The Selection and Use of Electrical Insulating Gloves of Electricians ...

2.1.2 Understanding RisksIn general, we tend to be overoptimistic about the risk that we face (Mohanna andChambers, 2000). Very often misperception on risks exists; towards the illusion ofinvulnerability and complacency. Correct perception of risk is a prerequisite in all safetyactivities, misplaced optimism may result in a barrier to hazard analysis and subsequentcontrol actions. In simple terms, risk can be defined as the probability that a hazard willgive rise to harm.2.1.2.1 Cultural TheoryCultural theorist opts the view that “personality” affect individuals on the understanding ofrisk and subsequent risk-taking behavior. According to the cultural theory model, there are4 main types of “personality” (Mohanna and Chamber 2000):• Individualists – They emphasize the individual responsibility to minimize personalrisk. Individualists have a strong sense of personal autonomy and may resentsuggestion of safety professions.• Hierarchists – This group of people adopts the epidemiological base to evidence whichis opposite to individualists.• Egalitarians – They have a tendency to distrust experts and the context within whichrisks are viewed is a social construct. Understanding and therefore avoiding risk canbe improved by public participation.• Fatalist – They diminish the importance of the group experience as a provider ofevidence about outcomes and tend not to recognize the role of society as a force or asource of support. They perceive risks as part of the increasing complexity of modern8