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Essential features for proactive risk management

Nature Nanotechnology volume 4, pages 467–470 (2009)Cite this article

We propose a proactive approach to the management of occupational health risks in emerging technologies based on six features: qualitative risk assessment; the ability to adapt strategies and refine requirements; an appropriate level of precaution; global applicability; the ability to elicit voluntary cooperation by companies; and stakeholder involvement.

Detailed information about the risks associated with new technologies is often missing during the early stages of research, development and commercial marketing, so people working with these new technologies in industrial settings can be potentially exposed to serious harm before sufficient risk assessment information has been generated. Legislation on occupational health is normally based on research into these risks, but in the absence of detailed research into the risks associated with many nanomaterials, we believe that voluntary approaches need to be developed and implemented to complement existing regulations and to provide guidance on prudent measures to control risk.

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Acknowledgements

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the US Department of Health and Human Services.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 395 E Street S.W., Suite 9200, Washington, 20201, DC, USA

    Vladimir Murashov

  2. US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 395 E Street S.W., Suite 9200, Washington, 20201, DC, USA

    John Howard

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Murashov, V., Howard, J. Essential features for proactive risk management. Nature Nanotech 4, 467–470 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2009.205

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