Voluntary versus involuntary risks

These differing perceptions impact what risk management decisions are acceptable in different situations. The perceptions relate to psychological factors such as fear, dread, uncontrollability, and voluntary versus involuntary risks, as well as familiarity with the hazard. Figure 9.1 illustrates the relationship of these factors for various hazards. Hazards in the upper right quadrant of the space are those that are perceived as both relatively unknown and uncontrollable, and include asbestos, mercury, pesticides, and radioactive waste. The hazards in this quadrant are most likely to be considered most dreadful, and are most likely to lead to government regulation based on public concern. 

Comparisons between studies and methods are usually carried out in terms of the value per statistical life. It is, however, important to bear in mind that the value per statistical life can be expected to vary with the type of risk (e.g. voluntary versus involuntary), the initial risklevel, the size of the risk change, age and income. 

Perceptions of risk viewed as voluntary versus involuntary... 

Furthermore, risks are present in different degrees. For voluntary risks, levels of risk can be well defined and clear smoking three cigarettes versus three packs each day represents an obvious difference in levels of risk. Travel also presents levels of risk. Whatever mode of travel is chosen, the risk of an accident exists, but some modes of travel have higher accident rates than others. Some people consider that the risk of an accident during a trip is an involuntary risk, especially if there is little choice in whether the trip is taken. This leads to the concept of risk acceptance. If the level of risk is perceived to be sufficiently small and the nature of the risk is not unique or does not have spectacular consequences, the majority of people will accept such risks without any deliberate analysis. 

---