Citation

Mcquaid J. Process. Saf. Environ. Prot. 2000; 78(4): 262-269.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Institution of Chemical Engineers and European Federation of Chemical Engineering, Publisher Hemisphere Publishing)

DOI

10.1205/095758200530772

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The theme of this paper is that there are lessons to be learned for the promotion of sustainable development from experience gained in the application of risk control concepts to health and safety at work. The starting point was the enactment of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act of 1974. The fundamental change introduced by the Act was to place primary responsibility for risk control with those who create the risks. It promoted the development of improvements through an informed dialogue between the regulator and the regulated. Such a dialogue is essential where uncertainties prevail so that professional judgements are necessary as to the level of risk. Furthermore, a wider consultation is necessary where it is felt that the choice of control option needs to reflect stakeholder values. These features are evidently applicable also to decision-making on sustainable development. This paper reviews the developments in arrangements for risk control and expands on their relevance to promoting the concept of sustainable development.