Risk Assessment Matrix
Severity
Frequent (A)
Likely (B)
Occasional
Seldom
Unlikely (E)
(C)
(D)
Catastrophic (I)
E
E
H
H
M
Critical
(II)
E
H
H
M
L
Marginal
(III)
H
M
M
L
L
Negligible
(IV)
M
L
L
L
L
Figure 4-4. Risk Assessment Matrix
Step 3. Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions. Controls eliminate or reduce the
probability or severity of each hazard, thereby lowering the overall risk. Controls include of one the
following categories--educational, physical, or avoidance.
Many environmental risk controls are simply extensions of good management,
housekeeping, operations security (OPSEC), and leadership practices.
Once all feasible risk control measures are in place, some risk will always remain.
This residual risk requires leaders' attention. Unit leaders inform their chain of
command of the residual risk and its implications on the operation. The commander
alone decides whether or not to accept the level of risk.
g. Implement Controls. Inform subordinates, down to individual soldiers, of risk control
measures. State how each control will be implemented, and assign responsibility. This preparation
requires leaders to anticipate environmental requirements and incorporate them into long-, short-, and
near-term planning. The key to success is identifying the "who, what, where, when, and how" aspects of
each control.
h. Supervise and Evaluate. Leaders and staffs continuously monitor controls throughout the
operation to ensure their effectiveness and to modify controls as required. They also make on-the-spot
corrections, evaluate individual and collective performance, hold those in charge accountable, and require
that all tasks be performed to applicable environmental standards. Leaders ensure that the AAR process
includes an evaluation of environmental-related hazards, controls, soldier performance, and leader
supervision.
4-4. Summary. It is essential to include environmental considerations early and throughout the
planning cycle. Unit leaders use risk assessment to estimate the impact of their unit activities on the
natural environment and to identify environmental-related safety issues for their soldiers. Knowledge of
environmental factors is the key to planning and decision making. Risk management does not convey
authority to deliberately disobey local, state, national, or HN laws and regulations. Risk management
assists commanders in complying with environmental regulatory and legal requirements and operating
within the higher commanders' intent. Unit leaders should complete risk assessments before conducting
training, operations, or logistical activities. Risk assessments assist leaders and their staff to identify
potential environmental hazards, develop controls, make risk decisions, implement those controls, and
ensure proper supervision and evaluation.
EN 5702
4-12
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