Danihelka, Pavel and Janickova, Simona

VŠB-Technical University Ostrava, Czech Republic

Industrial Risk Communication and  Perception Experience in the Czech Republic

Introduction

Since early 90’s, when environmental politic in the Czech Republic was set-up and legislation preparation on this field started, an important progress has been achieved and many legislative steps (EIA procedure, Right-To-Know act) introduced. Also, some enterprises have already started introduction of  ISO  14000 Norms,  EMAS and other pro-active management  techniques involving public participation and even first “Good Neighbourhood” programmes are in progress. Nevertheless, the general public does not sufficiently appreciate the environmental benefits arising from implementation of environmental legislation, which reflects for example in limited participation of general public on EIA process in most of cases.

Specific part of environmental issues is prevention of industrial accidents involving dangerous substances. An industrial accident may have catastrophic impact on human health and environment and consequences develop in relatively short time, what even aggravate the unacceptability of such event.  In EU legislation, the Directive 96/82/EC - On the Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substancies  COMAH (“SEVESO II”)  deals with this problem and with contrary to previous SEVESO Directive, the necessity of communication with public is emphasized. In the Czech Republic, Act 353/99 Sb. (the parallel to COMAH Directive) has been introduced and till now, the first step has been done, consisting of preliminary risk analysis of enterprises dealing with dangerous substances in large quantities. Till 29th January 2002, all enterprises related to Act 353/99 Sb. have to finish safety programs and reports and to introduce emergency plans. Also, local governments are obliged to prepare external operation plans and whole the procedure involves participation of public, similar like in EIA procedure. Till now, only very limited information concerning possible accidents were released from enterprises and there is virtually no experience with this kind of public involvement and the lack of experience in communication has been demonstrated during recent accidental release of chlorine in Spolana Neratovice.

Enterprises and local governments start to be aware of public participation importance and often willing to start communication, but on the other hand they are afraid of negative reactions (distrust, negativism, panic…). The need to facilitate the communication and to help start good exchange among all partners involved in decision making on the field of major industrial accidents prevention is then obvious. Another, not yet sufficiently investigated topic is perception of risks of possible industrial accidents and confidence of public to different parties involved in management of such a situation.

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