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

Yusuke Koshiba¹, Hideo Ohtani²

¹Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan.
²Department of Safety Management, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ojsst.2015.52006                

Abstract

To explore the influence of experiencing accidental explosions, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. This paper compares the risk perception characteristics of inhabitants living near a chemical plant at which accidental explosions occurred (group A) and of those living near a plant where no serious accidents have occurred (group B). The survey forms contain the following items: demographics, knowledge about causes of accidental explosion, dread, frequency, and risk rating variables. In addition, participants of group A are asked about their level of participation in physical risk communication. The survey reveals that 1) participants of group A have a greater sense of dread than those of group B; 2) participants of group A are more likely to perceive accidental explosions in chemical plants that occur more frequently; 3) risk rating of physical risks is independent of that of health risks; 4) the “frequency” variable is a key factor that influences decision making whether they participate in physical risk communication or not.

Keywords

Physical Risk, Explosion Accident, Risk Perception, Experience, Chemical Plant

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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