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Risk-Benefit Balancing in Risk Management: Measures of Benefits and Detriments

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The Analysis, Communication, and Perception of Risk

Part of the book series: Advances in Risk Analysis ((AIRA,volume 9))

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Abstract

Improvements in risk management practices are possible on the basis of a rational approach to comparisons of the benefits and detriments of a course of action and of the alternatives to that course of action. We propose a conceptual framework within which a systematic assessment of technology options is made in such a way that all the important consequences can be treated in a consistent manner. Our proposed measure as a guide to decisions in the management of risks is based on a consideration of overall social well-being, where the objective is to ensure that all risk mitigation should maximize the total net benefit measured in terms of quality-adjusted life expectancy. The study addresses one of the central issues in risk management: what is an appropriate and reasonable allocation of resources aimed at risk reduction? Quantitative assessments and their assembly into a coherent framework are considered vital aids in weighing the options and resolving the problems inherent in the management of risks and the formation of safety policy.

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© 1991 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Nathwani, J.S., Lind, N.C., Siddall, E. (1991). Risk-Benefit Balancing in Risk Management: Measures of Benefits and Detriments. In: Garrick, B.J., Gekler, W.C. (eds) The Analysis, Communication, and Perception of Risk. Advances in Risk Analysis, vol 9. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2370-7_59

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2370-7_59

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-2372-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-2370-7

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