Module 7:

7.3 Carrying out a risk assessment

7.3.3 Step 3: Evaluate and Control the risks

1  

Determine the likelihood of someone being harmed and then rate the potential seriousness of the injury. Identify how to eliminate or reduce the risks, introducing relevant control measures. Focus on the current controls and determine if additional controls are needed. Ensure sure that “everything ‘reasonably practicable’ has been done to protect people from harm”. We have split this step into two-parts to help with the learning process.

2   Step 3(a): Risk assessment rating matrix

A risk assessment rating matrix provides a visual way of evaluating an activity by estimating the hazards involved in maintenance activities and the possible consequences and likely risk of it occurring. The risk rating (grade or score) is calculated by multiplying the consequences value by the likelihood value.

There are different ways of representing this, as well as differing interpretations of likelihoods (probabilities) and consequences (the severity) of the hazard occurring.

For this example, we will use the following indicative rating system and descriptors, however, each organisation will have their own interpretations so the following should not be considered as grounds care industry accepted rating or interpretations.

3   Consequences / Severity

This is divided into 5 categories:

1: Negligible (Insignificant). This might be a minor scratch, bashed arm or leg, jolting of an arm, leg or neck, or similar, that is quickly recovered from and that is not going to cause any issues and might just make an individual more aware of their actions. Feeling especially cold or hot due to weather conditions should be readily addressed and are relatively insignificant consequences, however, they can escalate rapidly if inadequate controls are practiced.

2: Minor. This will probably not result in any days off work, but where it does it would typically be just for one or two days but might be of inconvenience to a worker and also affect their performance for a short period of time. This might include a minor cut to a finger, hand or arm from it being trapped by a heavier item. Dust, or similar, blown into eyes might require washing out. A bump to the head when sourcing equipment or materials from a store might also be classified as a minor injury. Sun burn (assuming this isn’t extreme and extensive) or impacts of exposure to extreme weather may result in minor issues, although heat stroke can be fatal. Lone working and the potential for violence against a lone worker, experience of a worker, or the medical suitability might be included as a minor consequence of the hazard, but for some individuals and situations this might just as easily be classified as a moderate consequence. First aid, if required, should be readily applied by employer.

3: Moderate. This will probably result in a period of time off work to recover from the injury caused. This might be estimated as being from 3 days to 7 days but could be longer. Many injuries from manual lifting activities might fall within this severity grade, for example incorrectly handled fertiliser or grass seed bags or containers, as well as minor fractures to fingers, thumbs and toes (which are not reportable under Regulation 4 of RIDDOR). Minor scorches or burns to hands from exposure to heated surfaces such as exhausts or engines might be classified within this grade. There may be a possible need to see a doctor or referral to hospital where work based first aid is unable to manage the injury.

4: Major. This is non-fatal, typically reportable under Regulation 4 of RIDDOR, but might result in partial loss of sight, crush injuries, fractures, burns, or similar serious injury and can lead to partial disability, still being able to be employed, but possibly in a different role more suited to the needs of the disability. Hospitalisation would typically be required, and this could readily result in an estimated period off work being a minimum of 7 days to a few months to maybe a year, or even longer.

5: Catastrophic / Severe. This will often lead to a fatality or if a serious permanent disability, loss of a limb, loss of eyesight, and may often lead to the individual being unable to work again, or if so, in a very limited capacity. An example of this might be the turning over of a ride-on mower whilst mowing a slope causing the death of the user from crushing or drowning if next to a water course. Being struck be a moving vehicle, especially where vehicle management around depots is poor can lead to catastrophic injuries. Incorrectly located or secured PTO guards, or where they have not been replaced, will often result in death where a user becomes entangled with the drive shaft. Poorly loaded trailers, can result in them becoming unstable and tipping over, especially where travelling on uneven ground, potentially also tipping over the attached tractor at the same time resulting in catastrophic or severe injuries. Within the grounds care industry catastrophic type of injuries are relatively rare but are also preventable.

4   Likelihoods / Probabilities

This is also divided into 5 categories:

1. Rare. This is very unlikely to happen, but it could happen once every so often. Probability might be one or a few occasions over a 1-to-5-year period.

2. Unlikely. It is possible that it will happen, but probably only a few times over a year if it does.

3. Possible. This is quite likely to happen. The frequency of occurrence might be from every two months to yearly.

4. Likely. There is a good chance that this will happen. The typical frequency might be from weekly to every two months.

5. Almost certain. This is almost certain to happen, not 100% guaranteed, with the frequency possibly being from daily to weekly.

The analysis of accident books as well as industry data can help to provide better informed statistical data when estimating likelihoods of an action occurring. Accidents for the ground care and horticulture industries are often included under the general term of agriculture and are reflected within the statistics for this wider sector. See ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing statistics in Great Britain, 2025’, HSE, accessed 21st July, 2026