How often is the task done? Does this make the harm more or less likely?
How often are people near the hazard? How close do people get to it?
Has it ever happened before, either in your workplace or somewhere else? How often?
Table 2 contains further questions that can help you estimate likelihood.
You can rate the likelihood as one of the following:
Certain to occur - expected to occur in most circumstances
Very likely - will probably occur in most circumstances
Possible – might occur occasionally
Unlikely – could happen at some time
Rare – may happen only in exceptional circumstances
The level of risk will increase as the likelihood of harm and its severity increases.