Risk management strategy
A workplace risk management strategy helps reduce the incidence of injuries, illnesses or deaths relating to work activities or the workplace environment.
The purpose of a risk assessment is to establish a risk rating in order to ensure that limited resources are allocated to the most serious risks. The risk assessment process will also determine suitable control measures that need to be implemented to reduce the risk. Any risk management strategy is likely to include a risk priority chart similar to the one below.
| LIKELIHOOD How likely is it to happen? |
CONSEQUENCES: How severely it hurts someone (if it happens)? |
||||
| Insignificant (no injuries) |
Minor (first aid treatment only; spillage contained at site) |
Moderate (medical treatment; spillage contained but with outside help) |
Major (extensive injuries; loss of production) |
Catastrophic (death; toxic release of chemicals) |
|
| Almost certain – expected in most circumstances | 3 H |
3 H |
4 A |
4 A |
4 A |
| Likely – will probably occur in most circumstances | 2 M |
3 H |
3 H |
4 A |
4 A |
| Possible – might occur at some time | 1 L |
2 M |
3 H |
4 A |
4 A |
| Unlikely – could occur at some time | 1 L |
1 L |
2 M |
3 H |
4 A |
| Rare – may occur, only in exceptional circumstances | 1 L |
1 L |
2 M |
3 H |
3 H |
| Score and statement | Action |
| 4 A: Acute |
ACT NOW – Urgent. Do something about the risks immediately. Requires immediate attention. |
| 3 H: High |
Highest management decision is required urgently. |
| 2 M: Moderate |
Follow management instructions. |
| 1 L: Low |
OK for now. Record and review if any equipment/ people/ materials/work processes or procedures change. |
Workplace Health and Safety Risk Management Advisory Standard 2000 (DEIR)
Last modified: Tuesday, 11 December 2018, 9:01 AM