Risk Matrix
A risk matrix is a visual tool that maps the likelihood of a hazard occurring against the severity of its potential consequences, producing a risk rating that guides decision-making. Common formats include 3x3, 4x4, and 5x5 grids, where each cell represents a combination of likelihood and severity. The resulting risk rating (e.g. low, medium, high, extreme) determines the urgency of control measures and the level of management approval required before work proceeds.
Why it matters
Risk matrices provide a consistent, repeatable framework for evaluating hazards so that decisions are based on structured analysis rather than gut feeling. They help organisations prioritise resources toward the highest risks, communicate risk levels clearly across teams, and demonstrate a systematic approach to risk management during audits and regulatory inspections.
How MapTrack helps
MapTrack embeds configurable risk matrices directly into digital inspection forms and risk assessment templates, allowing field teams to rate and record risks at the point of work with automatic escalation for high-rated items.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 3x3 and a 5x5 risk matrix?
A 3x3 matrix uses three levels each for likelihood and severity (e.g. low, medium, high), producing nine possible risk ratings. A 5x5 matrix uses five levels for each axis, producing 25 possible ratings and allowing finer differentiation between risks. Larger matrices provide more granularity but can be harder for field workers to apply consistently. Most Australian construction and mining operations use a 5x5 matrix aligned with AS/NZS ISO 31000.
How do you determine likelihood and severity ratings?
Likelihood is assessed based on historical incident data, industry benchmarks, current controls in place, and expert judgement. Severity considers the worst credible outcome, including potential for injury, environmental damage, financial loss, and reputational impact. Both ratings should be determined with reference to the specific context, not in the abstract.
When should a risk matrix be used?
Risk matrices should be used during formal risk assessments (e.g. JSEA, SWMS development), pre-task safety assessments (Take 5s), incident investigations to rate residual risk, change management processes, and whenever a new hazard is identified. They are also useful for prioritising a backlog of corrective actions based on risk level.
Related terms
Pre-Start Inspection
A pre-start inspection is a systematic check performed on plant, equipment, or vehicles before each use or shift to identify defects, damage, or unsafe conditions. It typically follows a standardised checklist covering safety-critical items such as brakes, steering, lights, tyres, guards, fluid levels, and warning devices. Pre-start inspections are a legal requirement under workplace health and safety regulations in Australia and are similarly required in other jurisdictions, including OSHA equipment inspection requirements in the United States and PUWER requirements in the United Kingdom.
Compliance Management
Compliance management in asset-intensive industries is the systematic process of ensuring that equipment, operations, and personnel meet all applicable regulatory, safety, environmental, and contractual requirements. It encompasses tracking inspection due dates, certifications, licences, safety checks, environmental obligations, and industry-specific standards. Compliance management requires both proactive scheduling and thorough record-keeping.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used to ensure that equipment is properly shut down, isolated from all energy sources, and cannot be restarted until maintenance or repair work is completed. Lockout involves physically locking energy isolation devices (such as circuit breakers or valves) in the off position, while tagout involves attaching a warning tag to the isolation point. LOTO protects workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during servicing.
WHS compliance software
WHS compliance software is a digital platform that helps organisations meet Work Health and Safety obligations by managing inspections, incident reporting, risk assessments, corrective actions and audit trails. It replaces paper-based compliance registers with a single system of record that tracks what was checked, when, by whom and what evidence was attached.
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