Lower risks by using operational and personal risk management

  • Published
  • By Charles Cypher
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Operational and Personal Risk Management are proactive processes of measuring, or assessing risk and then developing strategies to manage that risk. 

These processes allow us to make an informed decision whereby the risks with the greatest loss and the greatest probability of occurring are handled, akin to "worst first." The goal is to eliminate or lower the risk. 

It helps to identify hazards involved in any given operation or activity. This enhances our ability to identify what risk control measures are needed to minimize the exposure. 

The framework for decision making increases mission effectiveness at all levels while preserving assets and safeguarding personal health and welfare. Conceptually, it involves a simple, rational process for making by decisions weighing identified risks against expected benefits. 

If benefits outweigh the risks, press on. If risks outweigh the benefits, review the tasking or activity, consider alternatives, or elevate the decision to accept the risks. 

Activities can be characterized in many ways, and each requires its own tailored approach to risk management. We accomplish some actions, such as flight line maintenance training, student trainer use and mowing the grass on a continuing basis.  Other actions, such as major accident exercises, mobility exercises or long-distance road trips occur infrequently. 

Further, some operations are large and complex and require extensive, formulated risk analyses, while others are small and simple and can be analyzed in an instant. The bottom line: be flexible and adapt appropriate risk management techniques to fit each situation. 

In layman's terms, ORM and PRM are ways of doing something right the first time, every time. 

Most of us were taught by our parents at a very young age the "right" way to cross the street - by looking left first, then right, then left again. You wouldn't normally step off the safety and security of a curb or sidewalk into traffic without first looking to make sure you won't get hit by an oncoming vehicle. 

That's risk management. 

Also, the old adage that "if something doesn't look right, it probably isn't" is another form of risk management. While you're planning or doing your job or activity, take a moment to step back and look at what you're doing. If something looks wrong or out of place, think of ways to change it to make it look right. 

You control your own destiny and it's essentially up to you to get the job done, from putting bombs on target while we fly, fight and win wars, to getting home safely after a day at the beach or a night out on the town. 

Apply risk management to areas of our on-duty missions, and off-duty activities.
Our purpose is to educate all wing personnel on making informed decisions with emphasis on personal safety and resource preservation. Even further, we want to make ORM and PRM a routine part of everyone's daily operations. Risk management will enhance your ability to spot hazards, analyze risks and make sound decisions at the appropriate level.