#Mid level scrutiny how to

Risks pose real-time threats, and you have to be able to make informed decisions to mitigate them quickly. Ultimately, it's best for an organization to be able to adjust the size and design of its risk matrix as needed. But the latter allows for more highly targeted assessments. Should an entire company employ a single common risk assessment matrix or should each department have its own specific one? The former allows for a consistent approach. For some tasks, it becomes questionable whether this level of granularity is really necessary. Some argue that a 5x5 matrix is too complex and too much work to use for smaller projects. What are the drawbacks to using a 5x5 risk matrix? Of the three matrix sizes, the 5x5 format allows EHS professionals to conduct risk assessments with the most detail and clarity. What are the benefits of using a 5x5 risk matrix? Moderate (the hazard can result in serious injury or illness, property or equipment damage).Probable (not surprised, will occur in a given time).Occasional (likely to occur occasionally during standard operations).When this occurs, it's possible for common safety hazards to be taken less seriously despite still posing potential risk.Ī 5x5 risk matrix contains 5 levels of probability and severity. Too small or too large a matrix may not give a sufficient, or too vague of an assessment, so for many projects, a 4x4 matrix is 'just right.' What are the drawbacks to using a 4x4 risk matrix?Ĭritics argue that it can become all too easy for potential risks to be classified in the medium range and therefore for management to view risk assessments as a 'tick the box' exercise. The 4x4 risk matrix offers more complexity than the simpler 3x3 template. What are the benefits of using a 4x4 risk matrix? Catastrophic (the hazard is capable of causing death and illness).Critical (the hazard can result in serious injury or illness, property or equipment damage).Marginal (the hazard could cause illness, injury, or equipment damage but its effects would not be serious).

Negligible (the hazard will not result in serious injury or illness, or has a remote possibility of damage).

Frequent (likely to occur, to be expected).

Probable (not surprised, will occur in given time).

#Mid level scrutiny how to

For more information on how to perform a risk assessment, see our more detailed guide.Ī 4x4 risk matrix contains 4 levels of probability and severity.įor example, a standard 4x4 matrix has the following values: Likelihood Probable: Likely to occur often during standard operationsīy multiplying a hazard's probability and severity values, you can calculate the acceptability level of its risk.Occasional: Likely to occur some time during standard operations.Improbable: Unlikely but possible to occur during standard operations.Critical: The hazard may commonly cause death or major system loss, requiring immediate cessation of the unsafe activity or operation.Moderate: The hazard may commonly cause severe injury or illness or major system damage, requiring immediate corrective action.Marginal: The hazard may either be controlled, or would commonly result in less than minor, illness, injury or system damage.A 3x3 risk matrix has 3 levels of probability and 3 levels of severity.įor example, a standard 3x3 risk matrix contains the following values: Severity: EHS workers assess risks by evaluating the severity of a potential hazard, as well as the probability that it will occur.Ī risk assessment matrix contains a set of values for a hazard’s probability and severity. As a refresher, a risk matrix is a tool that safety professionals use to assess the various risks of workplace hazards.