Fundamentals of Risk Management

Risk training and communication
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Risk information and communication
Component 7 of the US COSO ERM framework considers the importance of risk 
information and communication. Risk communication starts with the identification 
of the stakeholders that have an interest in the particular risk under consideration. 
Once the stakeholders have been identified, the nature of the risk information that 
needs to be communicated must be decided. Finally, the purpose of communicating 
risk information to each group of stakeholders should be analysed.
Stakeholders will already have a perception of risks, so risk communication 
should be provided against the background of that existing perception. The guide-
lines relevant to risk communication set out in Table 26.2 should be followed. These 
guidelines seek to establish rules for communicating risk issues to a broad range of 
stakeholders.
Clearly, these rules become more important when the communication about
risk is with external bodies. Nevertheless, they provide a useful set of guidelines for 
risk communication with internal as well as external stakeholders. Internal stake-
holders have additional reasons for being provided with risk information. There 
will normally be an expectation by the organization that managers and staff will 
play a role in the future management of the risk, whereas this may not always be 
the case for external stakeholders.
When identifying the health and safety training needs within your organization, you should:
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take into account the capabilities, training, knowledge and experience of workers; and
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ensure that the demands of the job do not exceed their ability to carry out their work 
without risk to themselves and others.
Some employees may have particular training needs, for example:
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New recruits need basic induction training on how to work safely, including arrangements 
for first aid, fire and evacuation.
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People changing jobs or taking on extra responsibilities need to know about any new 
health and safety implications.
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Young employees are particularly vulnerable to accidents and you need to pay particular 
attention to their needs, so their training should be a priority. It is also important that new, 
inexperienced or young employees are adequately supervised.
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Some people’s skills may need updating by refresher training.
Your risk assessment should identify any further specific training needs.
When to provide safety training

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