ABSTRACT
The options for risk management research are quite numerous for a field in such an early stage of development. The nature of technological risks, often associated with complex technology, multiple emission pathways, and poorly understood chronic effects, hampers the accurate communication of information to the public. One of the most perplexing problems confronting risk management is determining that level at which a particular risk becomes "intolerable" or, conversely, "tolerable." Most risk management occurs in the private rather than the public sector. There is increasing concern in most industrial societies over the risks present in the work environment. In risk management research has centered upon national institutions and issues. National debates over energy risks are likely to intensify as comparative assessments of risks become available as major risk events occur. Risks should be grouped into broad priority categories for societal attention and effort. The proposed risk management research program is beyond the resources or mandate of any one funding agency.
