Perspectives on ‘the lens of risk’ interview series: interviews with Tom Horlick-Jones, Paul Slovic and Andy Alaszewski

Abstract

This article is the fourth and final one in a series of interviews with a selection of significant contributors to the social science of risk. It provides quasi-verbatim interviews with

Grasping the nettle? Considering the contemporary challenges of risk assessment

“…This observation notwithstanding, palpable challenges remain in terms of the creation of a solid foundation for appropriate application of knowledge around risk management, based on organisations' strategies and design. A number of scholars (Heyman and Brown 2013;Lloyd-Bostock and Hutter 2008;Tait and Levidow 1992) have explored the creation of such principles and knowledge exchange practices, but the limitations imposed by practical restraints for organisations remain and these are more acute in conditions of austerity and dwindling resources.…”

“…Given the above, assessment of risks is a major issue for regulatory bodies. The academic literature indicates that challenges are not only related to the sensitivity of risk assessments but also are connected to the: quality and scope of information (Mythen and Wardman 2016;Breyer 2009;European Commission 2000); allocation of resources and anticipatory resilience strategies (Mythen 2018;Linkov, Larkin, and Lambert 2015;Baldwin, Cave, and Lodge 2012); implementation of certain risk assessment tools and techniques (Boardman et al 2017;Baldwin, Cave, and Lodge 2012;Arrow et al 1996); assignment of liability (Baldwin, Cave, and Lodge 2012;Braithwaite and Fisse 1988); absence of appropriate knowledge exchange in practice (Heyman and Brown 2013;Lloyd-Bostock and Hutter 2008;Tait and Levidow 1992); lack of consensus on the acceptability level of risk; perception and categorisationof risks; overestimation or underestimation of risks; level of transparency and the involvement of the public in risk assessment and decision-making processes.…”