Non-Technical Risk Research Articles

Occupational Safety and Health Risks in Building Construction Projects : A Systematic Literature Review

Although quite a few studies have focused on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)-related issues within the context of sustainable building construction projects, there has been dearth of a study developing a management framework to comprehensively identify, analyze, evaluate, and control the safety risks threatening the involved Building Construction Workers. Risk is always present in every construction project. Occupational safety and health risks in building construction projects have various risks and are likely to be affected due to their difficulty and multiple operations and threats. Risk factors are divided into three categories, namely internal factors, projects, and external factors. Three categories above is further divided into two technical and non-technical risk. This paper review 40 selected papers that discuss risk identification and risk management in residential construction projects. Risk factors in residential projects are generally very diverse and give us an idea that the interrelationships between the parties with an interest in the project contribute to the risk factors themselves occurring the course of the project. It has been mentioned that the risk factors that occur in residential projects is something that is commonplace in various countries, in this case contributing to the success of the project. Outline on this paper has succeeded in providing information on the extent to which risk factors are currently occurring and there is a high potential for a change in the percentage of risk factors according to the classifications presented in this journal for other construction projects in the future.

Ureterovesical Leak Following Renal Transplant and Effects of Acute Rejection and Antirejection Therapy: A Nested Case-Control Analysis and Outcome of 1102 Consecutive Renal Transplant Recipients.

Studies on nontechnical risk factors for ureterovesical leak after renal transplant are scarce. This study aimed to report the possible pre- and postoperative risk factors and the role of acute rejection and antirejection therapies for urine leak after transplant and its effect on graft and patient survival. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 13 patients (1.17%) with urine leak (case group) and 52 patients without leak (control group) (case-to-control ratio of 1:4) from 1102 living related (first degree) renal transplant recipients seen between January 2012 and December 2021. We analyzed demographic and clinical details and biochemical and outcome parameters using a nested case-control design. Cases were olderthan controls (P = .018), were more ABO incompatible (P = .009), and had more 6/6 HLA mismatch transplants (P = .047). Donors of cases were older than donors of controls (P = .049). The rate of postoperative hypoalbuminemia was greaterin the case group (P = .050). Rates of acute rejection (P = .012) and plasmapheresis (P = .003) were greaterin the case group than in the control group. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, recipient age, 6/6 HLA mismatch, and plasmapheresis were found to independently associated with urine leak. None ofthe patient required surgical repair, as all responded to conservative therapy. Urine leak did not affect graft outcomes (P = .324), but overall survival was less in cases than in controls. Nontechnical risk factors that cause posttransplant ureteric leak include older donor and recipient age and ABO incompatible and 6/6 HLA mismatch transplants. Acute rejection and plasmapheresis predispose leak, and an indwelling double J stent can allow adequate healing of the anastomosis. High index of suspicion and prompt management are imperative to preserve graft and patient outcome.

Evaluasi Manajemen Risiko Proyek Konstruksi Terhadap Biaya Operasional Proyek Menggunakan Metode AHP

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the risk management of the PT X project in order to reduce the impact of project operational cost overruns. Inherent risk during project implementation at PT X has been managed by implementing risk management referring to ISO 31000:2018. However, there are changes in risks that arise during the implementation of construction projects which cause changes in the risk profile. Methodology/Approach: The uniqueness of this research is a case study with a mixed-method approach which is analyzed using the AHP method. Findings: The results of this study state that there are seven project risk factors consisting of quality risk, economic and financial risk, technical risk, OSH risk, social risk, non-technical risk, and human resource risk. The seven factors are divided into 21 sub-factors of project risk at PT X. Practical and Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This article contributes to the updating of the relevant risk assessments in the project. Research Limitation: The limitation of this research is that the scope is only the risk management of the project implementation phase.

