Improving risk-based regulatory processes: identifying measures to pursue risk-informed regulation

Traditional risk-based decision-making processes can compromise the safety of populations located in close proximity to hazardous installations, especially in situations where land-use planning and controls are weak. Related decision-making processes are frequently criticized for being centered on information that is narrowly scoped, provided by a limited number of technical studies, including quantitative risk assessments. This paper investigates six concepts and thinking outside the literature on risk regulation which offer opportunities to transform risk-based processes into risk-informed ones. Five considerations are developed to guide the development of a conceptual framework: the need for a better transition between analysis and management, a specific routine for risk management, the management for exposure to technological hazards, the integration between risk management practices with land-use planning, and a new resilience plan, potentially a more complete tool to supplement traditional risk management programs. The paper also identifies 13 guiding principles to pursue risk-informed regulation which are based on the conceptual considerations identified in the literature and knowledge of regulatory practices in diverse countries. Finally, the paper suggests how the proposed guiding principles can be adapted to the International Risk Governance Council’s Risk Governance Model.