Perception of Risk

This workshop will introduce the concept of risk perception and its importance for the effective support of safety behaviour. People commonly act in line with personal subjective assessments of risk (risk perception) rather than objective assessments. At work, this can result in employees not complying fully with safety protocols and either exceeding safety requirements when they fear a threat or omitting safety behaviours when they do not. In the first half of this workshop, we will cover the importance of risk perception, features of risks that enhance or reduce subjective risk and individual difference in risk perception. In the second half, we will outline steps to take in dealing with risk perception in the workplace to support safety behaviour. Throughout the workshop, we will encourage and assist attendees to tailor solutions to their workplace.