Lost in translation: inadequate non-technical risk assessment within major project teams in mining

Infrastructure projects increasingly encounter delays due to non-technical risks (NTR), those risks arising from interactions between business and external stakeholders with the potential to create future negative impacts on society and the environment. One sector where NTR is having a significant adverse impact is the global mining sector, where industry leaders rank NTRs as the leading cause of business risk. We investigate how NTRs are assessed during project pre-feasibility using semi-structured interviews with 20 respondents from major mining companies. We find four main factors contribute to the problem of NTR assessment: there is lack of clarity about what constitutes a NTR; there are different interpretations of how NTR is defined and evaluated; there are disciplinary silos within project teams that impede a holistic assessment of risk; and there is conflation between risk and root cause. These factors contribute to striking differences in perceptions of non-technical risks between professionals in project management versus their sustainability colleagues. A four step process is proposed to improve non-technical risk assessment, align project and sustainability professionals, and identify opportunities for mitigation measures. This work seeks to improve NTR management within mining, a sector that is under-represented in existing literature, by adding empirical research examining how project teams identify and assess non-technical risk and contributes to theory at the nexus of project management and sustainability.

Analysis of the Risk Factors for Free Flap Necrosis in Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Lower Limbs

Free flaps are widely used for the repair of soft tissue defects in the lower limbs, but there is still a specific rate of necrosis. Few clinical retrospective studies have analyzed the nontechnical risk factors for lower limb free flap necrosis. This study aimed to analyze the nontechnical causes of flap necrosis in lower limb soft tissue reconstruction in order to identify risk factors and improve the survival rate of free flaps. Clinical data from 244 cases of soft tissue defects of the leg or foot that were repaired with a free flap from January 2011 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The flap results were divided into complete survival and necrosis groups. The patients' general information, smoking history, soft tissue defect site, Gustilo-Anderson classification, shock after injury, type and size of the flap, and time from injury to flap coverage were recorded. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlations between flap necrosis and possible risk factors. Of the 244 flaps, 32 suffered from partial or total necrosis, and 212 completely survived. Univariate analysis showed that age, smoking history, soft tissue defect site, and time from injury to flap coverage were significantly correlated with flap necrosis (p ≤ 0.2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that moderate-to-severe smoking history (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 10.259, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.886-36.468), proximal leg defect (p = 0.006, OR = 7.095, 95% CI = 1.731-29.089), and time from injury to flap coverage >7 days (p = 0.003, OR = 12.351, 95% CI = 2.343-65.099) were statistically significant risk factors for flap necrosis (p < 0.05), and age was excluded (p = 0.666; p = 0.924). The risk of flap necrosis was significantly increased when the soft tissue defect was located in the proximal leg, the time from injury to flap coverage was >7 days, and the patient had a moderate-to-severe smoking history. These three risk factors have an increased influence on flap necrosis and have guiding significance in predicting flap prognosis.

Non-technical factors for recurrence of sacroiliac joint pain after intra-articular steroid injection: a cohort study

Background &amp; Objective: The effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid injection therapy is still debatable, despite numerous studies which demonstrated the benefits of steroid injections. Injection failure can be caused by a variety of technical factors, some of which have been identified in studies, including the accuracy with the injection location is performed and the pattern of corticosteroid distribution. We investigated the non-technical factors that influence the effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid injection at the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in the past.&#x0D; Methodology: It was a prospective cohort study to determine non-technical factors associated with recurrence in patients with SIJ pain who had received multidisciplinary treatment for their ailment. A total of 55 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study who were followed up. Patients who had SIJ injections before 9 months and, who had no improvement on the pain scale, or there was a worsening of the pain, or the patient returned with SIJ pain complaints on the same side, were included in the trial. The results were analyzed using logistic regression to determine the likelihood of recurrence.&#x0D; Results: A total of 55 participants was enrolled in the study, with a higher proportion of females (n = 33; 60 %) than males (n = 22; 40 %). Thirty-one patients were returning patients (56.36 %) out of 55 patients. According to the results of the bivariate analysis, age was associated with recurrent SIJ pain. According to the results of the T-test, the mean age of the recurrent patients was 49.32 ± 16.68 y, whereas the mean age of the non-recurrent patients was 56.7 ± 12.76 y. The results of the multivariate analysis revealed that age, NSAID consumption, and unilateral SIJ pain, all had protective values in the context of recurrence of the sacroiliac joint pain.&#x0D; Conclusions: The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the involvement of a single SI joint are protective factors against the recurrence of SI joint pain.&#x0D; Abbreviations: COST: European Cooperation in Science and Technology; NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; SIJ: Sacroiliac joint;&#x0D; Key words: Anti-inflammatory agent; Non-technical risk factors; Intra-articular; Age; Recurrent sacroiliac joint pain&#x0D; Citation: Siahaan YMT, Pangestu AR. Sungono V. Non-technical factors for recurrence of sacroiliac joint pain after intra-articular steroid injection: a cohort study. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2022;26(5):773-777. &#x0D; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i6.2049

