Public Perception of Physical Risks: Effect of the Experience of Repeated Explosion Accidents at a Chemical Plant

Physical risk can refer to the risk of death, injury and property damage caused by a physical effect (e.g., explosion, fire, radiant heat, projection). Industrial accidents involving hazardous materials can result from explosions, fires, chemical spills and leaks, leading to human injury and environmental damage. Industrial accidents may cause both casualties and economic loss; thus, accidental explosions and fires at a chemical plant pose a social problem in many countries.

Some studies have shown that the development of effective risk management and communication about physical risks requires an understanding of the public’s perception of physical risk. In the present study, the authors compared the risk perception of people living near a chemical plant at which accidental explosions/fires occurred (group A) and that of people living near a chemical plant where no other serious explosion/fire accidents happened nearby (group B).

The authors employed a questionnaire-based survey to investigate the influence of the direct explosion experience. The survey forms contained the following items: demographics, knowledge about causes of accidental explosion, dread, frequency, and risk rating variables. In the questionnaire, the participants had to answer utilizing five-point scales, yes/no, multiple choice, and open response. The questionnaire included 11 questions and took approximately eight minutes to complete. In addition, participants of group A are asked about their level of participation in physical risk communication.

The survey revealed that 1) participants of group A had a greater sense of dread than those of group B; 2) participants of group A were more likely to perceive accidental explosions in chemical plants that occurred more frequently; 3) risk rating of physical risks was independent of that of health risks; 4) the “frequency” variable was a key factor that influences decision making whether they participate in physical risk communication or not.

In conclusion, explosion accidents have a marked impact on risk perception characteristics of inhabitants living near a chemical plant at which explosion accidents occurred.

Article by Yusuke Koshiba and Hideo Ohtani, from Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan.

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