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Risk Assessment Matrices for Workplace Hazards: Design for Usability

Author

Listed:
  • Roger C. Jensen

    (Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department, Montana Technological University, Butte, MT 59701, USA)

  • Royce L. Bird

    (Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department, Montana Technological University, Butte, MT 59701, USA)

  • Blake W. Nichols

    (Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department, Montana Technological University, Butte, MT 59701, USA)

Abstract

In occupational safety and health (OSH), the process of assessing risks of identified hazards considers both the (i) foreseeable events and exposures that can cause harm and (ii) the likelihood or probability of occurrence. To account for both, a table format known as a risk assessment matrix uses rows and columns for ordered categories of the foreseeable severity of harm and likelihood/probability of that occurrence. The cells within the table indicate level of risk. Each category has a text description separate from the matrix as well as a word or phrase heading each row and column. Ideally, these header terms will help the risk assessment team distinguish among the categories. A previous project provided recommended sets of header terms for common matrices based on findings from a survey of undergraduate OSH students. This paper provides background on risk assessment matrices, discusses usability issues, and presents findings from a survey of people with OSH-related experience. The aim of the survey was to confirm or improve the prior recommended sets of terms. The prior recommendations for severity, likelihood, and extent of exposure were confirmed with minor modifications. Improvements in the probability terms were recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger C. Jensen & Royce L. Bird & Blake W. Nichols, 2022. "Risk Assessment Matrices for Workplace Hazards: Design for Usability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2763-:d:759949
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Roger C. Jensen & Haley Hansen, 2020. "Selecting Appropriate Words for Naming the Rows and Columns of Risk Assessment Matrices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Xin Ruan & Zhiyi Yin & Dan M. Frangopol, 2015. "Risk Matrix Integrating Risk Attitudes Based on Utility Theory," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 35(8), pages 1437-1447, August.
    3. Gulsum Kubra Kaya & James Ward & John Clarkson, 2019. "A Review of Risk Matrices Used in Acute Hospitals in England," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 39(5), pages 1060-1070, May.
    4. Aven, Terje, 2017. "Improving risk characterisations in practical situations by highlighting knowledge aspects, with applications to risk matrices," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 42-48.
    5. Louis Anthony (Tony) Cox & Djangir Babayev & William Huber, 2005. "Some Limitations of Qualitative Risk Rating Systems," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(3), pages 651-662, June.
    6. David J. Ball & John Watt, 2013. "Further Thoughts on the Utility of Risk Matrices," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 33(11), pages 2068-2078, November.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Roger Jensen & David P. Gilkey, 2023. "Risk-Reduction Research in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics: An Editorial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-4, March.

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