Citation

Ingles OG. Reliab. Eng. 1980; 1(1): 15-27.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0143-8174(80)90011-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Some data from the field of civil engineering are presented as an indication of current risk-tolerance levels, and to exemplify the problem of irrational responses in society at large. The magnitude and frequency of human error is shown to be an important part of safety assessments.

Though it is not yet possible to formulate a consistent set of laws for human error, numerous ways in which error can be minimized and safety enhanced have been established.

Cost-benefit risk analysis offers the prospect of greater safety at given expenditure levels, or lesser expenditure to maintain a given safety level.