Principles
of risk assessment and risk management
43. Risk assessment is the scientifically-based
process which attempts to identify and characterise hazards[82],
and the likelihood of hazard occurring, risk[83].
It deals with the probability of an event causing a potentially
undesirable effect. It attempts to be quantitative, and one of
the criticisms of the approach taken in managing the risk for
the release of genetically modified organisms is that the assessment
is qualitative[84]
only. Dr Gliddon, of the University of Wales, identified a structure
for risk assessment and suggested that risk assessment was feasible
even where knowledge was limited. It involved the identification
of hazards; estimation of their magnitude; estimation of the frequency
of their occurrence; and evaluation of the risks[85].
Risk is never zero, but it can be minimised
by taking appropriate precautions (risk management); for example,
to limit exposure to a harmful substance or situation[86].
"The goal of risk management is scientifically sound, cost-effective,
integrated actions that reduce or prevent risks while taking into
account social, cultural, ethical, political and legal considerations"[87].
The United States Presidential/Congressional Commission on risk
assessment and risk management[88]
recommended that the process of risk management should include
the following: define the problem and put it in context; analyse
the risks associated with the problem in context; examine options
for addressing the risks; make decisions about which options to
implement; take actions to implement the decisions; and conduct
an evaluation of the actions' results. This procedure should be
used in collaboration with stakeholders and repeated if new information
arises that changes the need for or nature of risk management.
82 Hazard is defined as the situation that in particular
circumstances could lead to harm. This is taken from the 1992
report of the Royal Society: "Risk: analysis, perception
and management"; a definition accepted by the Science
and Technology Committee in their report on biotechnology (7th
Report (1992-93, HL 80, para. 5.26). Back
83 Risk is defined as the probability that a particular adverse effect
occurs within a stated period of time or results from a particular
challenge. Sources as previous footnote. Back
84 Quantitative: nine out of ten cats prefer smoked salmon. Qualitative:
cats prefer smoked salmon. Back
85 Dr Gliddon, p 340. Back
86 In American usage, until the Presidential/Congressional report,
risk assessment was the component of the overall process devoted
to the calculation of risk and risk analysis was the overall process
including risk assessment. In Europe (as in Australia) risk assessment
is understood to be the overall process, c.f. T. Beer: "Environmental
Risk Assessment: an Australian perspective", 1995. Back
87 Presidential/Congressional Commission on Risk Assessment and Risk
Management: "Framework for Environmental Health Risk Management",
January 1997, p 1. Back
88
Ibid. Back
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