Factors that may contribute to the successful implementation of biosafety programs were evaluated from the perspective of the perception of risk held by the various actors for whom the programs are targeted. The study was carried out in a biotechnological vaccine production unit in the public sector in Brazil, and adopted a methodology that combined both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Different perceptions of risk in the work process and environment held by professionals in the production and administration areas, as well as by those occupying management positions, were analysed. The results show the importance of taking into consideration such perceptions in the formulation of biosafety programs, particularly since the latter aim at achieving changes in behaviour in the way risks are dealt with. The paper further suggests that these perceptions are somewhat related to the various forms of participation in the productive process.