Final answer:
When a supervisor determines a task's risk exceeds its benefits, the correct action is to reevaluate the risk-benefit analysis, following safety and precautionary principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a supervisor responsible for a task determines that the associated risk exceeds the benefit or value, the most appropriate action to take is to reevaluate the risk-benefit analysis (a). This response is supported by the principle of speaking up immediately if there are concerns about the safety or the practicality of a given task, especially if it's thought to be unsafe. It's crucial to ensure that all tasks are aligned with the overall goals of the organization and do not pose undue risks.
Additionally, the concept of the precautionary principle, which suggests that when the effects of a human activity are poorly understood, we must presume some level of harm may exist to the environment and thus must proceed with that activity carefully, aligns with the notion of reevaluating when risks appear to be high. If after reevaluation the task still poses excessive risks, proper channels should be followed, which may include seeking approval from higher management or the termination of the task immediately.