienced at least once every six months by an individual.

Likely - Typically experienced once every five years by an individual.

Unlikely - Typically experienced once during the working lifetime of an individual.

Very unlikely - Less than 1% chance of being experienced by an individual during their working lifetime.

Definitions for Severity of Harm

When establishing potential severity of harm, information about the relevant work activity should be considered, together

with:

(a) part(s) of the body likely to be affected; (b) nature of the harm, ranging from slight to extremely harmful:

1. slightly harmful (e.g., superficial injuries; minor cuts and bruises; eye irritation from dust; nuisance and irritation; ill-

health leading to temporary discomfort)

2. harmful (e.g., lacerations; burns; concussion; serious sprains; minor fractures; deafness; dermatitis; asthma; work-

related upper limb disorders; ill-health)

3. extremely harmful (e.g., amputations; major fractures; poisonings; multiple injuries; fatal injuries; occupational cancer;

other severely life shortening diseases; acute fatal diseases)

Risk Assessment Template Example Page 3