The benefits of better benefits estimation

George C. Eads

Expert InsightsPublished 1978

"Benefits estimation" means much more than the identification of a hazard. It includes demonstrating in a convincing way that a proposed remedy will actually reduce the hazard. This does not necessarily require being able to place a value on human lives saved or on injuries and illnesses prevented. Health and safety regulatory agencies have given insufficient attention to estimating the benefits that their activities are supposed to be generating. In their defense they cite deficiencies in the underlying theories of how such estimates ought to be produced. But they ignore readily available information and techniques that would permit substantial improvements over current practice.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1978
  • Pages: 12
  • Document Number: P-6261

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Eads, George C., The benefits of better benefits estimation. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1978. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P6261.html.
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