Safety - A Matter of Risk, Cost and Consensus

The term safety describes the state of a system operating with an acceptable level of risk. Thus, an adequate risk management policy must be based on a consensus withing society. Risk is managed by appropriate measures. The term risk is generally understood as a function of the consequences of a possible event and of the occurrence frequency of such an event. A distinction is made between risks to persons and risks to property. Risks to persons are often dominant - and not simply because of the cost of a damaging event, but also for ethical and legal reasons.