ELI Content Classification System
Risk Classification Guide
Every post on this blog is classified using the same industrial risk assessment methodology used on real worksites. The criticality level determines badge color, visual urgency, and how the content should be prioritized by you and your team.
01 — Likelihood × Consequence Matrix
How Criticality Is Assigned
Each post is assessed on two axes: how likely the hazard is to occur in a typical industrial environment, and what the potential consequence is if it does. The intersection determines the criticality level assigned to that content.
| Likelihood ↓ / Consequence → | Minor | Moderate | Serious Injury | Fatal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almost Certain | L1 | L2 | L3 | L3 |
| Likely | L0 | L1 | L2 | L3 |
| Possible | L0 | L0 | L1 | L2 |
| Unlikely | L0 | L0 | L0 | L1 |
02 — Criticality Levels
What Each Level Means
L0 — Normal
System OK
Educational content with no active hazard. Describes correct practice, standards compliance, or foundational knowledge.
Daily Safety Topics
Correct grounding practice
LOTO procedures done right
Code and standards reference
Correct grounding practice
LOTO procedures done right
Code and standards reference
L1 — Advisory
Caution
A known hazard with low to moderate consequence. Requires awareness and action but typically non-fatal outcome.
Near-miss reports
Equipment damage incidents
Procedure deviation warnings
Advisory safety notices
Equipment damage incidents
Procedure deviation warnings
Advisory safety notices
L2 — Warning
High Risk
Serious injury potential. Covers arc flash exposure, electrical shock risk, major equipment failure modes, and protection system failures.
Arc flash hazards
Electrical shock events
Bonding and grounding failures
VFD and CT hazards
Electrical shock events
Bonding and grounding failures
VFD and CT hazards
L3 — Critical
Fatal Risk
Fatality or multiple serious injuries. Documented deaths, catastrophic system failures, and major incident root cause analyses.
Fatality RCAs
Electrocution incidents
Explosion and fire events
Multi-casualty incidents
Electrocution incidents
Explosion and fire events
Multi-casualty incidents
03 — Conclusion State
Post Takeaway Classification
In addition to the criticality level, each post's conclusion is classified to signal whether the primary takeaway is a validated safe practice, a failure mode warning, or neutral information.
Conclusion: Safe
Correct Practice
The post concludes with a confirmed correct or protected state. "Do this and you are protected." Green takeaway badge.
Conclusion: Hazard
Failure Mode
The post concludes with a failure mode or do-not-do warning. "This kills people. Do not do this." Red takeaway badge.
Conclusion: Neutral
Informational
Standards reference, product review, or general awareness. No definitive safe or unsafe conclusion. Gray takeaway badge.
Disclaimer:
This classification system is an educational tool to help readers prioritize and contextualize
safety content. It is not a formal regulatory risk assessment and does not replace site-specific
hazard assessments, engineering controls, or the requirements of your local Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ). Always refer to applicable codes and standards including CEC, NEC, CSA Z462,
and NFPA 70E for compliance requirements.