Setting goals for the risk reduction strategy is an important part of the decision-making process for management options/alternatives. Goals help direct subsequent steps and clearly define the intended outcomes of Risk Management. Goals can be divided into Primary Goals, Sub-Goals and Indicators.
Primary risk reduction goals need to take into account:
- uncertainty about risk estimations resulting from incomplete or unavailable scientific data;
- social, economic, legal or political considerations;
- potential impacts on international trade or tourism (e.g., safe handling and use of a specific chemical in agriculture and/or manufacturing will help avoid contamination of exports).
- facts that the risk reduction strategy will not be able to address all risks associated with the chemical at once.
SMART goals
Primary goals, sub-goals and indicators should be “SMART” –Specific; Measurable; Assignable; Realistic; Time-related.
Specific: goals, sub-goals and indicators should be clearly stated, but not so specific that the range of risk management alternatives will be limited.
Measurable: Risk Management actions must choose a goal with measurable progress, so that change can be measured.
Assignable/Attainable: the risk manager must determine ways that goals and sub-goals can be achieved.
Realistic: the risk manager actions must be attainable. For instance, skills needed are available; and the actions fit with the overall strategy and goals of the organization or country.
Timely: the Risk Manager actions must have a clear target and timeframe to work towards. The timeframe has to be measurable, attainable and realistic.
