Calculation of an adjusted Disproportion Factor (DF∗) which takes the societal acceptability of risks into account. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Achille, J.; Ponnet, K.; Reniers, G.
• Is Part Of: Safety science. Volume 94(2017)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Societal acceptability -- Industrial risks -- Disproportion Factor -- Cost-benefit analysis -- Safety decision making; Industrial accidents -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Safety -- Periodicals; Travail -- Accidents -- Périodiques; 363.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2015.12.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-7535

Abstract

Highlights: Societal acceptability of risks (SAR) needs to be integrated into the calculation process of industrial risks. Four factors are related to SAR. Awareness of a company about the risk and fairness of its management is strongest related to SAR. A user-friendly scoring system of SAR is presented. Abstract: This paper develops an approach considering parameters related to the societal acceptance of industrial risks, to determine an adjusted Disproportion Factor (DF ∗ ), whereby the pre-existing calculation model of the Disproportion Factor (DF) developed by Goose (2006) is used as the basis. Our approach will allow companies to have a much more realistic perception and coloured picture of decision-making, where societal acceptability is fully integrated into the calculation process. This way, the decision will not only be more accurate, but also be more defensible. After a literature review, 11 indicators were identified as relevant within the framework of prevention of disasters in companies. Factor analysis confirmed that the 11 indicators represent a societal acceptability of risks (SAR) concept. By using a scoring system we explain how an adjusted DF ∗ can be determined. An illustrative example is also given to show how the model can actually be used. This study thus provides a scoring system that could be used by risk managers in order to include the societal acceptability of risks (SAR) into economic analyses of industrial risks.