Which severity level indicates the least impact according to risk assessments?

Which severity level indicates the least impact according to risk assessments?

• A. Critical
• B. Negligible
• C. Marginal
• D. Catastrophic

Answer: (B)

The severity level that indicates the least impact in risk assessments is negligible. This classification suggests that the risk associated with a potential incident is minimal, and any consequences would be so minor that they would not significantly affect operations or outcomes. In practical terms, a negligible risk may not require any action or mitigation strategies, as the likelihood of it causing harm is extremely low. Other severity levels represent higher impacts and would often necessitate various levels of response. For instance, critical or catastrophic levels indicate a severe or catastrophic risk that could result in substantial harm or operational disruptions. Marginal risks are above negligible but still indicate limited impact. Thus, negligible is positioned at the bottom of the hierarchy, signifying the least potential effect on the system or organization being assessed.

The severity level that indicates the least impact in risk assessments is negligible. This classification suggests that the risk associated with a potential incident is minimal, and any consequences would be so minor that they would not significantly affect operations or outcomes. In practical terms, a negligible risk may not require any action or mitigation strategies, as the likelihood of it causing harm is extremely low.

Other severity levels represent higher impacts and would often necessitate various levels of response. For instance, critical or catastrophic levels indicate a severe or catastrophic risk that could result in substantial harm or operational disruptions. Marginal risks are above negligible but still indicate limited impact. Thus, negligible is positioned at the bottom of the hierarchy, signifying the least potential effect on the system or organization being assessed.