Perception of Risk

Question 1

List the natural senses

Answer 1

Sight
Hearing
Taste
Smell
Touch

Question 2

List the two factors involved in perception

Answer 2

Signals from the sensory receptors

Expected information from the memory

Question 3

What types of failings in the human sensory and perceptual process may lead to accidents?

Answer 3

PERCEPTUAL SET
(Mindset) - We have a problem and immediately perceive not only the problem, but also the answer. We then set about solving the problem as we have perceived it. Further evidence may become available that suggests our original perception was faulty however, we are so pleased that we have the answer to the original problem that we fail to see alternative causes and other solutions.

PERCEPTUAL DISTORTION
Everyone’s perception of hazard is faulty because it gets distorted. Management have a different perception of hazard from that of workers.

PHYSICAL STRESSORS
Fatigue
Overwork
Overtime
Workplace Stress
Home Stress
Outside Activities
Shift Work