Solution-Focused Risk Assessment as a Useful Approach for Policy Making

Abstract

This paper presents “solution-focused risk assessment (SFRA)” as a useful approach for policy making. The purpose of risk assessment is not just to alert, but rather to support the decision as to which risk management measures should be taken. SFRA is to show several risk management measures and evaluate their risk mitigation impact, costs, risk trade-offs, and so on. Recent examples of SFRA were shown, including measures against COVID-19 and maritime safety. In addition, the factors may limit the implementation of SFRA were discussed. One of the factors is that the governmental sides don’t prefer the SFRA. Because they can transfer the responsibility to the experts for the explanation and results of the decision by explaining that “the decision was made by experts’ opinions” or “the decision was made based on science”.