Rate a risk by how likely it is and how serious the consequences would be, and see its risk level on a 5×5 matrix — the basis of a SWMS or JSA risk assessment.
| 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
traqR keeps your safety records, SWMS and site documents against each job so risk assessments are always with the work they cover.
Start free trialJudge how likely the hazardous event is to happen, from rare through to almost certain, on a 1–5 scale.
Judge how serious the outcome would be if it did happen, from insignificant through to severe.
Multiplying the two gives a risk score, which falls into a band — low, medium, high or extreme — each with an expected response.
A risk matrix is a simple tool that rates a risk by combining how likely a hazardous event is with how serious its consequences would be. The two scores multiply to a risk level — commonly low, medium, high or extreme — which guides how urgently and thoroughly the risk must be controlled.
Rate each hazard in your safe work method statement or job safety analysis before controls (the raw risk), apply your controls, then re-rate the residual risk. The matrix shows whether your controls have brought the risk down to an acceptable level.
Broadly: low risks are managed by routine procedures; medium risks need specific controls and monitoring; high risks require senior review before work proceeds; and extreme risks mean work should not start until the risk is eliminated or substantially reduced. Follow your organisation’s risk management procedure.
No. Under WHS law you must eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and where you can’t, minimise them using the hierarchy of controls — even for low-rated risks. The matrix helps prioritise, not excuse inaction.
This calculator is a general risk-rating aid. Risk management must follow WHS legislation, codes of practice and your organisation’s procedures, applying the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risk so far as is reasonably practicable. Ratings are a matter of competent judgement.
traqR keeps SWMS, risk assessments and site records against each job so they’re always with the work. Try it free for 14 days.