5x5 Risk Assessment Matrix Template (Printable)
Upload your company logo (optional), then print or save as PDF. The template includes a scoring legend and a reference page for axis interpretation guidance.
Read our primer article on risk matrices for context and examples.
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Risk Assessment Matrix (5x5) — Printable Template
Score = Probability × Impact
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5x5 matrix grid (scores shown)
Find your probability row and impact column. The number in the box is the risk score.
| Probability | Low 1 | Minor 2 | Significant 3 | Major 4 | Severe 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rare 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Unlikely 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Moderate 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
Likely 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
Almost Certain 5 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
Risk category legend
Use the score in the grid to choose a recommended action.
| Score | Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Low | Monitor — manage with routine controls and review if conditions change. |
| 5–9 | Medium | Correction required - basic risk control analysis to be instigated |
| 10–16 | High | Urgent correction — strengthen controls before the next shift where practical. |
| 17–25 | Critical | Stop / do not start — immediate controls required before work proceeds. |
Context (location / situation / task)
Hazard scored
Comments
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Axis interpretation reference
This page contains the full guidance shown in the interactive tool tooltips.
Probability (Likelihood) guidance
Reference for interpreting the probability axis options.
Probability 1 — Rare
Use when the event is highly unlikely in normal operations.
Guidance: - May occur only in exceptional circumstances - Strong controls already in place
Examples: - A once-in-years equipment failure with redundancy - A hazard only present during unusual weather or a one-off task
Probability 2 — Unlikely
Use when the event could happen, but it is not expected in routine work.
Guidance: - Could occur sometimes - Would usually require multiple things to go wrong
Examples: - A slip in a generally clean area during a short wet-weather period - Minor tool failure when inspections are consistent
Probability 3 — Moderate
Use when the event is plausible under normal conditions.
Guidance: - About a 50/50 chance depending on conditions - Similar jobs have had near-misses
Examples: - Manual handling strains on repetitive tasks without mechanical aids - Vehicle/pedestrian conflict in a busy yard with mixed traffic
Probability 4 — Likely
Use when the event is expected to occur in many circumstances.
Guidance: - Happens often enough to be a priority - Existing controls reduce impact but not occurrence
Examples: - Minor cuts/abrasions on frequent handling tasks without consistent PPE - Trips in cluttered work areas during peak activity
Probability 5 — Almost Certain
Use when the event is expected to occur frequently unless something changes.
Guidance: - Will occur in most circumstances - Controls are missing, ineffective, or not followed
Examples: - Repeated exposure to an unguarded moving part - Ongoing slips in an area with constant spills and no controls
Impact (Consequence) guidance
Reference for interpreting the impact axis options.
Impact 1 — Low
- Safety: First aid only; no lost time
- Financial: <2% budget or <$500
- Reputation: Low/no profile; minimal concern
- Operations: Minor disruption; <1 day
- Environment: Minor; immediate correction
- Compliance: Minor internal variance
- Assets/Systems: Negligible damage
- Project: Small change (<$5,000)
Impact 2 — Minor
- Safety: Medical treatment; no lasting harm
- Financial: 2–5% budget or $500–$5,000
- Reputation: Localised complaint/mention
- Operations: Disruption; 1–3 days or reduced capacity
- Environment: Local clean-up; short-term, recoverable
- Compliance: Corrective action + internal reporting
- Assets/Systems: Minor repairable damage
- Project: Manageable change (<$20,000)
Impact 3 — Significant
- Safety: Lost time or hospital treatment
- Financial: 5–10% budget or $5,000–$25,000
- Reputation: Credible issue; broader attention
- Operations: Major disruption; 3–7 days or major rework
- Environment: Moderate; recovery needed (may need support)
- Compliance: Notifiable breach; remediation plan
- Assets/Systems: Major repair; downtime
- Project: Significant change (<$50,000)
Impact 4 — Major
- Safety: Serious/permanent injury (multiple possible)
- Financial: 10–20% budget or $25,000–$100,000
- Reputation: High-profile; confidence impacted
- Operations: Severe; 1–4 weeks or critical deliverables missed
- Environment: Major; prolonged recovery (possible off-site)
- Compliance: Enforcement likely; major corrective program
- Assets/Systems: Severe damage; extended downtime/replacement
- Project: Major change (<$150,000)
Impact 5 — Severe
- Safety: Fatality or life-changing injury
- Financial: >20% budget or >$100,000
- Reputation: Sustained media; long-term damage
- Operations: Prolonged shutdown; continuity threatened
- Environment: Severe; long-term harm + extensive remediation
- Compliance: Prosecution/major penalties possible
- Assets/Systems: Catastrophic loss; full replacement
- Project: Objectives no longer achievable