5x5 risk matrix
Click a cell, or pick likelihood and consequence. The score is the two numbers multiplied together, from 1 to 25. The same scale is used in the JHA builder.
3 Possible x 4 Significant
Do not start until added controls bring the score down. Supervisor sign-off required.
Likelihood
| # | Level | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Very unlikely | Could happen, but nobody has seen it on comparable work. |
| 2 | Unlikely | Has happened in the industry. Not expected on this task. |
| 3 | Possible | Could happen on this task at some point. |
| 4 | Likely | Expected to happen on this task if nothing changes. |
| 5 | Very likely | Will probably happen today without controls. |
Consequence
| # | Level | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Negligible | No injury, or nothing that needs first aid. |
| 2 | Minor | First-aid case. |
| 3 | Moderate | Medical treatment beyond first aid, or restricted duty. |
| 4 | Significant | Lost-time injury or hospitalization. |
| 5 | Severe | Fatality or permanent disability. |
Risk levels
| Score | Level | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 20 to 25 | Extreme | Stop. Redesign the task before anyone starts. |
| 10 to 16 | High | Do not start until added controls bring the score down. Supervisor sign-off required. |
| 5 to 9 | Moderate | Proceed only with the listed controls in place. The supervisor confirms them. |
| 3 to 4 | Low | Proceed. The crew reviews the controls on the JHA. |
| 1 to 2 | Negligible | Proceed with normal supervision. |
How to use the matrix on a JHA
Score each job step twice. First score it as if no controls were in place. Then score it again with the controls the crew will use. The second score is the residual risk, and it is the one that decides whether work can start.
Pick the consequence for the outcome that could reasonably happen on this step, and the likelihood based on how the work is set up today. If two people on the crew score the same step differently, talk it through before you settle on a number.
These levels and cutoffs are this site's convention. Many companies use different bands. Use your company's matrix if it has one. The full explanation is in the guide5x5 risk matrix explained.