Accidents and catastrophes: risk management - Essay Example

Accidents and Catastrophes In the safety and security concerns of a plant in the UK, there are various issues that shall have to be taken in to consideration to ensure the wellbeing of man and material. Risk Management "The objective of Risk Identification is to identify all possible risks to the project in a timely and proactive manner. Risk Identification methods should have the following attributes: 1. They should examine all areas of the project in a systematic manner, 2. They should be proactive rather than reactive, and They should synthesize risk information from all available sources of risk information" (Comgate Engineering). The fact of the matter is, that classifying the true potential of a subjective quantity is never really possible - hence making risk identification an essentially underdeveloped art. It may not be taken as a negative feature, but rather as inherent trait. It is partially developed in the context that certain integral features of the process of risk management have been actualized, and can be subsequently applied to any school of thought wanting to get a risk identification for itself. However, it is reasonably underdeveloped in the context of protective and speculative abilities. After all, the primary purpose of risk identification is to rid oneself off it and possibly avoid a remission of the same. However, the complex dynamics of every operating system, man or machine, makes it a magnanimous task to recognize all possible risks. "In order to manage your risks effectively, you have to know what they are" (Pryor). .A concern to be evaluated as a potential risk is literally any issue about which a doubt exists in some context. It is important to identify with what really is a hazard and what is a potential risk. Having firm hold over all the dynamic variables and issues that are involved in all the production process regardless of profession, gives a clearer understanding of the concept of risk identification. Risk factor does not entail more cover, but better management! The concerns and the issues that generate as a consequence of these risks should be the primary concern of the organization and of the person who identifies them in the first place. "A point to be made at this time is that risks are seldom deeply held secrets. Experience indicates that virtually all risks of consequence are more or less common knowledge" (Simmons). The harm that may be done by a potential hazard is very little, but the overall impact it has on the lack of far sight and control of the management is massive. It not only forces one to cut a sorry figure, it lowers the morale of employees involved in the process for not having a more competent planning authority. "Management can use risk assessment data to make informed risk management decisions based on a full understanding of the operational risks" (FFIEC). Security assessment and planning "Knowledge is the essential first step to careful threat assessment and planning, which enable law enforcement decision makers to build a comprehensive and effective counter-terrorism strategy" (Counter-Terrorism, 2006). Knowledge (information) is the most vital asset in today's international war against terror. Weaponry and use of force in the contemporary world knows no bounds. To add, the power of telecommunication is more of a tool for the terrorists than for those fighting against them. In these circumstances, the most crucial element of warfare in this information age is knowledge. Security today is heavily dependent upon correct and timely information. Acquisition of this knowledge can be with the help of technological and/or human resource. It is extremely important to have first hand information and data about the adversary, so that appropriate defensive and aggressive strategies can be formulated. Without this singular factor, the concept of comprehensive security is incomplete. If knowledge is not adequately acquired, then the attack upon the target will not only be miscued, but it will also be a cause of alarm for the enemy. Subsequently, if the actions are not executed properly, it can also cause damage to one's own forces. Information about the position, capability and plan of the enemy is the essence of security operations. After all, if the enemy would be prominent and upfront, then it would not be such a big problem in the first place. It is because of the fact that the enemy is hiding which is why it is so important to have information about them. Understanding Prominent Security concerns Accidents are a common trait shown by all over the world. Being a common factor among human beings, the need arises to find the root cause of such behaviors. The acts in question shall be sabotage, stealing, and breaking an entering. "Behavior is the outcome of an ongoing series of internal conflicts" (Weiten, p. 490, 2001). Therefore, in order to correctly understand a delinquent's behavior, it is imperative to relate oneself to the development process, and the resulting insecurities of the individual. 1. Sabotage Looking at the act of sabotage, it becomes applicable in the context that a person is trying to satisfy his inner motives by achieving a goal that is not otherwise admissible. This presents a direct conflict of super ego versus the id, in which the latter succeeds. A person does this because somewhere, he/she is lacking the fulfillment of the desire. The act is not merely because of the need of a particular type of product, but actually to satisfy a need that has been generated due to some other insecurity. The act of sabotage here would be explained in the context of the behavior that has been acquired. Even if we assume that the act was a result of a need, the point arises as to how exactly did the person get the idea to shoplift The answer lies in observational and social learning that takes place without knowing all the time. Television, movies, magazines, cartoon, elders, all create influences and generate ideas for a person. The act of sabotage is hence an idea that is a repetition of a deed that was earlier known. In this case, the micro-sociological perspective is explained. Here, more focus is on how interactions among individual affect social behavior as a whole. "The interactionist viewpoint concentrates on daily interaction patterns of individuals" (NesSmith, p. 18, 1995). It is believed that a consistent pattern and flavor of behavior ultimately shapes the outlook of the society at large. Based on the need and requirement principle, the act of sabotage can be understood. When people are not satisfied with what they have, and they get envious of what others around them do, them they are forced to adapt to means that are socially unacceptable. They take their internal conflicts to the external level, and commit acts that would narrow the gap creating the conflict. Every