Citation

Brown DB. J. Saf. Res. 1973; 5(2): 73-81.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1973, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Fault tree and analysis is discussed in terms of its application to determining the cost benefit of safety investments. Four factors are considered when determining the cost benefit of an alternative. These are: a) the severity of the resulting head event; b) the frequency of occurrence of the head event; c) the cost of the alternative; and d) the amount by which this alternative can reduce the expected negative utility of the head event. Fault three analysis is used to relate the effect of an alternative upon a basic event to its effect upon the head event. Comparisons of the cost-benefits can then be made for all head events to aid in allocating the safety budget in an optimal manner.