Which is Better - Apples or Oranges?
As I noted in my blog post this week, I don't like risk matrices.
There are several problems inherent in designing and using risk matrices in an environmental or safety management system. I list three of these in my post.
One of the most difficult to address is what I call the "Apples vs. Oranges" problem. This is the attempt to compare dissimilar items using the same matrix. You can't do it unless you impose some kind of "utility condition" that you compare instead.
For example, "Which is better - apples or oranges?"
This question can't be answered unless you know why you are comparing apples and oranges.
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Is it which has the most vitamin C or has the most fiber?
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Is it which school kids prefer or is easier for the elderly to eat?
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Is it which makes a better pie or a better sherbet?
Many organizations using risk matrices for their aspect or hazard analysis are attempting to compare apples and oranges.
Valiant attempts are made to determine "the signficance" of energy usage, waste disposal, air emissions, water usage, product impacts, toxic chemical usage and employee injury in one massive risk matrix. Various ranking and rating rules are established for assigning numbers and extensive Excel spreadsheets with imbedded formulas are developed to handle it all. The attempt is made to evaluate risk based on multiple, often conflicting "utility conditions" - such as impact probability, clean-up costs, regulatory risks and stakeholder interest - all at the same time.
It simply doesn't work.
So, which is better - apples or oranges?
Well, I prefer apple pie over orange sherbet, but then again, maybe I need more Vitamin C.
Will a risk matrix help me decide? Probably not.
By: Thea Dunmire, JD, CIH, CSP
ENLAR Compliance Services, Inc
Related Resources:
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June 5, 2013, #102
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