Importance of risk acceptance criteria in the decision making process : a review

Abstract

The risk acceptance is a problematic issue associated with risk assessment in occupational environments. It is essential that the organizations define how the occupational risk can be minimized in order to obtain an acceptable level, being the definition of the acceptance criteria fundamental. Considering the scarcity of previous work concerning the current criteria used by the organizations, this paper aims to discuss the occupational risk acceptability problematic through a literature review. This work shows that the risk acceptability can be defined as the accepted risk level for a specific dangerous situation. Considering that the risk decision is influenced by several variables and that companies define their own acceptance criteria, these can vary considerably between companies. Previous studies shown that, the application of different criteria to the same risk situation can lead to different decisions about risk. Therefore, some authors have advocated for the government intervention in the criteria formulation, through the publication of specific legislation. Currently, different sciences have defined distinct criteria. According to Health and Safety Executive, the criteria used by the regulators in the health, safety and environment areas can be classified in three “pure” criteria: equity-based, utility-based and technology-based. Among the presented criteria, the first two have been often considered. These criteria are frequently presented in terms of limits and, typically, they express the probability and the consequences of a dangerous event. The acceptance criteria shall be based on a measure of the risk of occupational accidents. Currently, there are several risk measures available, so, it is important to choose the most appropriate. This paper tries to address the importance of the definition of acceptance criteria, considering that, its inadequate definition and use, may promote an incorrect decision about occupational risk. Therefore, it seems to be important to study which criteria the organizations consider the most appropriate according to their specific needs.