person tends to use internal conversation as a means of dealing with every other person and event happening outside. Hence with sabotage, the person internalizes the event, and is wary of the situation at hand. The individual believes that this action is likely to produce the results he has already calculated. Therefore, the execution of his act is merely a process that he has thought out, not exactly a crime for his sake. 2. Stealing The second act of stealing is also similar in essence. It amounts to a much greater crime as far as the intensity and repercussions are concerned. Acts of security compromise in this realm are actually a type of defense mechanism, in which one is venting out the excess energy that is been surmounted due to other pressures and unresolved conflicts. Willfully committing an act that is likely to arm another person is representative of suppressed rage and anger, which has not been able to come out in a healthy way. Stealing is easily explained, simply because it is not an act that a person can creatively or originally think of. Automobile in itself is a world product, which means that it was not intrinsically a part of human nature. Therefore all behaviors associated with it have to be learnt or acquired. Similarly, stealing is also an art that has to be learnt in order to guarantee some form of success. The social divide and the act of stealing are also closely related. "According to conflict theory, societies experience perpetual struggle due to the unequal distribution of the things people values, such as wealth and power" (NesSmith, p. 18, 1995). These are basically need driven conflicts, that arise because people want their due share. As there has never been social equilibrium, hence the conflict has always stayed. People who wish to acquire more, venture in greater and more dangerous deeds that would satisfy their urges. For delinquents, this acts is socially satisfying as it makes them part of a cluster which can go beyond limits in defense of the conflicts they are nurturing. Even if this is not driven by need, this act clearly indicates the vindictive intentions, of harming another party - a classic conflict. With stealing, a person reckons with social reality based on everyday relations. The situation is thought-out, and the person deems it appropriate to conduct this act as he expects that the outcome will be in his favor. Based on previous experiences and perception, he would attempt to carjack a vehicle which is least in threat; not a police car or a hefty neighbor's truck. 3. Breaking an entering Lastly, on the act of breaking an entering. It is an act that shows masochistic tendencies in a person, whereby he puts himself deliberately into a position where he might be looked down upon in more ways than one. This tendency is a derivative of depression, and highlights increased inferiority complexes within a person. It is purely a macho act that is driven by the need for recognition and approval. The probability is that the act and its consequences are familiar to common public; hence adopting this path is no new thing. In fact, doing this enables a person to be a part of a group, or a type of a person that he idolizes in terms of actions. "Environmental influences such as parental approval and social custom shape us into wanting certain things and not wanting others" (Rathus, p. 399, 2002). This theory also says, that an act can become permanent or repetitive in nature of appropriate positive reinforcers are applied, that become the motivators for the person in question. Breaking of an entrance exhibits social supremacy. It depicts the intention of a person to have the want to go beyond limits in order to acquire social recognition. It is similar to another lion wanting to enter a pride. He feels that this is only way the conflict pertaining to dominance can be resolved - by forcing an entry! With breaking an entrance, the person has speculated a possible response that is likely to some from the people concerned. The individual may not break the entrance of a place which provides him with uncertainty. His prior interaction, and conception of the place is the primary factor which enables him to do the deed, otherwise it would not actualize. Role of the Government Whenever a calamity strikes the UK, the tax payers look towards the Government for a response and an answer. People expect, and rightly so, that all their needs shall be protected by the state. When considering this fact, if the people expect from the government to deliver at all times, then they will have to give in to the state requirements as well. Although national security measures are imposed to protect society as a whole, such measures will necessarily tend to restrict the rights and freedoms of all people in society. Given the circumstances of the world in the current day, it is all the more important for the Security officials to have more responsibilities in their charter. This because they are better equipped, and stand at a more resourceful and capable position of standing guard for facilities like cargo terminals, utility plants, food stocks, and laboratories. It is more so due to the fact that terrorism today knows no political boundary, and it can strike anyone anytime. A localized security agency cannot envision this challenge despite any technological expertise. One has to be strongly mistaken if it is felt that foreign attacks are only going to be through airports or ship docks. In today's world, every area seems vulnerable at the hands of the aggressor. Hence, if the Government is to be questioned at the onset of a calamity, then they should also be given due authority and an increased area of influence. Morale Issues In any working environment, motivation and morale are very important factors. Especially when is hard pressed against the financial concerns, and also has a very difficult task at hand, the situation gets more challenging. "While we can't always be happy in our work, it sure doesn't hurt to try" (Gerus, 2002). In the given scenario of the nuclear power plant, certain important measures can be taken up in order to synergize the efforts of the employees. First of all, a better planning of the entire work plan is very important. When the employees know that their job description and duty roster is not biased or unjustified, then their confidence starts to build in the leadership. In the domain of security, there are always some assignments that are monotonous, while others require greater vigilance. Duties should therefore be equally revolved in both categories for all employees. Taking more interest in their personal life, presenting a humanistic picture, and allowing leaves in case of family needs are actions that require no financial input; however, the impact they have on generating loyalty is immense. It is very important for the people to feel that they are part of the team, and