What Is a RACI Matrix

Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities in Safety Management and ISO 45001 Systems

Updated March 2025

A RACI Matrix is a role-clarification tool used to define and document responsibilities across tasks, projects, or systems. It maps out who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each activity. In safety-critical environments, especially those aligned with ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S), the RACI Matrix ensures that duties are well defined and that all stakeholders understand their roles in managing workplace risk.

Understanding the RACI Roles

Why Use a RACI Matrix in OH&S?

In ISO 45001-compliant safety systems, the RACI Matrix is especially useful when defining roles for safety-related tasks, risk controls, audits, inspections, or emergency response protocols.

Example: RACI Matrix in a Permit-to-Work System

In a high-risk work environment, a RACI Matrix might define:

Implementing RACI in Safety Programmes

RACI Matrices are often created as part of stakeholder mapping or process mapping sessions. They can be used alongside IPO Analysis , Stakeholder Mapping or Onion Diagram to build a complete picture of who is involved and where accountability lies.

A RACI Matrix defines roles for each stakeholder, clarifies who does what, and reduces confusion across complex projects or safety programmes.

RACI helps satisfy ISO 45001 Clause 5.3 by documenting organisational roles and ensuring safety responsibilities are clearly assigned and communicated.

Yes. RACI is often combined with stakeholder mapping tools like IPO, MOVER, and Power-Interest Matrices to build a full picture of roles, engagement, and responsibilities.