A spatial multi-risk hazard assessment and vulnerability study of ...

The word ‘risk’ is one of the most notable examples of words with multiple and disparate
meanings that may not be commonly acknowledged. Risk may have a technical meaning,
referring to a chance or probability (risk from exposure), a consequence or impact (the
risk from smoking), or a perilous situation (a nuclear power plant creates a risk) (Gerrard
et al., 2001).
Usage of the word ‘risk’ in the context of this study incorporates two ideas:
• That the situation being discussed has the potential for undesirable consequences and
there is some uncertainty associated with the circumstances.
• There is uncertainty whether a hazardous event will occur, when or where it will
occur, who or what will be affected and the magnitude of the consequences.
Risk in this sense includes both the probability and the character of the undesirable
event. Risk then as a simple definition refers to uncertain events that can damage the well
being of an individual or group (Scoones, 1996).
2.2.1 Sources of Risk
Human actions very often amplify the consequences of a disaster event; for example
houses built in a floodplain are more likely to be damaged than houses built on higher
ground (Gerrard et al., 2001).
Three primary sources of risk are generated by human action:
• Lifestyle choices are voluntary choices we make ourselves that put us at risk. For
example, excess drinking and smoking can be a health risk, and exceeding speed
limits when driving increases the risk of being in a traffic accident.
• Contractual arrangements normally have some or other economic influence,
especially regarding people who work in hazardous circumstances. Police officers, for
example, knowingly put themselves at risk through their career choice, but expect
some offset. Another example would be a person purchasing a house near a busy
airport. The person puts himself at risk of noise pollution and the danger of an
aircraft accident in exchange for lower real estate values.
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