Implementing Risk Communication: Overcoming the Barriers

0.5 IH CM points, 0.2 CEUs, and 0.2 COCs              

Many understand the principles of effective risk communication: openness, dialogue, accountability, etc. But three sets of barriers often make these principles difficult to implement. Cognitive barriers range from the belief that no one is especially concerned to the belief that open communication may fuel the controversy or lead to liability suits. Among the organizational barriers are opposition to the new approach from an immediate superior or elsewhere in the organization, an internal climate that makes external openness difficult, and skepticism by employees that management really intends the new approach. Psychological barriers include anger at activists and feeling insulted by community mistrust. This video identifies major barriers preventing companies and agencies from implementing risk communication programs, and proposes strategies to overcome or circumvent each barrier.

CM Points and Testing Modules: Supplemental Testing Modules have been created so that you can receive 0.5 CM point, 0.2 COC, and 0.2 CEU for each risk communication video. Testing modules contain supplemental readings as well as a final exam.

The Risk Communication Video Series testing modules can be purchased separately.

Please note that both the video and the testing modules must be purchased and completed in order to receive CM points and CEUs.

Prerequisites: A general interest or curiosity about the topic of risk assessment as it relates to the practice of industrial hygiene.

Who Will Benefit:

• Industrial hygienists
• Public relations directors 
• Occupational safety and regulatory officials 
• Occupational and environmental health and safety professionals 
• CEOs 
• Communications specialists 
• Journalists 
• Engineers and scientists

Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of the course students will be able to:

• Identify the principles of effective risk communication: openness, dialogue, and accountability
• Note the three barriers of risk communication which make risk communication difficult to implement: cognitive barriers, organizational barriers, and psychological barriers 
• Recognize the major barriers preventing the implementation of risk communication programs
• Develop strategies to overcome or circumvent each barrier.

Course Specifics:

• Four keys to successful risk communication
• Ten cognitive barriers to risk communication to avoid
• Ten approaches to overcoming organizational barriers to risk communication

Time to Complete: You will have six months from the date of purchase of the testing module to complete the course to receive CM points, CEUs, and COCs.

Instructor: Peter M. Sandman, PhD, the nation's leading risk communication expert.

Course Components: Video (75-minute), audio cassette, tape guide.