Posted By peter gannaway
RA assessment matrix fall into at least three category types, quantifiable, where we know what a probability is i.e. a piece of equipment will fail 1 in x times of operation. This is useful in calculating risk in process type operations. Descriptive assessments don't use numerical calculations, i.e. is the risk bad enough to require a fix now, or later. These don't pretend to rely on any scoring system and are based on the appetite for risk of the business and judgement of the assessor. Then there are semi- quantifiable matrix systems, which depends on someone giving a score, say between 1 and 4 for hazard and risk. Problems include they appear to be more scientific than they are and can be used to justify an opinion which may not be based on measureable data. Many of these matrixes don't use 0 which means activities with a high hazard but negligible risk often gets more attention, then more day to day issues which present an equal hazard and risk. Using 0, as I do, tends to rectify this by allowing hazards to be recognised for monitoring, but don't skew the prioritisation of resources.

Posted By Dave Daniel
Perhaps you might want to consider what the matrix actually achieves. Frighteningly I've come across qualified safety practitioners who will tell you that when you have put all normal controls in place - eg on a fork truck, driver training, LOLER, maintenance etc etc. that the risk MUST then be insignificant because there are no more things you can do. This is an argument I cannot accept because driving a FLT always has significant hazards (in my view and 35 years H&S experience). What frightens me is that some people believe it.

I would ask what good the number in the matrix achieves and how it helps you to decide what to do. You may indeed have a high score but can do nothing to reduce the risk

(e.g - road safety - you can do lots but you are still driving on the road with uninsured, untaxed drivers who have never passed a test and may be drugged up to the eyeballs - how can the risk be "insignificant"?),

or you may have a low score but still be able to do simple things to reduce the risk further.

If matrices are so useful, why doesn't the HSE use them in their examples???

For some of course the above represents outright heresy and unfortunately there are many who hold very fixed views on such matters, so make sure you know what your examiner thinks, if this is part of a course!