Risk Identification in Residential Construction Project: A Systematic Literature Review

Risk is always present in every construction project. Residential building construction projects have various risks and are likely to be affected due to their difficulty and multiple operations and threats. Purpose of this journal is to understanding risk factors in a residential construction project spread over several countries, with various project size and complexity, and to get up to date research information. Risk factors are divided into three categories, namely internal factors, projects, and external factors. Three categories above is further divided into two technical and non-technical risk. This journal review 40 selected journals that discuss risk identification and risk management in residential construction projects. Risk factors in residential projects are generally very diverse and give us an idea that the interrelationships between the parties with an interest in the project contribute to the risk factors themselves occurring in the course of the project. It has been mentioned that the risk factors that occur in residential projects are something that is commonplace in various countries, in this case contributing to the success of the project. Outline on this journal has succeeded in providing information on the extent to which risk factors are currently occurring and there is a high potential for a change in the percentage of risk factors according to the classifications presented in this journal for other construction projects in the future.

Smart City Dimensions and Associated Risks: Review of literature

Countries have been working on implementing smart city concepts in different regions. The need for the use of information and communication technology in various forms is needed in such cities. There are different dimensions that are to be considered for smart city planning and implementation. This complexity of the dimension, the use of technology, and their integration bring the risk perspectives into the implementation of the smart city concept. If such risks are not adequately understood and addressed, they can create issues in terms of privacy and security and, therefore, the functioning of smart cities. In this review, the identification of dimensions, smart city assessment tools, the available technologies, and the technical and non-technical risk parameters related to smart cities implementation are discussed. The current methods of risk assessment and the possible enhancements are highlighted. The findings of the literature review illustrate that not all smart cities adapt all of the smart city dimensions. The dominant technology used in smart cities’ applications is found to be the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and blockchain. The paper also provides some research directions for the design, implementation, and operation of smart cities.

Conceptualizing Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Risk Management Towards Green Growth in the Malaysian Oil and Gas Industry

Recently, there have been many reports of catastrophic accidents in the oil and gas (O&amp;G) industry which led to huge financial losses and hazards to humans and the environment. Apart from the primary operational (technical) risks, there exist numerous non-technical risk factors such as workforce protection, climate change, ecosystem, biodiversity, health and safety, governing compliance, and other environmental, and social issues. These risks if left without intervention could affect the green growth and eco-friendly resilience of the O&amp;G companies. Thus, this work offers a conceptual framework on how corporate sustainability practices along with risk management implementation are stimulating green growth in the O&amp;G industry. The presented theoretical and conceptual framework underpinned by the stakeholder theory proposed in this paper provides a foundation for empirical validation of the intertwined relationship between the pertinent variables. The measurement of the variables such as corporate sustainability performance, enterprise risk management and green growth is proposed to be drawn from earlier research and developed frameworks and guidelines by prominent organizations. The significance of this paper is to lend guidance to Malaysian oil and gas players to embrace green growth through sustainability and risk management implementation.

Sustainability is the New Safety

Editor’s Note: The oil and gas industry is under public scrutiny like never before on a host of health, safety, and environmental issues. These concerns are already affecting how companies operate and interact with the public. This series is intended to shed light on how the industry is actively confronting these challenges or how it should address them going forward. I recently completed my season as SPE Distinguished Lecturer on the topic of managing nontechnical risks, or, in other words, managing business delivery in alignment with the broader interests of the societies in which we operate. It was a distinct privilege that took me to 18 countries and 30 engagements with oil and gas professionals around the world. Among my many takeaways, three stand out: Everywhere, independent of geography, culture, or political situation, the oil and gas industry is facing ever more regulatory scrutiny, higher expectations for responsible business conduct, and an increasingly vocal population. Many in my audiences saw this as a bigger challenge than technical and commercial ones. There is no universal and proven approach to effective management of societal expectations and relationships. Companies large and small are experimenting their way forward, with as many successes as failures. Nobody can guarantee success up front. There is no common terminology. Sustainability, sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, social license, societal or nontechnical risk management are all used in this universe and, by and large, have the same goal, i.e., developing and maintaining long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with societies in which we operate thanks to responsible social and environmental performance. I am not too worried what it is called as long as it yields the desired results. In this article I will be using both the terms “sustainability” and “societal relationships.” Implementing Sustainability is Tough Most companies realize that a glossy annual sustainability report or a charity program directed from headquarters is no longer enough. Society expects deeds and not words. A real contribution to sustainability needs to be expressed in the way we design, construct, and operate; in other words, it needs to be fully integrated in the way we do business. However, as the spectrum of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals shows, sustainability covers a broad array of topics, from respecting human rights, delivery of clean and affordable energy, supporting climate action, to protecting the environment and supporting communities. Every discipline and department in the company, from drilling site to corporate office, has a stake in the contribution to sustainability.

