Emmanuel Henry

The Health Risk Assessment Approach, a Tool for Managing Risks on the Scale of a Territory: A French Experience

ABSTRACT In France, regulatory analysis of the environment and human health potential consequences is implemented for an isolated industrial activity that requests an authorization to operate using the health risk assessment method. To date, the question is enlarged to the impact of the combination of multiple sources of pollution on the same territory. The main conclusions of the work launched by the French High Council of Public Health focus on four key points: (i) the utility of conducting such an analysis at a territory scale, (ii) the delimitation of the area, (iii) the conditions for the different stakeholders’ involvement, and (iv) the methodological specificities of the “zone health risk assessment.” The work encompassed literature reviews, seminars, and interviews of stakeholders. The utility of a Z-HRA is the central objective for the management of risk. It can no longer be conducted only for itself. The delimitation of the zone entails economic, political, environmental, and population aspects. Stakeholders become key actors in a steering and monitoring committee. Among methodological specificities, cumulative exposure comes first. Interpretation of the results should focus on risk management objectives. Finally, inclusion of Z-HRAs in flexible regulations that can be adapted to the local context is recommended.

The new dynamics of knowledge and the persistence of power relations: The limited impact of important transformations in occupational health expertise

Abstract This article analyses contemporary changes in the production of knowledge and expertise pertaining to occupational health, by relating them to the characteristics of this public policy sector and recent developments within it. The article first shows how changes in public health policy bring about certain changes in occupational health, for instance by necessitating the creation of new expert agencies. It then examines the institutionalization of expertise on occupational risks, along with the impact this has on the modalities of decision-making in a specific field. It explains that in spite of huge changes, the power relations characterizing this public policy domain remain relatively stable. Finally, apart from the case of occupational health, this article again raises the question again of the production of knowledge and expertise, by relating them to the power plays structuring a public policy sector.