Weighing the risks in industrial operations
The RISKGOV project identified and analysed the criteria that contribute to risks arising from radioactive and chemical discharge in industrial operations for both people as well as the environment. The project aimed to compare contributing elements concerning the quality of governance systems as well as a method of criteria for assessment of risk activities. The eight case studies were conducted in regard to the risk governance processes in France, Sweden and the United Kingdom and covered chemical and radioactive releases on both a local and international level. Liaison committees were organised to examine the management of installation discharges. A multidisciplinary research team conducted the analysis that was comprised largely of interviews with stakeholders. Many processes were considered, including guiding principles of decision-making, role of expertise, involvement of stakeholders, factors integrated into decision framing and taking processes and the actual implementation of decisions. Through all of this the project seeks to identify good examples to model as well as to learn from weaknesses. This can be accomplished through a holistic approach in order to handle new complex issues as well as those already at hand. Furthermore, through the use of a self-assessment tool, the project will serve to aid initiators as well as stakeholders through this process. The tool should give users a time to reflect and respond to problems, which should help to achieve acceptance of risk governance.
