How to read a risk matrix used in a risk analysis

Having said this, if you are unfamiliar with a risk matrix, they can be overwhelming and difficult to understand. That’s why we’ve written this article, talking all about how to read a risk matrix.

Firstly, let’s discuss exactly what a risk matrix is. 

What is a risk matrix

A risk matrix is a grid that visually represents risks that may occur in a particular situation. At Plant Assessor, we use a 5×5 risk matrix, but you may also see a 3×3 or 4×4 risk matrix around. Each risk rating in the grid is allocated a number between 1 and 25 and is listed as low, medium, high or critical. Each risk rating is also colour-coded to signify the level of risk a hazard poses. Plant Assessor’s risk matrix uses the colours yellow, orange, red and black, signifying low, medium, high and catastrophic risks respectively. 

This matrix format is designed to determine the risk associated with an identified hazard and to convey the consequence and likelihood of risks identified in a risk assessment. Now that we know what a risk assessment matrix is, we can discuss how to read one.

How to read a risk assessment matrix

You will notice on a risk matrix there are ratings along the top of the grid and ratings along the left-hand side of the grid. These are otherwise known as the x and y axes respectively. The x axis details the consequence a person could face if they encountered the hazard. They are ranked from left to right as such:

1. Insignificant

2. Minor

3. Moderate

4. Major

5. Catastrophic

The y axis outlines the likelihood of the risk occurring. They are ranked from top to bottom as such:

1. Almost certain to occur

2. Likely to occur frequently

3. Possibly and likely to occur

4. Unlikely to occur but could happen

5. May occur but rare

So, to read the risk matrix and determine the risk you may be facing, you need to determine the consequence of the risk and the likelihood of the risk occurring. Once you have these details, you can determine where the columns and rows from the X and Y axes meet and you’ll have your risk rating for the hazard you have identified.

How does Plant Assessor use the risk matrix?

At Plant Assessor, we use a risk matrix in our risk assessments to determine the level of risk each hazard that is identified could pose to you and your workers. This gives your assessors or people completing a Plant Assessor machinery risk assessment a full understanding about the potential for an incident to occur once they have answered the question and read the risk management report.

The best part about the risk ratings provided to you in Plant Assessor’s risk assessments is the way they are determined. Many risk ratings are subjective, as they rely on an individual’s judgement to determine the likelihood and consequence of a risk. This means that even though we could both be rating the same risk, you and I could both come up with very different risk ratings. But that’s not a problem here at Plant Assessor, because our Machinery Compliance Engine (MCE) applies the decisions made by our risk assessment experts. The MCE will tell you the actual risk of a hazard when you complete your machinery risk assessment, ensuring there is no subjectivity in the determination of the risk rating, and avoiding any inconsistent or incorrect ratings.

On that note, it’s also important to be aware of a mistake that we at Plant Assessor have seen many people make over the years. When you implement a control and determine the residual risk rating of the hazard, it’s important to understand the consequence does not change in 99% of changes, only the likelihood. This is because controls generally can’t change the potential injury or fatality that may occur during an incident. For this reason in most cases, Plant Assessor will only change the likelihood of a risk occurring, not the consequence, for a residual risk rating, providing you and your workers with an accurate risk rating.

You’ll also notice that the overall risk ratings from the matrix are included on Plant Assessor’s safety labels, differentiating our labels from all others. This provides your workers with a greater understanding of the risks they face relating to the relevant hazard.

For example, in the below machinery risk assessment, one of the risk treatments for the presence of the hazard or crushing/striking/collision represented by the tail swing in a hydraulic excavator is the application of a tail swing area label on the item of machinery. 

The preliminary risk rating is a High 19, and once the label is applied, the residual risk rating has been reduced to Medium 14. These labels are unique to Plant Assessor. If you happen upon other safety labels with risk ratings, it is likely they breach copyright and are not rated correctly, so it’s best to the original Plant Assessor labels. To see more, head to our label store. 

Do you need help assessing the risks associated with your machinery?

Our friendly team of machinery compliance experts can help you see why Ideagen Plant Assessor is the leading software for machinery risk assessments. To find out more or to request a demo, contact us today on 1300 728 852 or info@assessor.com.au.

Alternatively, you can learn more about reducing the issues associated with manual risk matrices by watching our on-demand webinar, Nail machinery risk analysis and mitigation with automation.