Cyber negotiation: a cyber risk management approach to defend urban critical infrastructure from cyberattacks

ABSTRACTTechnical tools dominate the cyber risk management market. Social cybersecurity tools are severely underutilised in helping organisations defend themselves against cyberattacks. We investigate a class of non-technical risk mitigation strategies and tools that might be particularly effective in managing and mitigating the effects of certain cyberattacks. We call these social-science-grounded methods Defensive Social Engineering (DSE) tools. Through interviews with urban critical infrastructure operators and cross-case analysis, we devise a pre, mid and post cyber negotiation framework that could help organisations manage their cyber risks and bolster organisational cyber resilience, especially in the case of ransomware attacks. The cyber negotiation framework is grounded in both negotiation theory and practice. We apply our ideas, ex post, to past ransomware attacks that have wreaked havoc on urban critical infrastructure. By evaluating how to use negotiation strategies effectively (even if no negotiations ever take place), we hope to show how non-technical DSE tools can give defenders some leverage as they engage with cyber adversaries who often have little to lose.

Risk factors for pedicled flap necrosis in hand soft tissue reconstruction: a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Few clinical retrospective studies have reported the risk factors of pedicled flap necrosis in hand soft tissue reconstruction. The aim of this study was to identify non-technical risk factors associated with pedicled flap perioperative necrosis in hand soft tissue reconstruction via a multivariate logistic regression analysis. For patients with hand soft tissue reconstruction, we carefully reviewed hospital records and identified 163 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The characteristics of these patients, flap transfer procedures and postoperative complications were recorded. Eleven predictors were identified. The correlations between pedicled flap necrosis and risk factors were analysed using a logistic regression model. Of 163 skin flaps, 125 flaps survived completely without any complications. The pedicled flap necrosis rate in hands was 11.04%, which included partial flap necrosis (7.36%) and total flap necrosis (3.68%). Soft tissue defects in fingers were noted in 68.10% of all cases. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the soft tissue defect site (P = 0.046, odds ratio (OR) = 0.079, confidence interval (CI) (0.006, 0.959)), flap size (P = 0.020, OR = 1.024, CI (1.004, 1.045)) and postoperative wound infection (P < 0.001, OR = 17.407, CI (3.821, 79.303)) were statistically significant risk factors for pedicled flap necrosis of the hand. Soft tissue defect site, flap size and postoperative wound infection were risk factors associated with pedicled flap necrosis in hand soft tissue defect reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the Foot and Ankle Using Pedicled or Free Flaps: Perioperative Flap Survival Analysis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between non-technical risk factors and the perioperative flap survival rate and to evaluate the choice of skin flap for the reconstruction of foot and ankle.MethodsThis was a clinical retrospective study. Nine variables were identified. The Kaplan-Meier method coupled with a log-rank test and a Cox regression model was used to predict the risk factors that influence the perioperative flap survival rate. The relationship between postoperative wound infection and risk factors was also analyzed using a logistic regression model.ResultsThe overall flap survival rate was 85.42%. The necrosis rates of free flaps and pedicled flaps were 5.26% and 20.69%, respectively. According to the Cox regression model, flap type (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.592; 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.606, 4.184); P < 0.001) and postoperative wound infection (HR = 0.266; 95% CI (0.134, 0.529); P < 0.001) were found to be statistically significant risk factors associated with flap necrosis. Based on the logistic regression model, preoperative wound bed inflammation (odds ratio [OR] = 11.371,95% CI (3.117, 41.478), P < 0.001) was a statistically significant risk factor for postoperative wound infection.ConclusionFlap type and postoperative wound infection were both independent risk factors influencing the flap survival rate in the foot and ankle. However, postoperative wound infection was a risk factor for the pedicled flap but not for the free flap. Microvascular anastomosis is a major cause of free flap necrosis. To reconstruct complex or wide soft tissue defects of the foot or ankle, free flaps are safer and more reliable than pedicled flaps and should thus be the primary choice.

