Decision support systems for risk mapping: viewing the risk from the hazards perspective

Area of Science:

• Risk Analysis and Management
• Decision Science
• Stakeholder Engagement

Background:

• Effective risk communication is crucial for stakeholders facing complex challenges.
• Standard risk representations often lack clarity for non-expert audiences.
• Bridging the gap between risk analysis experts and industry stakeholders remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate an approach for enhanced risk communication.
• To facilitate better stakeholder understanding and engagement in risk analysis.
• To map risk emphasizing the consequence-related factors.

Main Methods:

• Developing a hazard-perspective risk mapping methodology.
• Illustrating the concept through a working demonstration.
• Applying the approach to a decision support system (DSS) design.

Main Results:

• The proposed hazard-based mapping enhances risk communication clarity.
• The demonstration shows practical application for a DSS.
• Facilitates improved dialogue between risk experts and diverse stakeholders.

Conclusions:

• Hazard-perspective risk mapping is an effective tool for improving risk communication.
• The approach supports informed decision-making across industries and authorities.
• Fosters collaboration between the risk community and stakeholders in finance, industry, and infrastructure.