Risk assessment in work environments: modeling and simulation

SUMMARY The paper proposes a characterization of risks and a service‐oriented prototype to face risky situations in work environments, such as in industrial plants or building construction areas. A risk is the overture of emergencies that produce human and/or material damages. Therefore, it is particularly critical to identify and manage risks to avoid their evolution into emergencies. In this paper, we outline the technological features of a risk environment and propose a risk model and a service‐based simulation prototype aimed to improve safety in work environments. We discuss engineering issues concerning risk modeling and management. Furthermore, we propose a risk management system solution and its related implemented prototype composed of services able to detect and also to prevent the occurrence of risk conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.