Schools - violent, aggressive and dangerous behaviour: risk assessment guidance
This guidance provides clarity to local authorities and educational settings on appropriately using risk assessment processes to mitigate or minimise violent, aggressive, and dangerous behaviours exhibited by children and young people at school.
Appendix 3: Exemplar of a risk matrix
| Impact | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Negligible |
Minor |
Moderate |
Significant |
Severe |
||
| Likelihood | Very Likely |
Low Med |
Medium |
Med Hi |
High |
High |
Likely |
Low |
Low Med |
Medium |
Med High |
High |
|
Possible |
Low |
Low Med |
Medium |
Med High |
Med High |
|
Unlikely |
Low |
Low Med |
Low Med |
Medium |
Med High |
|
Very Unlikely |
Low |
Low |
Low Med |
Medium |
Medium |
|
See the HSE study guide on Risk Assessment Matrix for further guidance in using a risk matrix.
When to act?
Low risk – no action required
Low-medium risk – monitor
Medium to medium-high risk – initiate interventions/risk reduction measures
High risk – take immediate action to complete risk assessment/implement controls
Please note: Some local authorities use a more simplified 3x3 or 4x4 risk matrix rather than HSE’s recommended 5x5 matrix. The above suggestions for when to act are not prescriptive and are for exemplification purposes only. Responsibility for when to act should be decided by the setting/local authority in conjunction with their relevant health and safety committee.