A Risk Perspective

Abstract

Risk can best be understood in terms of Its converse, safety, which ls freedom from the totality of risk. Safety can be expressed quantitatively as life expectancy. The rapid rate of increase of safety in Canada during the last century and In today's world ls reviewed. It is proposed that the vector combination of the rate of improvement of wealth and the rate of increase of life expectancy should be used as a quantitative safety goal. Proposals are made for research, policies and action to manage and improve safety. A prospect for the next century is outlined.