5 5 Risk Matrix Example

A 5 5 risk matrix example usually shows a coloured grid and stops there, which leaves out the part that determines whether it works.

Take a manual handling risk in a warehouse. Consequence is anchored by outcome, so a level three might be an injury requiring medical treatment and time off, while level five is a permanent impairment or worse. Likelihood is anchored by frequency, so level three might be expected once a year across the site and level five is expected monthly.

Now two supervisors rating the same task have something to argue with rather than about.

Write the anchors before you draw the grid. An example without them is just a picture of a decision that somebody else made in a different organisation.

Safe Work Australia publishes guidance on assessing risks. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s risk management system and manual handling course.