Energy production risks: what perspective should we take

Conference · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Risk Anal.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5192072

Whipple, C

The controversy over energy-production risks is in part due to uncertainties and disagree- ments over the specification of these systems and their characteristics and in part due to the lack of a solid conceptual framework for comparisons between qualitatively different types of risks. The difficulties in specifying energy risks arise primarily from the necessity of using oversimplified descriptions of energy systems and their effects. The major simplifications include the use of marginal analysis (even when inappropriate), the omission of indirect risks, and the incorrect specification of the systems to be analyzed. Comparisons between qualita- tively different risks are hampered by the lack of a solid basis for treating occupational risks relative to public risks, catastrophic risks versus chronic risks, and risks distributed differently in time. The difficult problems encountered when social values relating to risk change rapidly lead to delay and indecision. The choice of analytical simplifications and the specification of values systems for energy analysis are best made by considering the context and application of the analysis.

• Research Organization: EPRI Palo Alto, CA 94303
• OSTI ID: 5192072
• Journal Information: Risk Anal.; (United States), Vol. 1:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RISK ASSESSMENT
CALCULATION METHODS
ENERGY POLICY
HAZARDS
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PRODUCTION
PUBLIC HEALTH
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
SAFETY
290300* - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety