5x5 Risk Assessment Matrix Tool for JHA and HIRA
Use this interactive 5x5 risk assessment matrix to evaluate workplace hazards. Assign likelihood and severity ratings to calculate risk scores and determine priority levels for control measures.
Risk Score = Likelihood (1-5) x Severity (1-5), for a score of 1 to 25.
Find the row for likelihood and the column for severity; the cell where they cross is the risk level. Scores 1-4 are Low, 5-9 Medium, 10-16 High, and 17-25 Critical: stop work and control the hazard before continuing.
Risk Assessment Matrix
Describe the hazard and select likelihood and severity ratings to calculate the risk score and level. This tool uses a standard 5x5 matrix to prioritize hazards for control implementation.
How It Works
Risk Score = Likelihood x Severity (1-25). The matrix color-codes levels: Green (Low), Yellow (Medium), Orange (High), Red (Critical). Use to prioritize safety actions.
What Is a 5x5 Risk Matrix?
A 5x5 risk matrix is a grid that crosses likelihood (1-5, from Rare to Almost Certain) with severity (1-5, from Negligible to Catastrophic). Multiplying the two ratings produces a risk score from 1 to 25, which is grouped into Low, Medium, High, and Critical bands to prioritize control actions. The 5x5 layout is an industry convention rather than a single OSHA-mandated table: each organization defines its own thresholds and band ranges.
| Likelihood Rating ↓ / Severity Rating → | Severity Rating (1-5) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Negligible | 2 Minor | 3 Moderate | 4 Major | 5 Catastrophic | |
| 5 Almost Certain | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| 4 Likely | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 3 Possible | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| 2 Unlikely | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 1 Rare | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Risk Score = Likelihood x Severity. Columns are severity (1-5) and rows are likelihood (5 at top down to 1 at bottom).
HIRA 5x5 Matrix
HIRA (Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment) uses exactly the same 5x5 scoring: identify a hazard, rate its likelihood and severity, multiply for the risk score, and assign a band. The grid above is therefore also a HIRA 5x5 matrix; the difference is in the process (HIRA is the broader identify-assess-control workflow), not in the matrix itself.
How to Score Likelihood and Severity
Consistent scoring is what makes a 5x5 matrix reliable. Use these scales as a starting point and adapt them to your operation; what matters most is that the whole team applies the same definitions.
Likelihood Scale (1-5)
- Rare (1)
- May occur only in exceptional circumstances
- Unlikely (2)
- Might occur at some time
- Possible (3)
- Should occur at some time
- Likely (4)
- Will probably occur in most circumstances
- Almost Certain (5)
- Expected to occur in most circumstances
Severity Scale (1-5)
- Negligible (1)
- No injury or minor damage
- Minor (2)
- First aid injury, minor damage
- Moderate (3)
- Medical treatment, moderate damage
- Major (4)
- Serious injury, major damage
- Catastrophic (5)
- Fatality, permanent disability
Worked Examples by Task Type
These examples show how an assessment flows: hazard → likelihood x severity = score → risk band → control. The values are illustrative; score each task against your own real conditions.
| Task | Hazard | L x S = Score | Band | Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction: working at height | Fall from scaffold | 3 × 5 = 15 | High | Guardrails, fall arrest, and a working-at-height permit |
| Warehouse: forklift operation | Pedestrian struck by forklift | 4 × 5 = 20 | Critical | Segregated walkways, mirrors, and pedestrian exclusion zones |
| Maintenance: equipment servicing | Unexpected energy release | 2 × 4 = 8 | Medium | Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure and zero-energy verification |
| Office: desk-based work | Repetitive strain injury (ergonomics) | 3 × 2 = 6 | Medium | Ergonomic assessment, adjustable equipment, and active breaks |
How to interpret the result
A 5×5 risk matrix combines ordinal likelihood and severity categories to help prioritize hazards. The selected scores reflect a documented judgment, not a measured probability.
Discussion example
Likelihood 3 × severity 4 gives 12 in this matrix. Likelihood 4 × severity 3 also gives 12. Equal scores do not make the scenarios equivalent: a different potential consequence may require a different control and approval.
Before using the result
- Describe the specific task, hazard, people exposed, and credible consequence.
- Agree on likelihood and severity definitions before scoring; assess existing controls honestly.
- Select controls using the hierarchy of controls, assign an owner and due point, and reassess residual risk after verifying implementation.
Primary sources and scope
Consult the complete method, its limitations, and the scope of each standard. An educational calculator does not replace a task assessment.
Daily Safety Moment · Guidance updated:
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment Guide
Learn the complete HIRA process with our in-depth guide covering hazard identification methods, the 5x5 risk matrix, hierarchy of controls, OSHA requirements, and best practices for continuous hazard monitoring.
Read: Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment Guide →5x5 Risk Matrix Examples for JHA
See fully worked 5x5 matrix examples for construction, warehouse, maintenance, and office tasks, with likelihood x severity scores, risk bands, and recommended controls you can apply to your next JHA or HIRA.
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