Risk Assessment

A risk analysis involves identification of undesired events, seeking out causes, consequences and assessing probability.

At the core of risk analysis are these questions:

• What can go wrong?
• Why can it go wrong?
• How likely is it to go wrong?
• What can happen if it goes wrong?
• What can we do to prevent it?
• How can we mitigate consequences when it happens?

The analysis often starts with defining the source of an undesired event, its likelyhood to happen and its consequences.
The University uses the following table to score probability from 1-to 5 and consequences from A to E.

Criteria for probability and consequences - UiB

Based on the scores above, the two-dimensional matrix below helps visualize whether the assessed undesired event has acceptable risks or not based on the color of the cell which contains it.

Here, the aasessed event was "Chemical splash in eye" which probability was scored at 3 and its consequence was scored at B. The yellow background of the cell indicates the need for introduction of risk-reducing measures.

Example of a matrix used to assess whether an undesired event (here "chemical spalsh in eye" has acceptable risks or not. Source: UiB

Note that the risk matrix provides a visual representation of risk that is very simplified, in addition, the risk matrix does not say anything about the uncertainty or degree of knowledge behind the assessments. The risk matrix is still a good aid as long as one is aware of the weaknesses associated with it.

Measures can be taken to reduce the risks associated with an undesired event. Two types of measures are to be considered: those that reduce the probability of the event to occur (and thus to reduce the probablity score in the matrix) and those that reduce the impact or consequences of the event (and thus reduce the consequence score).

Once theses measures are considered and applied, one can reassess the event and check the matrix with corrected scores.

You can use the SJA method to assess the risk of a work task or activity. A SJA is a way of systematically reviewing a work task or activity, by dividing the task into smaller sub-tasks, and reviewing each sub-task to assess the risk associated with it. This makes it possible to introduce measures to reduce or eliminate the risk associated with each sub-task.

UiB has developed a simple template for this that can be used by both employees and students. Click here to download the form.