During the course of Environmental Risk and Society Benefit, it has been brought to my attention that there are many risks that I take on a daily basis, most of which are voluntary as well. Some people may argue that attending classes would pose an involuntary risk, but because I had chosen to attend school and go to the classes that has made it more so voluntary and exposes me to the outside elements such as inclement weather and even the germs and possible other hazards that can be spread from person to person while being in the enclosed classroom. Despite the risks associated with coming to class, there are many benefits such as the gaining of an education to possibly gain a job in the field of study. Granted this isn't guaranteed, there is still that potential, so the risk is worth it for most (including myself).
While yes, the following website is based off of a daycare/school setting, it is still a decent example of the potential risks that one would be exposed to while in a confined room with other students and even provides a table of communicable diseases as well.
(http://health.utah.gov/epi/cdepi/daycareschool.htm)
Another prime example of a voluntary risk that I have taken would be that of smoking. Granted I don't smoke anymore, but for a couple years I did. I wasn't forced to, I chose to. I took a risk that didn't actually provide much benefit to me besides a potential stress relief for a few minutes and maybe the potential to meet a few people while smoking. Other than those two potential benefits, there was nothing really good about smoking, so it was an involuntary risk that I never truly thought through as to how beneficial it would be to me and my well being in the long run. In the link that follows, they point out some potential health benefits for smoking such as reduction in chances of osteoporosis, but there isn't much information to back it up. The main points prove that there is more harm than good.
(http://www.livescience.com/15115-5-health-benefits-smoking-disease.html)
A great example of an involuntary risk would be working and the potential hazards faced in the workplace, no matter where that may be. Some people may try and classify this as a voluntary risk because you can essentially choose where to work, but no matter where you may work there will be risks associated with your position and you will experience them indefinitely. Whether it is for a fast food company, there is potential to get injured on the grill, slip on the wet floor, contract food poisoning etc. Or if you're in an office setting, there is for sure potential for risks which could even include mental stressors, physical hazards due to travel and even potential problems with equipment or items in the office. There are always potential hazards, but generally there are benefits as well. The benefits from working without a doubt include an income to provide you money which you can use for food and shelter (to live of course) and it can also promote well being and give people a feeling and sense of accomplishment.
No matter where you go or even what you do, there is always a potential for risks, but there is also a potential for many benefits. It's all up to you and how you are willing to judge the risks compared to the possible positive outcomes that could affect your future and well being.
