How should a risk with low frequency and low severity typically be handled?

When dealing with risks characterized by low frequency and low severity, the most appropriate management approach is to retain the risk. This is because the potential impact of such risks is minimal, and the likelihood of occurrence is low. Therefore, the costs and resources associated with mitigating or transferring these risks are often higher than the potential loss that could arise from them.

By retaining the risk, an organization can effectively absorb any minor losses that may occur without imposing unnecessary burdens on its operations. This approach allows the business to focus its risk management efforts on more significant risks that require immediate attention and resources. In essence, retaining low-frequency, low-severity risks enables organizations to streamline their risk management strategies and allocate resources more efficiently.

The other options—preventing, transferring, and avoiding—are typically reserved for risks that possess higher frequency or severity, where the potential consequences justify such measures.