Question

Describe the steps in the policy cycle. How do risk assessment and risk management inform the environmental health policy cycle?

Answer 1

A policy cycle determines the stages of policy making. It shows the steps involved in policy making starting from basic idea to formulation, implementation and maintainence of policy.

The steps in policy cycle are:

1. Setting of agenda: it involves the identification of problem area and subject that require policies.

2. Formulation of policy: it involves setting up of objectives, budget and costing estimation, selecting policy instruments.

3. Legitimating a policy: it involves taking consent, support and approval of various government and non government organizations.

4. Implementation: this involves implementing the policy. It makes sure that the policy is being followed.

5. Evaluation: evaluating the policy for its effect is important. It involves how the policy is working, its benefits and limitation

6. Maintainence, succession or terminating a policy

Risk assessment in environmental health sector is the assessment of environmental risks including toxins and substances that are hazardous to human health. Risk management involves managing these risks or reducing these risks to ensure a healthy environment. Based on these assessment of risks and the management actions to reduce and eliminate these risks policies are formed.