The Effect of Hazard and System Information on Estimated Risk

Warning labels are used, in part, to increase risk estimates associated with hazardous equipment and products. Past research has demonstrated exposure to warning labels is related to risk estimates; however, it is not known whether warning labels cause an increase in risk estimates, as is generally assumed, or whether individuals who appreciate the danger of a situation are more likely to notice, read, and comply with warning labels. The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of two types of information on estimated risk: hazard and basic system (nonhazard) information. Research participants (77 males and 89 females) were divided into one of four information groups: 1) hazard, 2) system, 3) control, and 4) both hazard and system. As expected, hazard information, presented in a warning label, increased risk estimates. Contrary to hypothesis, system information alone did not appear to increase risk estimates. Finally, risk estimates were highest for participants who received both hazard and system information.