Taking Risks
Insurance companies calculate the likelihood that an organization will file a claim. They calculate how likely it is that an individual will file a claim.
Federal and state authorities are responsible for certifying the safety of a bridge. When a bridge is considered not sound, they weigh the likelihood of its failure.
The FDA calculates the acceptable risk to any individual, if the greater public would benefit over a few.
Whether going to the beach, going boating, driving a car, traveling via a plane, taking a shower, sitting in the sun, skiing, eating foods, etc.; each action requires a level of risk.
Death and injury are never positive outcomes. The human body is not invincible. Even sitting still in one location and being frozen in fear of risk is unhealthy. Each individual’s genetic make up, environmental conditions, and actions they take create the level of risk for any activity.
So what can a person do?
Make yourself aware by being an informed consumer.
So what should an organization do?
Decide how to run the organization at a level of acceptable risks. Plan ahead by creating a Risk Management Plan. Having a plan lessens the likelihood that critical steps are not missed.
Risk Management for your organization is not about predicting. It is about having an ability to respond in an appropriate manner. It is about appropriately training your staff on how to respond. Your plan provides staff the base tool on which to be trained.
To the degree staff learn an organization’s risk management plan, they will learn valuable skills for helping their family members.
Risk is everywhere and should not paralyze an organization or individual. Be proactive, create your plan and review it with staff.
