Category: Uncategorized

Probably the best disclaimer in the world

Most risk assessments, warning notices and disclaimers are the legal equivalent of juju charms to ward off lawyers and probably as effective as the kind that believers wear around their necks. This disclaimer for Nelson Rocks Preserve in West Virginia was sent to me by Paul Winston, editorial director of Business Insurance . It is …

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Dangerous trees?

Arboricultural Journal 2007, Vol. 30, pp. 95103  This is the published version of a paper prepared for a conference on The Future of Tree Risk Management, held in London on 15 September 2006.  Abstract Britain, in the view of former Prime Minister Blair, is in danger of having a wholly disproportionate attitude to the risks …

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The cost of inaction: why cost-benefit analysis seldom settles arguments

Draft for WHO Workshop, Rome, 13-14 December 2007. The cost of inaction: economic valuation in environment and health. Contemplation of the costs of inaction usually provokes questions about the benefits of inaction, which leads to cost-benefit analysis. Cost-benefit analysis, as a method for settling arguments about action or inaction is enormously seductive. You simply add …

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The demise of the free-range child

In 1971 Mayer Hillman conducted a survey of how English children got about: at what age were they allowed to play in the street, ride a bike, get to school on their own, visit friends and get about the neighbourhood? In 1990 Mayer persuaded me to join him in re-surveying the same schools he had …

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Risk and Freedom – product recall and replacement

Many thanks to Jim Tubman who noticed that the previously posted version of the book was missing page 89. Further thanks to Jim for inserting it, and adding further bookmarking features. The new, improved product is now online at http://john-adams.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/risk%20and%20freedom.pdf.

Risk and Freedom: the record of road safety regulation: by yours truly

Now on sale. Ive discovered a box with 20 copies, which I am offering through Amazon.co.uk at the original 1985 price of £10. I reproduce the sole Amazon review (*****) below. Risk and Freedom is a book of historic significance. Published in 1985 and out of print for many years it continues to have a …

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