Is a risk matrix a legal requirement?

No. Safe Work Australia's model Code on managing WHS risks says a risk assessment can be as simple as a discussion with your workers, and it doesn't prescribe a matrix. A matrix is a common way to rank hazards so you deal with the worst first.

What are the steps in managing a risk?

The model Code sets out four: identify hazards, assess risks if necessary, control risks, and review the controls to make sure they're working.

What is the hierarchy of controls?

The order the WHS Regulations (r 35 and r 36) require: eliminate the risk if you reasonably can. If not, minimise it by substitution, isolation or engineering controls, then administrative controls, then PPE. You can combine them.

Does a risk assessment replace a SWMS?

No. High risk construction work, such as work with a risk of falling more than 2 metres, needs a safe work method statement before it starts. Use the SWMS checker to see if your job needs one.

Is what I enter saved?

No. It stays in your browser until you close the page, so print it or save it as a PDF first.

Free tool

Risk matrix and risk assessment

List the hazards on the job, rate how likely and how bad each one is, choose controls in the order the law requires, and print a one-page risk assessment.

Job or task

Hazard 1What could cause harm?

How likely is harm?How bad could it be?

Risk before controls: High

Best control you can useThe control measures

Likelihood with controlsConsequence with controls

Who is responsible

Risk with controls: Medium

Hazard 1 on the matrix

Likelihood down the side, consequence across the top
	Insignificant	Minor	Moderate	Major	Severe
Certain to occur	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Very likely	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Possible	Low	Medium	Now	High	Extreme
Unlikely	Low	Medium	After	High	High
Rare	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium

Likelihood levels are the five in Safe Work Australia’s model Code. The Code doesn’t set a matrix, so this grid and the consequence levels are a guide to help you rank hazards and deal with the highest first.

Risk assessment

Hazard	Risk before	Control type	Control measures	Risk after	Responsible
	High (Possible, Moderate)	Eliminate the hazard		Medium (Unlikely, Moderate)

Prepared by

Date

Review date

Free risk matrix from foremanapp.com.au/tools. Not a SWMS: high risk construction work needs a SWMS.

Get the controls in front of the crew

A risk assessment works when the people doing the job have read it. In Foreman, attach it or your SWMS to the site induction, and every worker reads it and signs on their own phone before they start. Free on your first project.

Attach it to your induction free

High risk work on the list? Check it with the free SWMS checker, or see the hierarchy of controls in the glossary.

Risk matrix questions

Is a risk matrix a legal requirement?: No. Safe Work Australia's model Code on managing WHS risks says a risk assessment can be as simple as a discussion with your workers, and it doesn't prescribe a matrix. A matrix is a common way to rank hazards so you deal with the worst first.
What are the steps in managing a risk?: The model Code sets out four: identify hazards, assess risks if necessary, control risks, and review the controls to make sure they're working.
What is the hierarchy of controls?: The order the WHS Regulations (r 35 and r 36) require: eliminate the risk if you reasonably can. If not, minimise it by substitution, isolation or engineering controls, then administrative controls, then PPE. You can combine them.
Does a risk assessment replace a SWMS?: No. High risk construction work, such as work with a risk of falling more than 2 metres, needs a safe work method statement before it starts. Use the SWMS checker to see if your job needs one.
Is what I enter saved?: No. It stays in your browser until you close the page, so print it or save it as a PDF first.

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