Bill Harvey: Take a chance, take a chance

An understanding of the nature of risk is important, not only in work but life in general.

Media coverage and anecdotal reports tend to skew our perception of what represents significant risk and what we may take for granted without ever perceiving inherent risk. Obvious examples include the assumption that air travel is risky. Obviously, whenever a plane crashes, the risk to those on board is as high as it gets, but the chances of this occurring are exceptionally low when compared with, for example, the risk of crossing the road in a busy city. A recent information film warning travellers of what to do if confronted by a terrorist attack on a beach has been rightly criticised for over-emphasising a low risk.