Risk Communication

 Risk Communication is an important tool for disseminating information and

understanding about a risk management decision. This understanding and
information should allow stakeholders to make an informed conclusion about
how the decision will impact their interests and values.
Risk Communication Useful

 explaining the chance of a risk impact (probability) and the predictability of the
risk impact (stochastic)
 outlining the difference between risk (dependent on scenarios) and hazard (found
within a specific area)
 dealing with fears and uncertainties around POPs related illnesses
 dealing with any long-term effects from the risk and risk management
 improving the overall understanding of risk based terminology and concepts
 Importance of Risk Communication

 understand the difference between risks and hazards found in a particular

area. It also prepares the community to deal with any short or long-term
effects of the hazards and the risk management techniques put in place.
Communicating risks can also help organizations avoid litigation or fallout
with the public.
 Components of Risk Communication

 There are three components of communicating risks

1. precaution advocacy
2. outrage management
3. crisis communication
 Precaution Advocacy

 the potential effects of the hazard are high. The necessary strategy therefore
involves creating an outrage so that the hazard can get the attention it deserves
 Outrage Management

 the potential effects of the hazard are low but the outrage is high. The corrective
measure involves attracting the attention of the media so that there may be the
right levels of emotions to warrant an immediate response.
 Crisis Communication

 both the potential effects of the hazard and outrage are high. This element
is applied to highly volatile incidents that are difficult to manage.