This study attempts to determine the existence of a 'de facto de minimis' threshold as it is revealed by examining government activity with respect to low-level risks that are clearly visible and accurately measured. The study was restricted to the examination of government activity because society's concerns are reflected in risk-management decisions made by the government sector. Risk which are accepted by individuals because of the associated benefits derived from accepting the risk were considered poor candidate for revealing the current level of 'de minimis'. This effectively eliminated from consideration most occupational risks, which are often accepted based on cost-benefit criteria.