Managing Nontechnical Risk in Offshore Projects

In recent years, offshore projects have increased in size, scope, and cost, expanding into deeper waters and new frontiers. Alongside this growth, the negative potential for nontechnical issues relating to health, safety, security, environment, and social responsibility (HSSE-SR) on a project’s timeline has also increased. Projects are under more intense scrutiny from the companies that own and operate them. In an effort to better understand the value of nontechnical risk (NTR) at the project and portfolio level, companies are searching for the proper systems and processes to deliver quality HSSE-SR performance. The elements of NTR assessment, the methodologies of managing NTR, and how they relate to offshore projects will be examined.

The Role of Sustainable Development Planning in Our Industry

Sustainable Development Sustainability, nontechnical risk, environmental and social performance, as well as corporate (social) responsibility are interrelated terms that refer to an important set of competencies viewed as increasingly strategic in value for the oil and gas industry. Over the past 15 years, sustainability as a term has matured from its initial “green” scope to embrace social agendas and has evolved from being an external force to become a set of organizational values and operating principles that govern development and operations in the oil and gas sector. A plethora of standards, guidelines, and good and best practices have been created by various sectors with the oil and gas industry being one of the most active in evolving its own guidelines. Both corporate strategy and corporate risk management have identified opportunities and risks and built in new checkpoints in their processes. Consequently, securing and maintaining a license to operate (as well as growing the commercial value beyond this threshold) extends well beyond legislative and regulatory permitting to encompass both the mitigation of adverse social and environmental effects as well as the advancement of financial, societal, and environmental benefits by the execution of strong sustainability performance. Significant to this is the new organizational refinements on, not just the license to operate, but also new phrasing such as “social license to operate” and “permission to operate” with the accompanying strategic financial benefits of becoming a preferred developer or operator. Given the increasing prominence of sustainability in the oil and gas industry, SPE embarked on a path in 2010 when it created a Sustainability Task Force to Explore SPE’s role and strategy in addressing sustainability. Explore SPE’s role in encouraging a methodical approach to sustainability for our industry. Generate proposals for the SPE Board to direct resources to address identified needs and opportunities. Fully participate in global sustainability discussions as an enthusiastic participant and contributor and not as a passive observer.

Techbits: Workshop Focuses on Critical Issues of Social Responsibility

Techbits Social responsibility (SR) is the newest element within the health, safety, security, environment, and social responsibility (HSSE SR) field of the oil and gas industry. SR is a nontechnical risk, and its professionalization requires multidisciplinary teams with specialists in capacity building, resolution of conflicts, and human rights. Appropriate SR management aims to increase cost effectiveness, minimize legal and financial liabilities, build reputational capital, drive innovation, and capture business opportunities. A connection between HSSE and SR is essential, but few organizations have clearly defined what constitutes excellence in SR performance or programs, especially in project development. As one of the many “business risks” that the industry faces, it is likely that social pressures will force additional action and attention on SR. Organizations must understand and communicate SR risks to internal stakeholders to effectively address them during project development. SPE recently held its first Social Responsibility Workshop in Paris. The workshop explored the key SR challenges facing the oil and gas industry, sought to establish a common understanding about terms and practices, and provided an opportunity for participants to learn from the operational experiences of major industry players. The workshop was divided into seven sessions. Social issues compliance and the value of social risk management Stakeholder engagement in the life cycle of an exploration and production (E&amp;P) project Opportunity and risk analysis Operating in conflict-affected or high-risk areas Working together: the range of players and their roles Challenges during the project development’s life cycle Success stories: overcoming challenges in implementing SR in operations Best practices for corporate management of social issues and regulatory compliance have evolved greatly over the past 10 years. The first session explored current thinking on best practices in the industry. In a changing world with no more “easy oil,” there is a shift in the size of projects, from a typical USD 3 billion to 5 billion price tag in the early 2000s to an impressive USD 35 billion this year for a project in Australia. There is also a change in project time frame, which has nearly doubled in the past decade. The average project delay is 1 year, and 73% of delays are caused by nontechnical risks. With this growth and change come new demands from leadership that requires new, proactive positions on such risks. Part of the challenge is to recognize that new sources of risk exist and that new approaches to risk management are required.

