Author: Aleksandr V. Ponomarev, Postgraduate of Social Psychology Dept., University for Humanities

Abstract: The phenomenon of risk is considered as a complex multidimensional category adopted by many scientific fields. Special attention is paid to the origin of the risk concept and the variety of definitions of this term depending on the research area. The article demonstrates the understanding of risk by EMERCOM employees who, due to their occupation, face this phenomenon on a daily basis. The findings of the research show that in lifeguards’ mind risk is closely related to occupational hazards. In this context risk is perceived as “a professional feat” or “a noble deed”.

Keywords: Risk, social understanding, professional activity, semantic space