ABSTRACT
Risk evaluation of accidents serves a dual purpose. It estimates the probability that an accident will occur and also assesses the severity of the consequences of an accident. Consequences may include damage to the surrounding environment, financial loss, or injury to life. This chapter is primarily concerned with the methods used to identify hazards and the causes and consequences of accidents. Issues dealing with health risks have been explored in Chapter 38. Risk assessment of accidents provides an effective way to help ensure either that a mishap does not occur or reduces the likelihood of an accident. The result of the risk assessment allows concerned parties to take precautions to prevent an accident before it happens.