Factors Influencing Public Perception: Genetically Modified Organisms

In the paper we have looked at several factors that contribute to the risk perception of Genetically Modified Organisms. Factors such as how a society sees technology, the role of media and stakeholders, the cultural context and the issue of labeling have been discussed. These non-technical risk assessment factors influence how societies assess and perceive risk for a technology like GMOs. We have analyzed the differences in public perception in three broad regions- the States, Europe and developing countries, with the main focus on India. We have discussed each contributing factor that has led to opinions in favor of and against GMOs in these three regions and how they have influenced public thinking. Finally, we have discussed the results of a survey conducted by us to determine peoples’ views and what they feel has influenced those views on GMOs.

Increased risk of graft loss from hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation with older donors

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is the most common vascular complication after liver transplantation; it has been reported to occur in 2% to 5% of liver transplant recipients. Most reports of HAT in the literature describe single-center series with small numbers of patients and lack the power to definitively identify nontechnical risk factors. We used the United Network for Organ Sharing database of adult deceased donor liver transplants from 1987 to 2006 to identify 1246 patients with graft loss from HAT. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify donor and graft risk factors for HAT-induced graft loss. Although most donor predictors of HAT-induced graft loss were surrogates for vessel size, donor age > 50 years was also a significant predictor of graft loss from HAT (relative risk = 1.45, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the risk of graft loss from HAT increased progressively with each decade of donor age > 50 years, such that a 61% increased risk of HAT-related graft loss (relative risk = 1.61, P < 0.001) was associated with donor age > 70 years. A separate analysis of risk factors for early HAT graft loss (<or=90 days) and late HAT graft loss (> 90 days) found that older donor age was associated with increased late HAT graft loss. These findings are of interest in an era of ongoing organ shortages requiring maximum utilization of potential allografts and increasing allocation of older allografts.

An intelligent maintenance system for continuous cost-based prioritisation of maintenance activities

A key aspect of competition in industrial maintenance is the trade-off between cost and risk. Decision-making is dependent upon up-to-date information about distributed and disparate plant, coupled with knowledge of sensitive non-technical issues. Enabling technologies such as the Internet are making strides in improving the quantity and quality of data, particularly by improving links with other information systems. In maintenance, the problem of disparate data sources is important. It is very difficult to make optimal decisions because the information is not easily obtained and merged. Information about technical state or machine health, cost of maintenance activities or loss of production, and non-technical risk factors such as customer information, is required. Even in the best information systems, these are not defined in the same units, and are not presented on a consistent time scale; typically, they are in different information systems. Some data is continuously updated, e.g. condition data, but the critical risk information is typically drawn from a historical survey, fixed in time. A particular problem for the users of condition-based maintenance is the treatment of alarms. In principle, only genuine problems are reported, but the technical risk of failure is not the full story. The decision-maker will take into account cost, criticality and other factors, such as limited resources, to prioritise the work. The work reported here automatically prioritises jobs arising from condition-based maintenance using a strategy called cost-based criticality (CBC) which draws together three types of information. CBC weights each incident flagged by condition monitoring alarms with up-to-date cost information and risk factors, allowing an optimised prioritisation of maintenance activities. CBC does not attempt to change the strategic plan for maintenance activities: it only addresses prioritisation. The strategy uses a thin-client architecture rather than a central database, and is illustrated with examples from food manufacturing.

Moral Aspects of Risk and Innovation

In all areas of technological innovation and application, there are nontechnical (moral, cultural, religious, political, and regulatory) risk factors and uncertainties that have to be taken into account if research design and introduction of new devices and applications are to be successful. Products and methods will be beneficial to the patient if they meet personal and cultural expectations. Value assessment of individual patients and of cultural preferences and obstacles therefore has to be included in complex technology assessment. Successful recognition and management of moral and cultural risk factors may require changes in governmental regulation and research design and the development of risk recognition competence within professional organizations.