Barcelona Field Studies Centre

Risk Assessment Severity Key

Assessing the likelihood of a hazard and the severity of outcome is based on the following severity scale for physical and psychological injuries:


Severity Scale 1 2 3 4 5
Likely injury Minor non-immobilising injury or trauma not requiring hospital treatment Non-immobilising injury or trauma but requiring hospital treatment Immobilising injury or trauma requiring hospital treatment Severe injury or trauma requiring urgent hospital treatment Very severe life-threatening event

 

and a likelihood scale for a hazard occurrence:


Likelihood Scale 1 2 3 4 5
Hazard occurrence Highly unlikely Unlikely Possible Likely Very likely

 

Multiplying the two produces the risk score. Such a quantitative approach highlights priorities for management. An example is shown below:


Hazard

Likelihood
Severity
Risk Score
Management

Roadside walking

2
4
8
Keep group single file

Bag snatch

3
1
3
Valuables should left in hotel safe

Steep, unstable slopes

4
2
8
Advise suitable footwear