Is it true that absolute safety is neither attainable nor affordable?

The statement that absolute safety is neither attainable nor affordable is rooted in the understanding that while aiming for safety is essential, perfection in safety is not feasible due to various inherent limitations. This concept recognizes that all systems or processes have potential risks that cannot be entirely eliminated.

In practice, achieving absolute safety would require infinite resources, time, and efforts to address every possible risk factor, which is not realistic in any context, whether public or private sectors. For example, safety measures might involve extensive infrastructure investments, personnel training, and ongoing maintenance, which can be cost-prohibitive. Additionally, social and economic factors often necessitate trade-offs, leading to the conclusion that while safety can always be improved, a state of total safety is theoretically and practically impossible.

This perspective is critical in the fields of engineering, public health, and safety management, where it informs risk management strategies. Recognizing that absolute safety is an unrealistic goal allows professionals to focus on creating robust processes that minimize risk while maximizing safety within realistic limits.