Major incidents in high hazard industries and development of risk regulation : case studies in developed and developing countries

Collinson, GS

Abstract

This work considers the development of risk regulation in high hazard industries, and
explores differences by conducting case studies across a number of developed and
developing countries. It draws on concepts from a variety of fields: risk perception, the
structure of society, the nature of the law and regulation, and the management of
industrial risk.
The project begins with a consideration of risk perception in society to give a wider
context to the research, and explores the implications for risk regulation. A number of
theories of regulation are described followed by a more detailed consideration of the
regulation of risk and approaches in the high hazard industry. These influences are then
assessed and conclusions drawn through a three stage process. Firstly a theoretical
framework is established that incorporates theories from some diverse disciplines, such
as systems thinking, analysis of regulation, and safety management. Secondly, case
studies are conducted to draw comparisons across different societies and to explore the
validity of this framework. Finally, reflecting on these differences, a conceptual model
is developed to provide an explanation of past experience, help predict future
consequences and enable an improvement in the effectiveness of new regulation.
The research has identified key influences, and three additional variables have emerged;
risk temperament, risk pathways, and the impact of globalisation. The hypothesis was
that the processes of risk regulation in societies are influenced by serious incidents in
different ways and that such processes could be modelled to help understanding and
support the effective development of risk regulation. Through objective analysis, this
has been demonstrated, and, in addition, a modified conceptual model has been
developed to enable further research in this important area.

Citation

Collinson, G. Major incidents in high hazard industries and development of risk regulation : case studies in developed and developing countries. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010