Safety and Security: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Article in: ControlGlobal, April 2010
The relationship between safety and security is such that a weakness in security creates increased risk, which in turn creates a decrease in safety. As a result, safety and security are directly proportional, but both are inversely proportional to risk.
"According to Merriam-Webster, the primary definition of safety is, “the condition of being free from harm or risk.” This is essentially the same as the primary definition of security, which is, “the quality or state of being free from danger.” However, another definition for security is, “measures taken to guard against espionage or sabotage, crime, attack or escape."
Using these definitions, we can better understand the relationship between safety and security. The relationship is such that a weakness in security creates increased risk, which in turn creates a decrease in safety. As a result, safety and security are directly proportional, but both are inversely proportional to risk.
E.J. Byres, J.Cusimano; "Safety and Security: Two Sides of the Same Coin", ControlGlobal, April 2010
"Safety and Security: Two Sides of the Same Coin" - Article (3MB)