7.3 Carrying out a risk assessment
7.3.3 Step 3(a): Risk score, rating and interpretation
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Several different approaches can be taken, but we will use the following:
1 - 4 = Low risk: This is an acceptable risk and so long as suitable controls are maintained then no further action would probably be needed.
5 - 9 = Medium risk: This could have a moderate impact on an individual, and is a tolerable situation, however, review the action and reinforce the need for effective use of machinery and ensure management expectations are reasonably achievable. Are the timings unrealistic to complete a task and have they contributed to the injury or harm caused? Has adequate training been given and is supervision of worker adequate? Have refresher / update courses been carried out on a suitably regular basis?
10 - 14 = High risk: This indicates that it might have a significant negative impact on the individual but should be manageable. Review the activity within 24-hours and implement improved and more appropriate controls before continuing further.
15 - 25 = Extreme and unacceptable risk: Stop the activity immediately. This might be considered dangerous even at the lower end of this score and immediate corrective and improved actions and controls need to be implemented before allowing any further work to take place.
