risikomatrice

A risikomatrice, or risk matrix, is a tool used in risk management to classify and prioritize risks by combining two dimensions: the probability that a hazard will occur and the severity of its consequences. The results are displayed in a grid where rows represent likelihood and columns represent impact, yielding a risk level such as low, medium, high, or critical. The term risikomatrice is used in Danish and Norwegian contexts to describe this concept.

Common configurations use multiple categories for both axes—such as unlikely, possible, likely, and almost certain for probability, and negligible, minor, moderate, major, and catastrophic for impact. Cells are often color-coded to form a heat map, with green indicating lower risk and red indicating higher risk. Some matrices employ numeric scores instead of qualitative labels and may vary in size, such as 3x3 or 5x5.

Application typically involves identifying hazards, estimating probability and consequence, mapping each risk to the matrix, and using the resulting rating to determine mitigation priorities and controls within a broader risk management or project governance process. The matrix supports rapid visualization and communication of risk levels to stakeholders.

Advantages of using a risikomatrice include simplicity, visual clarity, and straightforward prioritization. Limitations include subjectivity in estimating probability and impact, coarse granularity, and a tendency to overlook risk interdependencies or time dynamics. It can also create a false sense of precision if used without context or calibration.

Variants exist with different sizes and scales, such as 3x3, 4x4, or 5x5 matrices. They are employed across fields like safety engineering, project management, IT risk, and healthcare, and are commonly integrated with standards such as ISO 31000.