not just workers. Generating small events, such as employee of the month or the occasional weekend party, help people to jell together. If there is a problem, it is very important not to scold any one publicly, but always to praise when others are around. Workplace violence Workplace violence is basically the use of unjustified force (both physical and emotional) in a working environment against a fellow colleague. "Each week, an average of 20 workers are murdered and 18,000 are assaulted while at work or on duty" (NIOSH, 1996). The problem is a very intense one, and sadly is on the rise. The 9/11 incident did no good to help things, as people are now being persecuted on the stance of race, color, creed and religion. Despite any individual personality traits (such as passive aggression or violent projection) that might be associated with workplace violence, it is largely a social phenomenon. Aggressors may include people who feel that they are under threat, who wish to impose themselves on another community, and even those who simply have a sense of hatred for any reason. Private security agencies though can play a role with some effectiveness in this problem, but their impact will not be long-lasting. After all, they are just watch-dogs who are working in a reactive mode to prevent such an occurrence. There are certain actions that can be taken to curb this violence. A proactive approach would require for the respective organization to allow for the employees to establish harmonious relationships among themselves. Violence mostly occurs in places where the workers are dissatisfied otherwise. In organizations that have a pleasant working environment and where the rights of people are looked after, such occurrences are rare. Better education about cultures, communities and civic law is also a preventive measure that can be taken up for all. However, in order to take this feeling of violence intrinsically out of people's mind sets, education and training is very important. Aviation security (helipads and aerial threats) Since the inception of aviation about a century ago, safety has been a concern. However, now security is an additional challenge in a totally different perspective for the aviation industry. "Ensuring the security of our nation's commercial aviation system has been a long-standing concern. As demonstrated by the 1988 bombing of an airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, and the 1995 plot to blow up as many as 12 aircraft in the Pacific region discovered by Philippine authorities, many aircraft have long been a target for terrorist attacks" (Berrick, 2003). To add to all this, 9/11 happened, and permanently changed the way aviation security would be looked upon. Today, aviation security all around the world (and the UK in particular) has gone to all known limits of defense. Any means of human or technological skills pertaining to security can be seen on a UK airport these days. Anything that is coming to the aircraft from outside, including passengers, luggage, cargo, eatables, fuel, and even reading material is thoroughly searched. Ironically, foreign military aircraft have lesser level of security clearance than civil ones. Now a Boeing 747 seems like a B-52 bomber and ordinary passengers seem like Kamikazes. Hence increased security at airports and commercial flights has become imperative, to say the least. The simple reason is that it is the quickest and surest way to enter UK soil. Given the mode of secrecy in which the terrorists operate today, the highest level of security may not seem enough. Though the security is much more today than before, it still seems less in response to the dangers that are prevalent the world over. Crime In the contemporary world, crime has taken a totally new shape, and has developed into a somewhat invincible science. Now the intricacies and the dynamics of this entire process needs to be studied by specialists in a technical manner. However, ironically, what should have been the most important partners in this fight against crime; political powers have actually become adversaries to the criminologists. As clichd as it might sound, but 'absolute power corrupts absolutely'; this is more true today than it has ever been before. Where there is lack of accountability, there will be no check, and hence many crimes will be their simply because of the presence of a staunch and strong political might. Total control over the situation demands that one should have an all encompassing control over the situation at hand. Now, when criminologists seek information, and dog deep in the facts to understand better about the prevailing incidents there will always be an indirect link to some one powerful (if not direct). Powerful sections of the society tend to form pressure groups, which play an influential role in the success of the political leadership of that area. Therefore, one does not want to pick a row with a powerful community in the region. Researchers in crime will find many glass ceilings in their way towards seeking the truth. Not only with crime, but who ever has the political stronghold over a constituency would like to invoke ways which suit his/her own vested interests. This includes employment of people of reference, promotion of businesses which have potential linkage to economic strength, and creation of policies that would further strengthen the hold. With all this, criminology research can also be found lingering in the same domain. This is the stance that is generally taken by the politicians so that they can funnel down their own designs into their needs. Areas that might be 'sore' are likely to be undermined, whereas sections that could create more of a nuisance value and less of a power structure are more probable options. It is not probable that without authenticated scientific research, an effective criminal justice policy can be developed. It can all essentially be concluded as a subjective domain, which changes its flavor with the change of a political climate. Criminology has yet to be the science that it should have been; it is just a tool in the hands of politicians. References Berrick, C. (2003). Aviation Security. United States General Accounting Office. 12 April, 2006. . Comgate Engineering. Risk Management. 12 Dec 2005. . Counter-Terrorism. (2006). Planning and Risk Assessment. 12 April 2006. FFIEC. Risk Management. 12 Dec 2005. . Gerus, M. (2002). Building staff Morale. 12 April 2006. . NesSmith, W. (1995). Thinking Sociologically. New York: Harcourt Brace. NIOSH. (1996). Workplace Violence. 12 April 2006. . Pryor, L. Risk Management. 11 Dec 2005. . Rathus, S. (2002). Psychology in the New Millennium. New York: Harcourt, Eighth Edition. RST. Risk Management. 11 Dec 2005. . Simmons, C. W. Risk Management. 11 Dec 2005. . Weiten, W. (2001). Psychology: Themes and Variations. Stamford: Wadsworth, Fifth Edition. Read More