• BCCSA
  • Making Safety Simpler
Hazard Guide
Identifying, Assessing, and Controlling Hazards


Select Your Risk Matrix

A risk matrix helps you evaluate hazards by combining two key factors:

We offer three options for risk assessment:

3x3 Risk Matrix (Recommended for most small workplaces)

Hazards are assessed for risk by considering the SEVERITY & PROBABILITY of the hazard causing injury or damage. SEVERITY
3 - LOW
CONCERN/STRESS		 2 - MODERATE
MEDICAL AID		 1 - HIGH
FATALITY/CRITICAL ILLNESS
PROBABILITY C - UNLIKELY
(Unlikely to occur)		 LOW LOW MODERATE
B - LIKELY
(Likely to happen)		 LOW MODERATE HIGH
A - CERTAIN
(Almost certain)		 MODERATE HIGH HIGH
>>> RISK RATING <<<
LOW – Continue working with controls in place
MODERATE – Report to Supervisor to discuss controls and develop plan
HIGH – Stop all work and develop a plan

4x5 Risk Matrix (For more detailed assessment)

Probability Impact
Minor Moderate Major Extreme
Rare Low Low Medium Medium
Unlikely Low Medium Medium Medium
Moderate Medium Medium Medium High
Likely Medium Medium High High
Very Likely Medium High High High
  • Provides more precise risk evaluation.
  • Suitable for complex operations.
  • Uses additional levels of probability and impact.

Custom Matrix

Severity Consequences Increasing Likelihood
People Assets Community Environment
A
Never heard of in the industry
B
Heard of in the industry
C
Happened in the Organization or more than once per year in the industry
D
Happened more than once per year in the Organization
E
Happened more than once per year at the Location
0 No injury or health effect No Damage Cost: $0 No Effect No Effect
1 Slight injury or health effect Slight Damage Cost: Less than $100k Slight Effect Slight Effect
2 Minor injury or health effect Minor Damage Cost: Between $100k & $1m Minor Effect Minor Effect
3 Major injury or health effect Moderate Damage Cost: Between $1m & $10m Moderate Effect Moderate Effect
4 PTD or up to 3 fatalities Major Damage Cost: Between $10m & $100m Major Effect Major Effect
5 More than 3 fatalities Massive Damage Cost: In excess of $100m Massive Effect Massive Effect
  • Can be adapted to match your organization's existing system.
  • Must maintain minimum requirements:
    • At least three levels for severity.
    • At least two levels for likelihood.
    • Clear definitions for each level.

Choose the matrix that:

  • Matches your workplace complexity.
  • Aligns with your organization's standards.
  • Is easy for your workers to understand and use.
  • Provides enough detail for meaningful risk assessment.

Note: Whichever matrix you choose, consistency in its use is key to effective risk assessment.

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