Judgment and decision making under stress and uncertainty

ABSTRACT

Making decisions under pressure during a major industrial accidents can be very difficult. Retrospective examinations oftem reveal problems faced by company employees, response agency personnel, and local officials in key decision - making roles. Recommendations may introduce new procedures and preventive measures and inprove inter agency coordination. The psychological dimensions of major industrial accidents, however, have not been thoroughly examined. Stress and psychological trauma can effect judgment and decision - making. Blaming and finding fault are frequently a by - product of post - accident investigations. Guidelines need to be developed to minimize blame and develop positive outcomes. Psychological intervention and debriefing can not only enhance the recovery process, but increase the probabilities of accident prevention (AU)