C8.5 Communication of Risk
Communication can be used either as a tool to provide information, explain and warn, or to encourage collective partnership approaches to decision-making through greater public participation in the risk management process.
The aim of the communication will affect the suitability of the communication process. This may be to:
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
- Inform individuals about certain risks.
- Encourage desired changes in knowledge, attitudes, opinions or behaviours.
- Create trust and confidence in decision-making processes.
Successful risk communication is difficult to achieve because it will frequently involve the need to engage diverse audiences, with different levels of knowledge and understanding.