Engineering risk management in organisaties

This course will discuss risk in a broad sense. Based on lectures and accounts of major accidents, a discussion is initiated on a topic related to engineering risk management in organisations. Major accidents and cause-effect mechanisms will be explained through short videos and longer documentaries on safety issues and risk mitigation. The students will be made familiar with several accidents that had a significant contribution to the field of safety science in general and risk management in organisations in particular.

Risk is conceptualized as a topic of uncertainty and possible loss from different perspectives (both safety and security). Topics are further elaborated, and theories/models/metaphors are taught by means of interactive discussions and tested by poll exercises. The effects of different justice concepts (restorative versus retributive) on risk reduction and safety reporting are introduced.

Throughout the course, several accidents and lessons learned will be explained. This includes the Titan submersible accident, which happened in the year 2023. The accidents will be used as a basis for active participation from the students concerning the course contents.

The following topics are discussed:

• Introduction and definition of risk concepts, such as hazard, loss, probability, frequency, threat

• Similarities and differences between safety and security risk

• Risk theories, models, concepts

• Risk assessment and risk mitigation methods

• Aspects of safe human performance, including cognitive bias and the role of operational procedures

• Organisational aspects such as safety management systems, reporting systems, and safety learning principles

• Restorative versus distributive justice as different approaches for organisational risk management