Risk Communication: What is your experience in communication about risk?
Hazards versus Risk Hazards –Inherent properties that cannot be changed –Chlorine is toxic when inhaled or ingested –Task review and process descriptions are ways of identifying hazards Risk –likelihood of exposure –inherent hazards of the substance combined with amount of exposure (dose) –potential health effects
Hazard versus Risk
Who will need information workers in this workplace workers in similar workplaces management industry associations local officials national officials unions medical professionals journalists media representatives community members non-governmental organizations
Communicating about Hazards and Risks talking to the community about hazards and actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury and illness –plan carefully –address the community specific concerns –be honest and open –coordinate and collaborate with other credible sources –meet the needs of the media
What information will you provide Provide information that meets people’s needs - be prepared and responsive get the facts straight-correct misimpressions coordinate with other agencies coordinate within the agency don’t give mixed messages listen to what various groups are telling you
Who can help you Enlist the help of organizations that have credibility avoid closed meetings
Include information that people want to know about What are the hazards? What are the risks? Who might be affected? What is being done to prevent exposures? How likely is it someone will get sick or hurt? Who should I call if I have questions?
Include information that people want to know about Where can I get more information? Should I see my doctor? Could my family become sick or hurt? Who should I call if the problems continue?
Best Communication Practices Commitment to improving safety and health Honesty and openness Respect for worker concerns Knowledge of issues Receptive to solutions Responsive to problems
How to communicate Public meetings Media distribution of information –newspapers –television –radio Flyers, brochures Posters