Given the high population and development density in Hong Kong, building failures can result in catastrophic consequences. It is thus worthwhile identifying those dilapidated buildings, and this explains why the Hong Kong government has considered launching a mandatory building inspection scheme in the city. Apart from the measurement of building…

Today's interconnected technical environment creates unprecedented opportunities while simultaneously introducing risks. With economic, social and personal interactions increasingly occurring in technology-mediated settings new vulnerabilities are continually being introduced. This dissertation seeks to improve extant understanding of how…

This practicum report was designed to enhance supervision of social work through the development and utilization of a resource directory. A pilot agency, located in an ethnically diverse, metropolitan community, was provided the directory in an attempt to positively influence the implementation of the supervision recommendations. The agency then…

As growing numbers of children use computers at home and at school, they are at increased risk of developing a repetitive strain injury (RSI). This booklet, designed for parents, explains the primary causes of RSI and gives suggestions for helping children avoid such injury. The booklet is divided into three parts. Part 1 describes various types…

Outlines the problem of violence in U.S. and British public libraries, including groups incidents, drunks, unruly youths, and irate patrons. Library staff face managerial apathy and reluctance to tackle. Discusses the reasons for violence, suggests measures to reduce threats and deal with incidents, risk assessment, security measures and staff…

This compact training session on avalanche risk reviews snow crystal formations and common generalities about avalanches. Two types of avalanches--loose and slab--are described, and the characteristics of each are given along with danger signs that accompany each one. Three books are highly recommended for further information. (TD)

Explains that, to know the extent of liability, an individual must understand the basics of tort law, the area of law that deals with common law. Emphasizes that tort law varies from state to state and changes constantly. Provides definitions of terms central to tort law and liability. (PA)

Describes the similarities between a vocational education program and what happens in an educational theater scene shop. Highlights the one main difference between the two as being the approach to risk management. Compares the goals of each program, and discusses their approaches to risk management. (PA)

Presents the epidemiology of suicide and discusses known risk factors for suicide within a framework designed to encourage a systematic approach to theory testing and prevention. Since risk factors for suicide rarely occur in isolation, prevention efforts are more likely to succeed if multiple risk factors are targeted. (JPS)

A risk assessment tool, developed at the University of Greenwich, UK, is described. It provides greater consistency and rigour in the evaluation of new proposals for the collaborative provision of higher education awards. The tool lists ten factors to be considered, with a choice of numerical ratings to indicate low, medium or high risk levels,…

Social workers' understanding of the relevance of documentation has evolved over time. During the profession's earliest years, social workers viewed documentation primarily as a mechanism to facilitate theory building, research, and teaching. This was followed by social workers' development of detailed and sophisticated documentation standards for…

Precautionary principles have been proposed as a fundamental element of sound risk management. Their advocates see them as guiding action in the face of uncertainty, encouraging the adoption of measures that reduce serious risks to health, safety, and the environment. Their opponents may reject the very idea of precautionary principles, find…

More than 53 million children and 6 million adults in the United States spend their days in elementary and secondary schools. Reducing environmental risks inside these buildings is critical to maintaining the public health. Almost all of New England's children will spend a large portion of their childhood in school. To help children stay healthy,…

In the summer of 2007, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) held a summit on enterprise risk management (ERM) in Washington DC with senior officers and trustees from several leading colleges and universities. Approximately 40…

The reporting, analysis, and management of adverse events (AEs) provide an ongoing assessment of risk in the context of a clinical trial and enhance the protection of human research participants and the informed consent process. Effective and efficient review of AEs has been a long-standing challenge for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and…