Overview

In Occupational Risk Control, Derek Viner brings together the theoretical aspects of his subject into a coherent whole and then connects them with the needs both of practitioners and educators. The theory embraced by the author spans ideas formed between the industrial revolution and the present day, but he focuses on relatively more recent theoretical developments chiefly associated with people-orientated approaches in the discipline of psychology applied to management practice and in the application of analytical ideas to engineering design. The author looks specifically at developments in defence and petro-chemical systems and also considers the whole theory of risk that originated in the 1970s with the advent of nuclear power stations, but which he argues has advanced little since that time. He also introduces the geological and botanical sciences, on the grounds that they contribute much to our understanding of how to set about classifying phenomena. To this mix, is added the contribution of law to our understanding of moral obligations and that of statistics to our understanding of the management of uncertainty. Viner argues that amongst the observable consequences of the absence of a holistic approach, is the tendency for regulators to form (misinformed) theory on which to base legislation and the prevalence of commercial systems leading to disparate efforts by different industries. The net effect of all this, he suggests, is seen in the disasters of the magnitude of the Gulf of Mexico explosion and oil spill.

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9781472419712

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Reviews

'Derek Viner's name is synonymous with the study and practice of engineering approaches to health and safety. In this highly readable and instructive book he draws on his enviable wealth of experience, taking the reader on a journey from the foundations of accident theory through the measurement, control and management of risk using practical, down-to-earth examples to de-mystify and simplify the subject and dispel common misconceptions.' Steve Cowley, SafeWork Solutions 'By totally unpacking the subject, Derek Viner has not only provoked the reader into exploring areas of risk mythology but also probed areas for those who are non-safety aware. The book poses questions that you may not have thought about before. It not only poses the questions but the writer gives well-reasoned and suitably researched answers. Encompassing areas outside the OHS parameters allows the reader to consider and explore from the broadest of perspectives. Those on the path of becoming part of the OHS profession will be able to use the book as an ideal reference to add to their portfolio of knowledge.' John Lacey, Vice President, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), UK 'This book has something for everybody from the experienced OHS professional to professionals from other disciplines who have a role in understanding and managing risk. Viner uses an easy story-telling style to take the reader on a journey. ... The book is a good read and a major contribution to the science of risk ensuring that the social influences and practical context are also considered.' Pam Pryor, Registrar, Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board

Author Information

Derek Viner is a consulting risk engineer and management consultant in risk control, whose career has spanned the period from the late 1970s to the present. During this time he has been instrumental in developing the academic disciplines of accident phenomenology and risk philosophy through his continuous involvement with post-graduate courses in risk and safety. His current academic positions are that of Associate Professor in Occupational Health and Safety at CQ University and of academic associate in the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences at Swinburne University, both in Australia. Derek's second book, Accident Analysis and Risk Control, published in 1991 has been described as something that should be compulsory reading for all engineers.

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