
A risk matrix is a graph of the severity or likelihood of an unwanted event. There are two major categories used to assess a risk, which are severity and probability. The severity of the risk falls within 5 categories which include: insignificant, marginal, moderate, critical, and catastrophic.
Full Answer
What does the risk severity Matrix depict?
Risk assessment matrix is an analytical tool used to define the level of risk by plotting the likelihood of the risk against the severity of the consequence. Definite: Almost certain to show up on the course of the project. Has over 80% chance Likely: Has 60 – 80% chance of showing up. Occasional: Has 50/50 chance of occurrence.
How to create a risk matrix?
- Create a visual representation of the risks associated with your projects
- Use built-in tools to collaborate with teams and come up with risk mitigation solutions
- Simplify implementation of mitigation processes by exporting quick guides in various formats
How to use a risk assessment matrix?
- Identify areas to reduce risk quickly and easily
- Explain specific risks in a clear way
- Prioritize and group project event outcomes
- Outline a foundational resource for subsequent detailed analysis
What is a simple risk matrix?
The risk matrix has been created – do you have to derive measures for all risks?
- Green: Areas where no further measures for risk reduction are necessary
- Yellow: Areas where the risks have been reduced as much as possible (also known as the “ALARP area”: As Low As Reasonably Practicable)
- Red: Areas where risks are not acceptable in any case

What is severity in risk matrix?
Assessing Hazards by Severity. Severity describes the highest level of damage possible when an accident occurs from a particular hazard. Damage can be: Catastrophic, Critical, Moderate, or Negligible.
What is risk severity matrix in project management?
A risk assessment matrix (sometimes called a risk control matrix) is a tool used during the risk assessment stage of project planning. It identifies and captures the likelihood of project risks and evaluates the potential damage or interruption caused by those risks.
What is risk matrix in risk assessment?
The risk matrix is based on two intersecting factors: the likelihood that the risk event will occur, and the potential impact that the risk event will have on the business. In other words, it's a tool that helps you visualize the probability vs. the severity of a potential risk.
How do you create a risk severity matrix?
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What is risk severity?
Risk Severity: The extent of the damage to the institution, its people, and its goals and objectives resulting from a risk event occurring.
What is a 5x5 risk matrix?
What is a 5x5 Risk Matrix? A type of risk matrix that is visually represented as a table or a grid, a 5x5 risk matrix has 5 categories each for probability (along the X axis) and impact (along the Y axis), all following a scale of low to high.
How is severity of risk calculated?
Risk = Likelihood x Severity The more likely it is that harm will happen, and the more severe the harm, the higher the risk. And before you can control risk, you need to know what level of risk you are facing. To calculate risk, you simply need to multiply the likelihood by the severity.
How do you rate severity in a risk assessment?
Severity of consequences assigns a rating based on the impact of an identified risk to safety, resources, work performance, property, and/or reputation. Each rating is then assigned a value. (E.g., a "No Risk" may be assigned a value of 1; a "High" rating may be assigned a value of 4.)
What is the difference between risk impact and risk severity?
Acquisition Risk Management Impact Critical (C) - An event that, if it occurred, would cause program failure (inability to achieve minimum acceptable requirements). Serious (S) - An event that, if it occurred, would cause major cost and schedule increases. Secondary requirements may not be achieved.
What are the 3 levels of risk?
We have decided to use three distinct levels for risk: Low, Medium, and High. Our risk level definitions are presented in table 3. The risk value for each threat is calculated as the product of consequence and likelihood values, illustrated in a two-dimensional matrix (table 4).
What is a 3x3 risk matrix?
A risk assessment matrix contains a set of values for a hazard's probability and severity. A 3x3 risk matrix has 3 levels of probability and 3 levels of severity.
What are the main terms used in a risk matrix?
The risk matrix is based on two intersecting factors: the likelihood that the risk event will occur, and the potential impact that the risk event will have on the business.
Why do we use risk matrix?
Safety Professionals use a risk matrix to assess the various risks of hazards (and incidents), often during a job hazard analysis. Understanding the components of a risk matrix will allow you and your organization to manage risk effectively and reduce workplace illnesses and injuries, including exposures to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
What is medium exposure risk?
Medium exposure risk jobs include those that require frequent and/or close contact with (i.e., within 6 feet of) people who may be infected with COVID-19, but who are not known or suspected patients.
What are marginal 2 operating conditions?
