Series of events in 2019 that highlight the risks involved in how we live.

The whole essence of insurance is the admission of the existence of risks that should be avoided. Although the risk itself may not be eliminated, its impact can be greatly reduced. Risk is a part of everyday living and 2019 has witnessed lots of risk events this year. From business, to environmental pollution, sexual allegations, natural disasters, the list is quite long. We will be bringing you highlights of year 2019 in risk.

“As the risks businesses face become increasingly interconnected and far-reaching, risk professionals must broaden their perspective on both the traditional and emerging threats that can affect their organization. Whether it is a natural disaster exacerbated by climate change, the latest cyberattack scheme or a new regulatory requirement, risks come from all angles. The following review of some of the most notable risk events of 2019 can help risk professionals be better prepared to meet the challenges ahead.” – RM Magazine

Southern African Nations Endure Catastrophic Cyclone – March 14
Madagascar, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi were hit hard by Cyclone Idai, which brought strong winds, heavy rains and flash flooding that affected three million people in the region, causing more than 1,300 deaths and an estimated $2 billion in damage to infrastructure, homes and crops. The storm is the deadliest and costliest ever recorded in the South-West Indian Ocean basin. The lack of clean water in the storm’s aftermath also led to a cholera outbreak in Mozambique, with more than 6,000 confirmed cases before it was contained in May. Six weeks after Idai made landfall, Mozambique was hit again by Cyclone Kenneth, which caused 52 deaths and another $100 million in damages.

Mosque Shooting Prompts New Zealand Gun Ban – March 15
A terrorist gunman killed 51 people and injured 49 others in two mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand. The shooter reportedly expressed white supremacist, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views that authorities believe motivated the attack. Less than a month after the massacre, the New Zealand government passed a law banning most semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles, as well as magazines and any parts that can be used to assemble prohibited weapons. The government also initiated a six-month buy-back program that had collected more than 19,000 guns by mid-September. A royal commission that was convened to investigate how the attack could have been prevented is expected to release its findings next year.

Fisher-Price Recalls Sleepers After Infant Deaths – April 12
Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after a Consumer Reports investigation revealed that the product was tied to at least 32 infant deaths since 2009. According to researchers, the design of inclined sleepers like the Rock ‘n Play increases the risk of accidental suffocation and strangulation. Manufacturers Kids II and Dorel Juvenile subsequently issued recalls of similar infant sleeper products as well. In November, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned consumers to stop using all infant sleepers—even models that have not been recalled—after connecting as many as 73 infant deaths and 1,100 incidents to the products between January 2005 and June 2019. Fisher-Price and parent company Mattel face multiple lawsuits from victim’s families alleging defective design and negligence.

Fire Damages Notre Dame Cathedral – April 15
A fire in the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris caused massive damage to the 700-year old landmark’s spire, roof and walls that experts believe could take decades and billions of dollars to repair. While the cause of the fire remains unknown, authorities said there was no evidence that it was set deliberately, instead suspecting it was due to an electrical short, perhaps related to an ongoing renovation project. Months after the fire melted the lead-covered roof, lead concentrations in the surrounding plaza and adjacent roadways remained extremely high, raising concerns about the impact on nearby residents.

550 Workers Die After Indonesian Election – April 17
Following Indonesia’s general election, more than 550 election workers and security officers died from fatigue and overwork-related illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes and respiratory failure, while another 4,300 workers fell ill. Considered the most complex single-day election in the world, more than 240,000 candidates vied for 20,000 seats in simultaneous national and regional votes at both the presidential and legislative levels. Seven million workers staffed more than 800,000 polling stations to serve the country’s 193 million eligible voters. Indonesian officials are reportedly considering a variety of measures to ease the burden on election workers before the next general elections in 2024, including deploying more medical personnel, separating national and local elections, and adopting electronic voting machines.

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