What term describes losses caused by human actions such as theft or operational errors?

The term "preventable loss" specifically refers to losses that occur due to human actions, such as theft or mistakes made during operations. These types of losses are typically considered avoidable since they stem from behaviors or decisions that can be controlled or mitigated through proper policies, training, and security measures.

Understanding preventable loss is crucial for businesses as it highlights the importance of implementing effective risk management strategies and operational protocols. By addressing the factors that lead to human error or theft, retailers can reduce the financial impact of these losses and create a more secure environment. This also emphasizes the need for employee training and monitoring systems to ensure adherence to best practices.

In contrast, the other terms do not capture the essence of loss resulting specifically from human actions. Unavoidable loss implies losses that cannot be avoided, operational loss may refer to any losses associated with the day-to-day functioning of a business but does not specifically highlight human error, and calculated risk refers to the deliberate acceptance of risk in pursuit of a potential upside, rather than losses caused by preventable human actions.