"Managing of Occupational Radiological and Non-Radiological Risks: Lessons to be Learned", Antwerp, Belgium, November 2000
The aim of the 4th Workshop was to provide an opportunity to put radiological risk management into context with the management of other occupational risks, by engaging interested parties (managers, workforces, contractors, regulatory bodies, communicators etc.) in the exchange of information and experience. About 50 participants attended the Workshop: with about two third coming from fields with radiological risk as a major occupational risk, the others coming from sectors with totally different types of risk, such as chemical, oil platform operation, non ionising radiation's, poultry farming. The presence of representatives from international organisations dealing with all types of occupational diseases and injuries such as International Labour Organisation, International Atomic Energy Agency and European Commission (DG Employment) was very fruitful.
Three major conclusions were raised during that Workshop:
"To effectively manage occupational risk(s), requires the development of a common risk culture among all stakeholders. It is therefore recommended that encouragement be given to including lessons and discussions concerning risk management in the day to day life during studies as early as at school level. It is also recommended that strategies be set up at national and corporate levels to present and discuss occupational risks management with the workers, managers, media and public, as well as those in charge of regulations. It is also recommended that consideration be given to making regulations concerning risk management more clear and transparent, both in respect of the requirements and the culture needed to implement them."
"Risk transfer is a major topic we have, and will have more and more to deal with, not only between occupational risks but also between public and occupational risks and even between human and ecological risks. Therefore it is mandatory to learn how to manage them, through a better knowledge of details of the actual transfers of risks, the factors involved and the interactions of the stakeholders in the decision making process. This could be achieved by developing studies to improve that knowledge, as well as research to define procedures and criteria relevant to making reasonable decisions."
"The participation of all concerned stakeholders appears to be a key element in arriving at decisions that are reasonable and receive broad acceptance."
Programme and Downloadable Papers