Relative influences of perceived frequency and seriousness on perceived risk

摘要

In developing safety programs it is useful to examine what the perception of risk is for various hazards. Risks may be accepted if the consequences are relatively mild. Most discussions of risk include two components: the likelihood of an event and the seriousness of its effects if it occurs. If the overall risk is considered unacceptable, the individual may use appropriate measures to avoid the hazard. If warnings emphasize the factors deemed important to the user they may be more effective. These studies evaluated relative contributions of probability of occurrence and probability of serious consequences on overall risk perceptions for a number of work and home type hazards. Although there was somewhat greater influence of consequences perception, the results were not conclusive, because the correlations of overall risk ratings with probability of occurrence and with probability of a serious consequence were affected by the order in which the ratings were made.