Page 56 - IEC Insights Sept-Oct19

SAFETY CORNER

Risk

By Thomas Domitrovich, P.E.

F rom the moment we wake up in are used. The term risk is a good example on the chance of the event occurring; and

of one that can be viewed differently by
in the other, risk is being based on the
the morning to the moment we
various individuals. This term has meaning
amount of damage that will be occur.
rest our head on the pillow at
night, risk is a part of our day.
to accountants; gamblers; motorcyclists;
risk is “A combination of the likelihood of
We are exposed to various investors; and yes, electrical workers. NFPA 70E tells the electrical worker that
Some relate risk to the likelihood an
degrees of risk throughout every moment event will occur. Others relate risk to the occurrence of injury or damage to health
of our life, whether we realize it or not. severity of the consequences of an event. and the severity of injury or damage
As an active individual in the electrical Yet others advise that risk must take both to health that results from a hazard.”
industry, understanding risk will change of these perspectives into consideration; This definition tells us that risk has
how we perform work. This article is likelihood and severity must be three dimensions, not just one. These
an attempt to explore this not so trivial considered. These three examples are very dimensions include likelihood, severity,
topic of risk and provide some food different. To illustrate this let’s consider and awareness of the hazard. Let’s explore
for thought for your next project. risk as it pertains to an earthquake. From these areas to further understand how
one perspective, some would classify risk may impact how we do business.
risk as low when only considering the
WHAT IS RISK? fact that an earthquake only occurs once
every 25 years. Another individual may LIKELIHOOD
The reason we have definitions in the classify risk associated with this same
codes and standards that we use on a earthquake as very high when considering Out of the three terms that NFPA 70E
daily basis is because we all need to be on the amount of damage and loss of life it introduced with regard to risk, likelihood
the same page with regard to how terms can cause. In one case, risk is being based is the one that arguably has the best

54 Insights Magazine | September/October 2019 | www.ieci.org