Risk images in a changing high-risk industry

Abstract

We present the study of the forming and development of risk images in a high-risk industry when introducing advanced new operational technologies. The case studied is the planning and implementation of integrated operations (IO) in offshore oil and gas production. We define a risk image as a combination of hazard identification and risk perception. The informants were representatives from different groups involved in the evaluation or development of IO on the Norwegian continental shelf. Data were collected through interviews and observations in workshops and of text representations. The analysis of the data revealed three groups of risk images: technological optimism, traditional risk images and reconfigured risk images. The individual risk images seem to be primarily connected to participation in distributed communities of knowing, operating on different arenas. These constructed risk images at the same time may act both to allocate attention to some hazards and to divert attention from others. We conclude that we need further research on risk images among those that take part in risk appraisal.