Residual risk
The risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been applied. Residual risk cannot be eliminated but must be reduced to an acceptable level. The concept is used in risk assessment practice across all three frameworks.
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“residual risk”SharedResidual risk is the level of risk remaining after controls have been applied. MHSWR 1999 Schedule 1 requires control measures to reduce residual risks. HSE guidance describes residual risk as what is left when the hierarchy of controls has been applied as far as is reasonably practicable. ALARP is a working description of acceptable residual risk in major hazard industries.
Irish HSA
“residual risk”SharedThe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the General Application Regulations require risk assessment and reduction. Residual risk is the risk remaining after the hierarchy of controls has been applied as far as is reasonably practicable. Safety statements must address how residual risks are managed.
US OSHA
“residual risk”SharedOSHA does not use residual risk as a regulatory term. The General Duty Clause and specific standards require employers to abate recognised hazards and comply with applicable standards. Residual risk after compliance with all applicable standards is generally accepted. For PSM-covered processes, the process hazard analysis must identify measures to address residual risks.
Practitioner note: Record it and communicate it. Residual risk that is never conveyed to the people exposed is not controlled in any meaningful sense.