Industry is a source of both economic activity and risks. While it was long considered mainly an economic activity, nowadays, the risk aspect of industry has become a major issue so the public consultation process must be taken into account.
This confrontation of different points of view forms the basis for progress on safety issues. This must be based on factual elements for efficient, open analysis of the practical consequences. Hazard analysis is one way of encouraging dialogue and changing the practices of all the parties.
This Industrial Safety Report unpacks the concepts of hazard and the barriers to acceptability of an industrial activity, as well as describing the risk analysis process and uses of hazard studies. It summarises the status of consultation on industrial risks and the influence of public intervention on risk management. Lastly, it raises several questions which may be useful to address when reading - and drafting - hazard analyses.
Objectives
To foster and facilitate dialogue between of industrial site operators and the general population and achieve a better understanding of the "spirit" of regulations.
About the authors
This document is the outcome of the ICSI "Openness and hazard analysis" discussion group, involving representatives of industry, trade unions, associations and universities.