Risk matrix

A risk matrix is a tool used to visually assess the potential impact and likelihood of identified risks. It typically consists of a grid with different levels of impact on one axis and likelihood on the other axis. Risks are then plotted on the matrix, with those that fall in the high-impact/high-likelihood quadrant being considered the highest priority for management and mitigation. The risk matrix can be used to prioritize risk management efforts, to identify trends in risk over time, and to communicate risk information to stakeholders in an easy-to-understand format.

Risk matrix construction process

The construction of a risk matrix typically involves the following steps:

1. Identify the risks: Identify the risks that are relevant to the organization or project. This may include risks associated with various hazards, such as natural disasters, equipment failures, or regulatory changes.
2. Assess the likelihood and impact of the risks: Assess the likelihood and impact of each identified risk. Likelihood is often measured on a scale of low, medium, and high, while impact is typically measured in terms of the potential consequences of the risk, such as financial loss, injury, or damage to reputation.
3. Plot the risks on the matrix: Using the likelihood and impact assessments, plot the risks on the matrix. Risks that fall in the high-impact/high-likelihood quadrant are considered the highest priority for management and mitigation.
4. Prioritize and manage the risks: Prioritize the risks based on their position on the matrix and develop strategies to manage and mitigate them. This may include implementing controls, transferring the risk, or accepting the risk.
5. Review and update: Regularly review and update the risk matrix as new information becomes available and as risks are managed and mitigated.

Note: The construction of the matrix may vary depending on the organization and the type of risks being considered. It may include different scales of likelihood, impact, and different axis. Additionally, it is a good practice to use color coding in the matrix to make it more visually appealing.

Likelihood assessment

Assessing likelihood in a risk matrix is the process of determining the probability that a particular risk will occur. There are several ways to assess likelihood, including:

• Expert judgment: This involves consulting experts in the field to determine the likelihood of a risk based on their experience and knowledge.
• Historical data: This involves analyzing past data to determine the likelihood of a risk based on its frequency of occurrence.
• Probabilistic analysis: This involves using statistical or mathematical techniques, such as fault tree analysis or Monte Carlo simulation, to determine the likelihood of a risk.
• Scenario analysis: This involves evaluating the likelihood of a risk by analyzing different potential scenarios and the likelihood of each scenario occurring.
• Surveys: This involves conducting surveys to assess the likelihood of a risk by asking experts or stakeholders to rate the likelihood of a risk.

It's important to note that the likelihood assessments should be based on credible data, and the method used to assess likelihood should be appropriate for the type of risk being considered. Additionally, it is recommended to use a common scale for likelihood for all the risks in the matrix, for example, low, medium, and high, or a numeric scale.

Impact assessment

Assessing impact in a risk matrix is the process of determining the potential consequences of a particular risk. There are several ways to assess impact, including:

• Financial impact: This involves assessing the potential financial consequences of a risk, such as loss of revenue, increased costs, or damage to property.
• Operational impact: This involves assessing the potential impact on operations, such as disruption to production or services, loss of customers, or damage to reputation.
• Compliance impact: This involves assessing the potential impact on compliance with laws, regulations, or standards, such as fines or penalties.
• Safety impact: This involves assessing the potential impact on safety, such as injury or loss of life.
• Environmental impact: This involves assessing the potential impact on the environment, such as pollution or damage to natural resources.

It's important to note that the impact assessments should be based on credible data, and the method used to assess impact should be appropriate for the type of risk being considered. Additionally, it is recommended to use a common scale for impact for all the risks in the matrix, for example, low, medium, and high, or a numeric scale. Additionally, it is a good practice to use multiple criteria when assessing impact, as a risk can have multiple types of impacts.

Risk matrix — recommended articles

Risk analysis in project — Identification of risks — System safety — Supply chain risk — Indirect loss — Risk management methodology — Risk management process — Non-conformity — Risk category

References

• Knutson, B., & Huettel, S. A. (2015). The risk matrix. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 5, 141-146.
• Anthony (Tony) Cox Jr, L. (2008). What's wrong with risk matrices?. Risk Analysis: An International Journal, 28(2), 497-512.
• Ni, H., Chen, A., & Chen, N. (2010). Some extensions on risk matrix approach. Safety Science, 48(10), 1269-1278.