Risk Matrix

Assess likelihood and consequence to determine risk level, apply controls, and reassess residual risk before and during operations.

Purpose

Use this matrix to assess operational risk before and during search and rescue activities. The matrix helps teams evaluate Likelihood (L) and Consequence (C), assign a risk level, apply controls, and reassess residual risk.

When To Use

Pre-task planning
Briefings and task assignments
Dynamic risk assessment in the field
When conditions, personnel, equipment, or environment change

How To Use

Identify the hazard or activity being assessed.
Determine the Likelihood (L).
Determine the Consequence (C).
Use the matrix to identify the risk level.
Apply controls to reduce the risk where possible.
Reassess the residual risk after controls are introduced.
Escalate and seek approval where required.

Risk Matrix

Likelihood (L)	1 - Insignificant	2 - Minor	3 - Moderate	4 - Major	5 - Catastrophic
5 - Almost Certain	Medium	High	Very High	Very High	Very High
4 - Likely	Medium	Medium	High	Very High	Very High
3 - Moderate	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Very High
2 - Unlikely	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
1 - Rare	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium
Consequence Definitions
People	No Injury	First Aid Injury	Medical Treatment Required	Serious Harm, Extensive Injuries	Death or Permanent Disability
Environment	Minimal impact on environment	Immediately contained release	On-site release contained with outside assistance, short-term impact	Off-site release with no long-term detrimental effects, long-term impact possible	Toxic release off-site with long-term detrimental effects, disaster-level impact

Required Actions By Risk Level

Low: Proceed with normal controls and monitor conditions.
Medium: Proceed with additional controls and supervisor awareness.
High: Senior review required. Strengthen controls before proceeding.
Very High: Do not proceed until risk is reduced or specifically authorised by the operational lead.

Operational Notes

Risk is dynamic and must be reassessed when conditions change.
Residual risk must be recorded after controls are applied.
If in doubt, escalate early.

Steps

Identify Hazard
Clearly describe the hazard, task, or exposure being assessed.
Assess Likelihood
Select the most realistic likelihood rating from Rare to Almost Certain.
Assess Consequence
Select the most credible consequence level for People or Environment.
Determine Risk Level
Cross-match likelihood and consequence on the matrix to determine the risk rating.
Apply Controls
Introduce controls to reduce likelihood and/or consequence.
Reassess Residual Risk
Recalculate the risk after controls are applied.
Escalate If Required
High and Very High risks require supervisor or operational lead review before proceeding.
Review Continuously
Reassess whenever conditions, personnel, equipment, or environment change.