Marginal - 2 Operating conditions may commonly cause minor injury or illness or minor systems damage such that human error, environment, design deficiencies, subsystem or component failure or procedural deficiencies can be counteracted or controlled without severe injury, illness or major system damage.
What are the workers with a high probability of exposure?
Workers with a high probability of exposure include: Healthcare delivery and support staff (e.g., doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff who must enter patients’ rooms) exposed to known or suspected COVID-19 patients. (Note: when such workers perform aerosol-generating procedures, their exposure risk level becomes very high.)
What should be prioritized after evaluating the risks of a project?
After you’ve evaluated the risks of a project, you can prioritize which risk controls to implement first. All risk mitigation activities should be clearly defined; objective, not subjective; and have specific, measurable outcomes. Hazard identification and risk management should be processes of continuous improvement.
What is a lower exposure risk job?
Lower exposure risk jobs are those that do not require contact with people known to be, or suspected of being, infected nor frequent close contact with (i.e., within 6 feet of) the general public. Workers in this category have minimal occupational contact with the public and other coworkers.
What are the risks of being pregnant?
People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness.
What is risk matrix?
A Risk Matrix assists in risk evaluation by visualising the Likelihood and Impact of potential risks. It provides a visual representation of all the current risks associated with an organisation, activity, or project.
What do the circles on the risk matrix mean?
The circles indicate the number of risks in a zone. The lower risks are in the bottom left of the matrix and are coloured blue. The top right contains the highest risk and is coloured red. These four zones provide a clear vision of the risk situation and the future steps to be taken:
What is risk evaluation?
Risk Evaluation. When the risk analysis is complete, it’s necessary to compare the estimated risks against the risk criteria of the organisation. Risk criteria may include, for example, cost, health, safety, environmental standards, legal requirements, socioeconomic factors, and the concerns of stakeholders.
Is a risk matrix a visual tool?
Conclusion. A risk matrix is only a visual tool; it’s not the full solution for risk management. As an organisation, you still need to manage risk by assessing and then controlling and mitigating through a range of actions.
What are the hazards of work?
It’s up to us to decide the following for each hazard or work activity: 1 Likelihood (1-3) – how likely an accident it is that someone will come to harm. 2 Severity (1-3) – the seriousness of the potential injury or illness
Is a risk matrix quantitative?
It’s important to note, that the intention of a risk matrix is not to provide a specific, ‘quantitative’ measurement of risk. We aren’t ‘measuring’ anything physically. It does, however, allow the assessor to prioritise according to the perceived risk level.

Introduction
Risk Likelihood
- The risk Likelihood is the probability of a risk occurrence. Within GetRiskManager, the Likelihood of risk has five qualitative ranges [Ref. The Institute of Risk Management]: 1. Remote 2. Unlikely 3. Possible 4. Probable 5. Highly Probable
Risk Impact
- The risk Impact considers the consequence if the risk occurred and within GetRiskManager has five levels [Ref.The Institute of Risk Management]: 1. Insignificant 2. Minor 3. Moderate 4. Major 5. Extreme The grid assigns a number to the risk; obtained by multiplying Likelihood with Impact. GetRiskManager provides for three calculations: 1. Likelihood x Impact (the default calculation) …
So, What About The Risk Matrix?
- A Risk Matrix (also known as a Risk Assessment Matrix) is a risk diagram that assists in risk evaluation by visualising the Likelihood and Impact of potential risks. It provides a visual representation of all the current risks associated with an organisation, activity, or project risk.
The Getriskmanager Risk Matrix
- Below is the risk matrix fromGetRiskManager indicating all current risks. The risk matrix consists of a coloured grid, with Likelihood on the X-axis and potential Impact on the Y-axis. The circles indicate the number of different risks in a zone. The lower risks are in the bottom left of the risk matrix and are coloured blue. The top right contains the highest risk level and is coloured red. Th…
Advantages of Risk Matrices
- Visually aligns risk against the Likelihood and Impact
- Visually indicates the level of current risks
- Provides an overview of an organisation’s risks
- Organisations can calibrate them as appropriate for their specific situations
Conclusion
- A risk matrix is only a visual tool; it’s not the complete solution for risk management. As an organisation, you still need to manage risk by assessing and then controlling and mitigating through various actions. To help with the risk management process, you can use a tool such as GetRiskManager to protect your people and your organisation.