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Hazard Identification and Risk Ranking Worksheet

A hazard log is the simplest risk tool in the plant: list hazards, score them, add controls and score again. This worksheet does the multiplication and keeps the before and after view in one table.

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Area or task	Hazard	Potential harm	Likelihood (1-5)	Severity (1-5)	Initial score	Initial band	Controls	Residual likelihood	Residual severity	Residual score	Owner
					12					4
					9					3
					10					5
					8					4

Total initial score

Total residual score

Overall risk reduction

59%

Typical banding on a 5x5 matrix: 1-4 low, 5-9 medium, 10-16 high, 17-25 intolerable. Set your own bands and follow local law. This worksheet is a record aid, not a safety certification.

Link hazards to ERP maintenance and incidents

Optional: we can tie hazard log items to work orders and incident records.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use the worksheet

Walk the area with the people who do the job. For each hazard, record the harm, score likelihood and severity from 1 to 5 and write down the existing controls. Enter residual likelihood and severity after the controls. Type your band name next to each score. Sort by score in Excel to see the top risks first.

Assess tasks, not only machines
Include non-routine work such as maintenance
Score without controls first, then with
Assign a named owner for each high risk

The 5x5 matrix

Risk score equals likelihood times severity. With a 5x5 matrix the score runs from 1 to 25. Plants usually define bands, for example low up to 4, medium 5 to 9, high 10 to 16 and intolerable above 16, and tie each band to a required response. Use your own company bands; the numbers above are an example.

Hierarchy of controls

Reduce risk in this order: eliminate the hazard, substitute something safer, apply engineering controls such as guards and interlocks, use administrative controls such as procedures and training, and only then rely on personal protective equipment. A residual score that depends mostly on PPE or training is fragile and should be revisited.

Common mistakes

Scoring after controls only hides the true hazard. Rating severity by the usual outcome rather than the credible worst case understates risk. Forgetting to review after a process change leaves old scores in force. Treat the log as a living document with a review date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a HIRA or JSA?

It is a general hazard identification and risk ranking log, similar in structure to a HIRA. A job safety analysis breaks one task into steps; this log works at area or task level. Use whichever your procedure requires.

What do the bands mean?

They are an example. Companies define their own bands and required responses, such as stop work, immediate action or monitor. Use your EHS procedure and local legal requirements.

Does it replace a legal risk assessment?

No. Many jurisdictions require specific assessments, for example for machinery, chemicals or noise. This worksheet is a working record and does not certify compliance.

How often should it be reviewed?

At least annually, and after incidents, process changes, new equipment or layout changes. High risks deserve more frequent review until residual risk is acceptable.

If incidents and permits live in your ERP or EHS system, Netray can connect them to this log. Ask for a short review.

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