Risk Assessments

The UCD SIRC Office has completed a number of risk assessments for different categories, which may be used and amended by staff and postgraduates if they are applicable to the work. In the event that these risk assessments do not adequately manage the hazards associated with their work, staff and postgraduates should complete their own risk assessment. There are risk assessment templates also available to help in this regard for biological agents, chemicals, fieldwork, lone working, workshop and machinery/equipment. 

(opens in a new window)View completed Risk Assessments by Category here

(opens in a new window)View Risk Assessment Templates Here

For further advice, please contact the UCD SIRC Office ((opens in a new window)sirc@ucd.ie).

Hazard Definition

‘Hazard’ is defined as the potential to cause harm, while ‘risk’ is defined as the potential of the hazard to cause harm under the actual circumstances of use. The assessment of risk from the hazards identified is based on the linkage of the probability of occurrence with the severity of injury or material loss (the hazard effect) resulting from that occurrence.

Assessing the Risks Using a Risk Matrix

The risk assessment matrix below is used to calculate the risk posed by any hazard by linking the probability of an adverse occurrence with the severity of injury or material loss (the hazard effect) resulting from that occurrence.

Image 1: Simple 3x3 risk matrix example

Risk Rating = Probability x Severity

Probability is determined based on an assessment of how likely it is that an adverse event related to the hazard concerned will occur. Probabilities are graded as:

• Unlikely: the adverse event being considered will occur only rarely.

• Likely: the adverse event being considered will occur on a frequent basis
• Highly Likely: the adverse event being considered is almost certain to occur

Severity is based on the degree of personal injury or damage to property likely to occur in the event that the adverse event occurs. The severity of the outcome is graded as:

• Slightly Harmful: e.g. superficial injuries; minor cuts and bruises; nuisance and irritation; temporary discomfort; minor infection;  minor material damage.
• Harmful: e.g. lacerations; burns; concussion; sprains; minor fractures; dermatitis (temporary); asthma (temporary); long-term discomfort; infection requiring medical treatment; significant material damage.
• Extremely Harmful: e.g. fatality; amputation; major fracture; severe poisoning; cancer; life-shortening condition/disease; deafness; head injuries; eye injuries; substantial material damage.

Risk Rating

1. Trivial Risk: No further action is required.
2. Acceptable Risk: No additional risk control/reduction measures are required
3. Moderate Risk: Further risk control/reduction measures should be considered and implemented where possible. Hazards graded as Moderate Risk must be closely managed.
4. Substantial Risk: Further risk control/reduction measures must be identified. If the risk cannot be reduced further then the hazard must be strictly managed and the frequency and duration of the hazard must be reduced to as low a level as practicable along with the number of persons exposed to the hazard.
5. Intolerable Risk: All work involving this hazard is prohibited.

Risk Control/ Reduction Methods

The aim of any risk control/reduction measures identified and implemented is to reduce the residual risk from the hazard to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.