Unacceptable risk, refers to a level of risk that is so high that it cannot be justified under any circumstances because it poses a significant threat to health, safety, or the environment and must be eliminated or reduced immediately.
Brief Explanation of the Term “Unacceptable Risk”
It is a risk that is fundamentally too great to be tolerated, regardless of the potential benefits of the activity. It represents a threshold above which the potential for harm is so significant, or the likelihood of that harm occurring is so high, that continuing the activity without drastic intervention is deemed irresponsible and morally indefensible. Such risks must be eliminated or reduced immediately, as they pose a severe threat to health, safety, or the environment, often violating legal standards or industry best practices. It exceeds legal, regulatory, or organizational limits and cannot be justified by any cost-benefit argument.
Unlike risks that fall into the “tolerable” (ALARP) region, where cost-benefit analysis of further controls plays a role, for unacceptable risks, the imperative is on elimination or immediate, substantial reduction, even if the costs are high. The primary focus is on preventing severe harm or fatality, as the societal and organizational tolerance for such outcomes is extremely low.
Factors that contribute to a risk being classified as “unacceptable” often include:
- High likelihood of severe harm: A significant chance of multiple fatalities, permanent disabling injuries, or widespread environmental damage.
- Imminent danger: A situation where harm is likely to occur very soon if no action is taken.
- Non-compliance with fundamental legal requirements: Risks that directly violate core safety legislation or essential industry standards.
- Inability to control: Risks for which no effective control measures are available or feasible.
These risks are non-negotiable — work must stop immediately until effective control measures are put in place. Allowing such risks to persist may result in legal action, regulatory penalties, or catastrophic incidents.
Unacceptable risks violate the fundamental duty of employers to provide a safe working environment and cannot be tolerated.
Example:
At a construction site, a worker is required to enter a confined space (e.g., a manhole) that may contain toxic gases.
- Hazard: Exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or oxygen deficiency.
- Current Situation:
- No atmospheric testing has been conducted.
- No permit-to-work system is in place.
- No rescue plan or trained personnel are available.
In this scenario, the risk of asphyxiation or poisoning is high, and there are no effective controls in place.
This is an unacceptable risk.
Entry must be prohibited until gas testing, ventilation, confined space training, permits, and emergency procedures are established.