Risk Assessment Matrix Example
Example document for Risk Assessment Matrix. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: Risk Assessment Matrix
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
Risk Assessment Matrix
Business Name: Apex Plumbing Services Date of Assessment: 25 October 2023 Assessor Name: John Smith Location/Worksite: 42 Smith Street, Richmond
Risk Rating Key
| Likelihood | Description | Consequence | Description | Risk Score | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rare | 1 | Insignificant | 1-2 | Low |
| 2 | Unlikely | 2 | Minor | 3-6 | Medium |
| 3 | Possible | 3 | Moderate | 8-12 | High |
| 4 | Likely | 4 | Major | 16-25 | Extreme |
| 5 | Certain | 5 | Catastrophic |
Hazard Assessment Table
| Hazard Description | Who is at risk? | Likelihood (1-5) | Consequence (1-5) | Risk Score | Initial Risk Rating | Control Measures (Hierarchy of Control) | Residual Likelihood | Residual Consequence | Residual Risk Score | Residual Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working on roof without edge protection | Plumbers | 4 (Likely) | 5 (Catastrophic) | 20 | Extreme | Install temporary edge protection scaffolding (Engineering) | 2 (Unlikely) | 5 (Catastrophic) | 10 | High |
| Exposure to silica dust when cutting tiles | Tiler, Apprentice | 5 (Certain) | 4 (Major) | 25 | Extreme | Use wet cutting method and attach dust extractor (Engineering) | 2 (Unlikely) | 2 (Minor) | 4 | Medium |
| Manual handling of heavy water heater | Plumber | 3 (Possible) | 3 (Moderate) | 9 | High | Use a trolley or mechanical aid to move heater (Engineering) | 2 (Unlikely) | 2 (Minor) | 4 | Medium |
| Noise from drop saw | User, nearby workers | 5 (Certain) | 2 (Minor) | 10 | High | Mandatory hearing protection zones and ear muffs (PPE/Admin) | 3 (Possible) | 1 (Insignificant) | 3 | Medium |
Hierarchy of Controls Reference
- Elimination - Physically remove the hazard
- Substitution - Replace the hazard
- Isolation - Isolate people from the hazard
- Engineering Controls - Change the way people work
- Administrative Controls - Change the way people work
- PPE - Protect the worker with Personal Protective Equipment
Assessor Signature: John Smith
Date: 25/10/2023
Notes
Notes on Key Decisions:
-
Roof Work (Extreme Risk): The initial risk was Extreme because a fall is likely to be fatal. We selected Engineering controls (scaffolding) rather than just PPE (harness) because the hierarchy of control demands higher order measures for extreme risks. Even with scaffolding, the risk remains High due to the severity of potential falls, so work methods must be strict.
-
Silica Dust (Extreme Risk): Cutting tiles creates a lot of dust. Wet cutting is a substitution/engineering control that suppresses the dust at the source. This drastically reduces the risk compared to just relying on masks.
-
Water Heater (High Risk): Manual handling injuries are common in plumbing. Using a trolley is a simple engineering control that saves backs and complies with the manual handling Code of Practice.
About this Example
Part of the Risk Assessment Matrix document collection
Document Type
Risk Assessment Matrix
A Risk Assessment Matrix is a visual tool used by Australian businesses and tradespeople to evaluate workplace safety hazards by rating the likelihood and severity of potential risks.