Reliability of Risk Assessment

Introduction

Risk expresses the likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realized, and is a function of hazard and exposure. More formally it can be defined as: "the possibility that a harmful event (death, injury or loss) arising from exposure to a chemical or physical agent may occur under specific conditions; or alternatively, the expected frequency of occurrence of a harmful event (death, injury or loss) arising from exposure to a chemical or physical agent under specific conditions" [1].
Reliability can be defined as: "the probability that an item is able to perform a required function under stated conditions for a stated period of time" [2].


Human perception, behaviour and reliability


A risk assessment is nothing than a careful examination of what, in terms of the work activity, could cause harm to people. This allows the person carrying it out to weigh up whether sufficient and suitable precautions have been taken or whether more should be done to prev...