How to use a Risk Assessment Matrix in Australian workplaces

Managing workplace safety isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting your people and your business. One of the most effective tools Australian employers can use to assess and manage risks is the risk assessment matrix.

This simple yet powerful framework helps identify which hazards pose the greatest threat by mapping out how likely they are to occur and how severe their impact could be.

Whether you're overseeing a construction site, a healthcare facility, or an office environment, understanding how to use a risk assessment matrix is key to meeting your Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations and creating a safer, more proactive workplace.

What is a risk assessment matrix?

A risk assessment matrix is a crucial tool for Australian employers to evaluate workplace hazards by mapping the likelihood of a risk against its potential consequences. This visual method helps prioritise risks and supports compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations under the WHS Act. By categorising risks from low to catastrophic, employers can implement appropriate controls to protect workers—especially in complex environments like construction, healthcare, or logistics.

As part of a broader WHS risk management process, the matrix aids in identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards, then reviewing the effectiveness of those controls. For instance, a high-likelihood, high-impact hazard like working at heights without protection would demand immediate action. Using the matrix not only aligns with standards but also promotes a proactive safety culture and informed decision-making across teams.

How does a risk assessment work?

Step 1: Identify Hazards

Start by listing all potential hazards in the workplace—anything that could cause harm to employees, such as machinery, chemicals, manual handling, or working at heights.

Leverage tools such as checklists and hazard report forms (SWMS) to ensure no potential risk goes unnoticed. Did you know that our health & safety software, Brightsafe, includes hundreds of risk assessment templates that can efficiently guide you through this process.

Step 2: Assess Likelihood

Estimate how likely it is that each hazard will result in an incident. This likelihood is typically rated on a scale that helps employers gauge the probability of a risk occurring under current conditions. The categories often include:

• Rare – The event may occur only in exceptional circumstances; highly unlikely.

• Unlikely – The event could happen, but it’s not expected under normal operations.

• Possible – The event might occur at some time; there’s a reasonable chance.

• Likely – The event will probably occur in most circumstances.

• Almost Certain – The event is expected to occur frequently or has happened before.

This scale allows employers to make informed decisions about which hazards require immediate attention and which can be managed with routine precautions.

Step 3: Assess Consequence

Determine the severity of the impact if the hazard does cause harm. This is typically rated on a scale that helps employers understand the potential consequences of an incident. The categories often include:

• Insignificant – No injuries or very minor inconvenience; no disruption to work

• Minor – First aid required; slight disruption to operations

• Moderate – Medical treatment needed; temporary work stoppage or reduced productivity

• Major – Serious injury or long-term health effects; significant operational impact

• Catastrophic – Fatality or permanent disability; major disruption or shutdown of operations

Step 4: Plot on the Matrix

Using the likelihood and consequence ratings, plot each hazard on the matrix. The intersection of these two factors gives you a risk rating—commonly categorised as:

• Low

• Medium

• High

• Extreme

Step 5: Prioritise and Control

Use the risk rating to decide which hazards need immediate action. High and extreme risks require urgent control measures, while low risks may be monitored or managed with basic precautions such as using signage to warn of a wet floor if there's a spill or recent mopping.

Step 6: Review and Monitor

Regularly reviewing and updating the risk assessment matrix is essential, as workplace conditions are rarely static. New equipment might introduce unfamiliar hazards, updated procedures could change how tasks are performed, and past incidents may reveal risks that were previously underestimated or overlooked.

For example, introducing a new piece of machinery might require reassessing noise levels, manual handling risks, or pinch points. Similarly, a near-miss incident could highlight a gap in existing controls, prompting a re-evaluation of the associated risk rating.

By revisiting the matrix routinely—especially after changes in operations, staffing, or legislation—employers can ensure their risk controls remain effective and relevant, keeping safety standards high and workers protected.

Meet your WHS obligations with BrightSafe

Designed for the protection of your staff and business, BrightSafe helps you minimise hazards and risks with our end-to-end system.

Here are just a few benefits:

• Easily identify and safeguard your business against 600+ health and safety risks

• Prevent hazard exposure and accidents with real-time reporting

• Stay compliant with an accurate digital audit trail

With 24/7 access to qualified health & safety consultants, plus a comprehensive library of risk assessments, templates, posters, and factsheets, this is the solution that your business needs.

Book your free BrightSafe demo today.