Risk communication Introduction & application

Risk

1. RISK COMMUNICATION

2. The classical definition of risk analysis describes a process consisting in : hazard identification risk assessment risk management risk communication.

3. What is risk communication process? It is an open exchange of explanatory information and opinions between risk managers and stakeholders through risk analysis process.

4. Risk Communication “ An interactive process of exchange of information and opinion among individuals, groups, and institutions. It involves multiple messages about the nature of risk and other messages , not strictly about risk, that express concerns, opinions, or reactions to risk messages or to legal and institutional arrangements for risk management ” . (US National Research Council 1989)

5. Expert perspective: Risk = Probability x Consequences Lay person ’ s perspective Risk = Hazard + Outrage

6. “ Outrage ” refers to the level of public anger and fear about an environmental risk issue. Outrage can have a greater influence on citizens' reactions to a hazard than the scientifically calculated risk. When people become outraged, they may overreact. Conversely, if people are not outraged, they may under-react.

7. Outrage Factors voluntary vs involuntary natural vs industrial fair vs unfair (equitable vs inequitable) familiar vs exotic not memorable vs memorable not dreaded vs dreaded knowable vs unknowable

8. Outrage Factors morally irrelevant vs morally relevant controlled by the individual vs controlled by the system. trustworthy vs untrustworthy. open process vs closed process (procedural justice)

9. KEY POINTS transparent explanation of the risk assessment policy risk factors identification risk perception understanding criteria applied in risk assessment the constraints, uncertainty, assumptions and hypothesis assumed clarifying how much broader was applied the expert judgment. Basis considered for the risk management decisions

10. STAKEHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDERS AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL consumers Industry producers academic and scientific community official agencies and any other interested party

11. Why risk communication? To achieve a common understanding of risk To develop credible regulations To inform interested parties about an issue which is submitted to a decision making To lead to better understanding about the scientific process involve in a PRA to allow to the decision makers to take better decisions, enhancing trust and confidence in the regulatory agencies. To promote the participation and appropriate involvement of all interested parties Strengthen the working relationships among participants ;

12. Why risk communication? In summary to ensure that all information and opinion, essential for effective risk assessment and risk management is exchanged among interested parties and incorporated into the decision making process.

13. The main problems The misinterpretation of the concept of “risk”. Confusion with threat or hazards. The judgment of a message about risk by the perception of confidence in the risk communicator. The use of the preliminary studies, like reference and final information , no waiting the final study. The potential bad use of the consultation by certain stakeholders to enlarge or block the regulatory process, normally by commercial reasons.

14. Suggested principles related to risk communication process This process should : Be applied consistently, open, transparent and documented in order to promote awareness and understanding of the sanitary issues under consideration during the risk analysis process Promote consistency and transparency in formulating risk management options/recommendations and provide a sound basis of information for understanding the risk management decisions proposed;

15. Suggested principles related to risk communication process Accept and involve the stakeholders and shareholders as a legitimate partner, ensuring the effective communication and consultation (with no exclusion) of all interested parties that should be established and maintained throughout the risk analysis process

16. Suggested principles related to risk communication process Clarify the condition of “preliminary” of the risk assessment documents published for consultation. Be applied as a legitimate process that doesn’t must use to undue enlarge the establishment of sanitary measures .

17. Planning a Risk Communication Strategy Key questions to answer: What is the purpose of the risk communication? What are the specific objectives? Are there existing laws or policies regarding risk communication requirements ( eg . Superfund projects)?

18. Key questions Is this a ‘ care communication ’ , a ‘ consensus communication ’ , or a ‘ crisis communication ’ ? Is the risk relatively new? What is its visibility? What are the characteristics of this risk? What are the potential outrage factors?

19. Key questions Who is the audience? What are the needs of the audience? Where are you on the ladder of public involvement? Where is the audience on the ladder of public involvement? What are the characteristics of the audience(s)?

20. Ladder of Public Involvement Self determination Delegated authority Joint planning Consultation Information feedback Level of involvement of the public Education Persuasion

21. Key questions Have you used audience analysis information to tailor your risk messages? Have you presented technical information in a way that the public can understand? Have you considered conveying your message by means other than written words (eg. pictures).

22. Key questions Which public involvement techniques are appropriate for this situation and these stakeholders? Are the techniques you have chosen: information giving/education? information seeking? consensus building?

23. Key questions What are the advantages/disadvantages of the techniques you have chosen? How will the media be involved in this risk communication strategy?

24. Key questions Can your strategy be implemented successfully? Have you developed a schedule of activities and prepared a plan? Are there resource issues (staff, skills, time, money)? How will you know if your risk communication strategy has been successful?

25. The Risk Communication Plan Should Document: Purpose of the risk communication. Background on the risk issue (who is affected, risk characteristics). Specific objectives for the risk communication effort. Audience profile key audience characteristics

26. Risk Communication Strategy Outline Public involvement activities (include reasons why specific techniques were chosen) Strategy implementation Scheduling of activities (dates, location, duration) Staffing and other resource issues Monitoring and evaluation of risk communication strategy.

27. Risk communication does not necessarily result in consensus on controversial issues or in uniform personal behavior.

28. Risk communication is only as good as your performance in managing the risk.

29. Thank You