Once the hazards have been identified, they can be given a risk rating depending on how urgently they need to be addressed.
Below is a typical risk assessment table used to rate the likelihood of an accident occurring and the severity of the injury that might result. This allows you to put a priority rating to each of the hazards identified, so that the most serious ones can be dealt with first.
| Risk Assessment Table | Very likely | Likely | Unlikely | Very unlikely |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Could happen any time | Could happen sometime | Could happen but rarely | Could happen but probably never will | |
| Kill or cause permanent disability or ill health | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Long term illness or serious injury | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Medical attention and several days of work | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| First aid needed | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Adapted from Hazpak – making your workplace safer (WorkCover NSW)