Approaches in Risk Reduction (The ALARP approach)

Activities at work or play can be hazardous, with it being in our nature to take precautions to protect ourselves from the unexpected accidents or disasters. There always exists a risk, but then a question can be asked- does one need to put efforts so as to reduce this risk, which may result in life, injuries or monetary losses to a minimal, if not zero? If yes, then what kind of effort and how much of it is needed?

In view of these, one can talk of approaches, or one can say frameworks which can be used in defining approaches towards risk reduction. Some of these well known approaches used are –

1. As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP),
2. As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA),
3. So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable (SFAIRP), and
4. There can be more.

Let us discuss ALARP in this post. ALARP, “As Low As Reasonably Practicable”, can be defined as an approach to reduce the risk to as low as possible using best available practices and standards. Here, “best Practice” can be referred to the best available technology in the best practicable environmental conditions. See Knol for a good explanation. Also see the figure below.

It is interesting to look at the HSE, UK for the definition of ALARP, and see how it came into existence. The case law of Edwards V. National Coal Board in 1949 became an act in 1974. The blog by Safety Health Environment Ltd, is useful to look at where Edward’s fatal accident, when a section of the road on which he was traveling subsided. The section of road concerned had no timber support although other sections were properly supported. Lord Asquith (the judge in National Coal Board) decided that it was not all of the roadways that needed shoring up; just the ones that required it. The Court of Appeal then decided that if the ‘consequences’ and the ‘degree of the risk’ are small and the ‘cost of the measures’ to reduce the risk is very expensive, it would be unreasonable to incur that cost. The UK legislation (Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974) then defined ALARP where they ensured that all plants/equipments and systems at work are safe and without risks to health, or life.

In monetary terms, ALARP is subject to cost-benefit based risk reduction; where the benefit should outweigh the cost.

Figure: A typical Risk Reduction Approach Diagram

Therefore, it is more a best common practice of judgement to balance risk and benefit. ALARP is not used in the same way by other countries as in the UK, for it may be interpreted according to the local culture. There are similar other approaches like ALARA and SFAIRP which will need mentioning.

Other Reference Sources and Links:

1. Health and Safety Executive (http://www.hse.gov.uk)
2. Knol (http://knol.google.com/k/alarp-as-low-as-reasonably-practicable-risk#)
3. Risk Portal.com (http://www.riskportal.com/images/stories/new-insights/ALARP.jpg)
4. Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALARP)
5. A blog by Safety Health Environmental Services (http://safety-health-environment-law.blogspot.com/2010/01/edwards-v-national-coal-board.html)
6. Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm)