Risk averse behavior is certainly one aspect of the precautionary principle.
In public policy the government role is expanded in a risk averse population. The cost of risk averse behavior and the unintended consequences are significant.
Here’s another take–medical care in America is more expensive for sure because of risk averse behavior.
http://skepticalscalpel.blogspot.com/2013/12/defensive-medicine-is-more-of-problem.html