Risk Communication & Issues Management

Clients with scientific and regulatory challenges can face reputational threats if effective communication strategies are not utilized. If a company is perceived to have not met their legal responsibilities or their obligation to protect the health of employees, consumers or neighboring communities, public opinion can quickly turn against them. Media coverage of environmental, safety and health matters can make the situation even more challenging as the media may lack a strong background in the sciences, and often do not have an unbiased approach to such issues. Where the hazards involved are unfamiliar, such as the potential impact of a chemical exposure, greater anxiety may arise. To address these concerns, risk communication strategies are essential. .

Risk communication is a complex, multidisciplinary, and evolving process of increasing importance in protecting company operations and their products in the marketplace. Risk communication is utilized to give regulators and the public necessary and appropriate information regarding potential risks and benefits associated with a product or process and to help them in making informed decisions.

In its most familiar form, risk communication is an exchange of information and opinion with stakeholders about such issues as product safety or community issues such as air emissions, hazardous wastes, pesticide usage, and/or drinking water quality. Risk communication can also help promote changes in individual behavior such as purchasing decisions and in informing consumers how to properly use and dispose of a given product.

Why Cardno ENTRIX?

The professionals of Cardno ENTRIX have a wealth of experience making complex scientific matters accessible to a variety of audiences such as legislators, regulators, employees, community leaders and journalists through targeted and effective communications. We have years of experience in translating complex scientific and technical information into nontechnical language. We help decision-makers and a wide range of stakeholders grasp the nature and scope of risks and to place them in appropriate context, often through the comparison to more familiar risks. In addition, Cardno ENTRIX has demonstrated expertise in the following areas of risk communication:

• Hazard communication documentation
• Educational materials for diverse stakeholders
• Public presentations and community meetings
• Professional workshops and symposia
• Regulatory Hearings
• Media interactions
• Executive Media training

For More Information, email our Cardno ENTRIX experts by clicking here.