Design-Based Safety: There Is No Such Thing as an “Acceptable” Risk

David MacCollum

doi:10.56094/jss.v54i3.60

Authors

David MacCollum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56094/jss.v54i3.60

Keywords:

acceptable risk, hazard, Titanic, NASA

Abstract

The amount of harm a hazard can cause is unknown, as many hazards remain dormant most of the time and become armed infrequently. Once armed, of course, they are able to cause harm or injury; however, in most circumstances, it is rare that the hazard actually causes injury or damage. But, because the natural seriousness of harm cannot be quantified, there is no such thing as an “acceptable” risk.

Author Biography

David MacCollum

David V. MacCollum, 96, was a past president of ASSE and was a member of the first U.S. Secretary of Labor’s Construction Safety Advisory Committee [1969-1972]. He specialized in safety research and technical assistance on high-risk hazards to enterprise, insurance companies, universities, trade associations, attorneys, and government for over 20 years and was involved in the development of rollover protections and other safeguards and innovative construction methods and procedures. Mr. MacCollum held a B.S. degree from Oregon State University and was a Registered Professional Engineer and Certified Safety Professional. (in memoriam)