Business risks | business.gov.au

Types of risk

It’s a good idea to understand the different types of risks your business may face so you can recognise and plan ahead for them.

Risks can be:

• opportunity-based risk from choosing one option over other options (such as buying a new property)
• uncertainty-based risk from uncertain or unknown events (such as natural disasters or loss of suppliers)
• hazard-based risk from dangerous materials or actions (such as using hazardous chemicals or working at heights).

Opportunity-based risks

This type of risk comes from taking one opportunity over others. By deciding to commit your resources to one opportunity, you risk:

• missing a better opportunity
• getting unexpected result.

Opportunity-based risks for a business include moving a business to a different location, buying a new property, or selling a new product or service.

Uncertainty-based risks

This type of risk is from uncertainty around unknown or unexpected events. It’s hard to predict these events and the damage they can cause. It’s also hard to control the damage once they occur.

Examples of uncertainty-based risks include:

• damage by fire, flood or other natural disasters
• unexpected financial loss due to an economic downturn, or bankruptcy of other businesses that owe you money
• loss of important suppliers or customers
• decrease in market share because new competitors or products enter the market
• court action.

To reduce the impact of uncertain events on your business, you can do things like:

• develop an emergency management plan to reduce the damage to your business in an emergency
• keep a supplier database to help you manage your stock and equipment
• seek and use regular feedback from your customers and other people you deal with in your business
• check your business environment regularly for risks such as changes in trends and customer expectations
• seek expert advice every now and then to check the financial health of your business and to get advice on how to improve your business.

Hazard-based risks

These types of risks come from dangerous situations in the workplace.

Some common examples include:

• physical hazards caused by high noise levels, extreme weather or other environmental factors
• equipment hazards caused by faulty equipment or poor processes when using equipment such as machinery
• chemical hazards caused by improper storage or use of flammable, poisonous, toxic or carcinogenic chemicals
• biological hazards caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or pests
• ergonomic hazards caused by poor workplace design, layout or equipment use
• psychological hazards caused by bullying and harassment, discrimination, heavy workload or mismatch of employee skills with job duties.