Board of Governors approves position paper on risk analysis

Francis Dietz
ASME Government Relations

Decision-makers at all levels of government face difficult choices every day. Issues critical to the nation and its states, such as whether to build a nuclear waste repository in Nevada, whether to locate a landfill in a particular area of a state, or whether to go forward with research on a particularly deadly weapon are decided, sometimes without sufficient information about risks versus benefits.

Such decisions can be made in a more informed manner through application of risk analysis, according to a new ASME General Position Paper approved by the Board of Governors.
"Risk analysis is a powerful tool for helping to make the right decision on many issues," the position paper states. Therefore, ASME International is presenting the position paper as a way "to promote risk analysis as a technically sound and socially responsible way to help in decision-making by industry, government and the general public.

"The choices made on these and many other issues can have a positive impact on society; however, the outcomes of these choices are often uncertain," the paper states.
The paper outlines nine guiding principles that "advance the understanding, use and acceptance of risk analysis for integrating science, engineering and technology into public policy decision-making." The guiding principles outline the steps necessary for proper risk analysis to be undertaken.

Through the use of risk analysis, public policy decision-makers can "develop a better understanding of the risks associated with a proposed course of action," according to the paper. Those benefits "will be realized only if the public — and public policy makers — support this approach," the paper states.

In conclusion, the paper states, "In a free society, communication of risks and benefits to the public at large, and engagement of the public in the discussion of viable options, are critical to good decision-making and to the effective use of technology in addressing complex societal issues."

The full text of the paper can be found at www.asme.org/gric/ps/ home.html, or by calling ASME Public Affairs at (202) 785-3756.

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