Risk as an Element of Safety Management
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothesis that risk in safety management arises not only from various security threats but also from the management process itself. The broader aim of the publication is to identify the role of risk within safety management and demonstrate that it constitutes one of its essential elements. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is structured around the central research question: Does risk in safety management originate solely from security threats? The research hypothesis assumes that risk in safety management results not only from diverse security threats but also from the entire management process. The paper adopts a theoretical methodology grounded in a critical analysis of the relevant literature. Findings: Security is constantly exposed to various forms of threat. Threats in general are of particular interest to safety management. They can be characterized by their probability of occurrence and potential consequences. Such a data set helps determine the likelihood of both military and non-military threats, providing a basis for key decisions on countermeasures and resilience-building efforts. Therefore, the level of risk constitutes a fundamental element and baseline for effective safety management. Safety management comprises a set of actions aimed at achieving a defined state or level of safety. This objective cannot be achieved without an effective decision-making process. In practice, this process often occurs without complete information, which itself constitutes a risk that must be taken into account. Thus, risk is an inherent element of all management processes, including safety management. Safety management should account for various types of risks—including those related to quality, personnel, resources, and information—that influence decision-making at every phase of the management process. Risk in safety management is associated not only with security threats (both military and non-military) but also with management processes that require decision-making in threat-driven environments. Taking the aforementioned arguments into account, risk should be recognized as an integral element of safety management. Practical implications: The findings of this paper may support the enhancement of safety management systems by emphasizing that risks can arise not only from external threats (military and non-military) but also within the management process itself. The study offers practical guidance by identifying specific managerial risks — such as insufficient competencies, ineffective communication, and limited resources — that can negatively affect security. The information presented in this paper may be useful to public administration bodies, crisis management specialists, and decision-making authorities. Implementing risk assessment tools — designed not only for security threats — at all phases of safety management can enhance decision-making processes and strengthen an institution’s resilience to uncertainty. The conclusions of this paper could serve as a framework for training programs and educational initiatives focused on decision-making and risk assessment. Originality/Value: This paper offers a new perspective on the existing literature, broadening the understanding of risk in safety management beyond traditionally analyzed external threats (military and non-military) by emphasizing risks inherent in the management process itself. While current research focuses primarily on security threats, this paper draws attention to decision-making uncertainty and internal risks, such as those related to resources, competencies, and communication.