‘Risks Switzerland’
On 19 December 2008, the Federal Council decided to commission a national hazard analysis entitled ‘Risks Switzerland’. The DDPS, and in particular the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), were tasked with coordinating this work.
Classification system for relevant hazards
‘Risks Switzerland’ is to be compiled as a classification system for hazards relevant to the general population and its livelihood, which is to be updated periodically. The risk potential of these hazards is to be assessed according to their likelihood of occurrence and possible damage. It will take into account the results of existing research that are already available in a number of sectors for a broad range of hazards.
Provision of overview and foundation
The products to be developed will illustrate the hazards relevant to the general population and its livelihood. Official agencies may use the products as foundations for their own in-depth work. Furthermore, a comprehensive account provides a better opportunity to identify correlations and dependencies.
Coping with risks better
The results of ‘Risks Switzerland’ will inform government bodies and authorities at all levels by providing an overview of the Swiss ‘risk landscape’ and improve dialog between the various authorities and actors in the field of risk and security. Exchange and mutual comprehension are intended to improve risk-oriented approaches to coping with hazards.
Concrete products
The proposal consists of three stages of work and corresponding products:
- Comprehensive, but adaptable catalog of hazards
- Standardized risk files scenarios for relevant hazards
- Assessment of hazards of national relevance as part of a national hazard analysis
Diverse audiences
‘Risks Switzerland’ is aimed both at agencies at the federal level (political administration, specialist institutes) as well as those in the cantons that deal with risk considerations and security aspects. Furthermore, the public is to be informed and sensitized.
Comparable analyses abroad
Comparable analyses are also being conducted with success in other countries. Since 2008, the UK has published the results of a national risk analysis in the so-called ‘National Risk Register’. In the Netherlands, too, work is underway on developing a national hazard analysis.
