Organization political interference

An issue related to both political interference and safety culture is national culture. This was discussed with respect to Chernobyl and Fukushima, but it is also relevant elsewhere. Some national cultures hold respect for authority as a very important quality, and in some cases this may contribute to difficulty in the transmission of bad news upwards within the organization - the bad news non-return valve. Where relevant, multinational organizations have to be aware of these issues. 

Related to chemical pollution - referring to all kind of contamination (mineral and organic) - there is a clear distinction between point-source pollution and diffuse pollution. It appears that it is easier to take measures for point-source pollution, for instance, the improvement of the wastewater treatment plants, even if the treatments for specific compounds (pesticides, emerging compounds, etc.) still need further research. Measures for diffuse pollution can be more complex because some of them require real political decisions, for instance to interfere on agricultural practices to reduce inorganic and organic fertilisers. 

Management supports safety efforts to the extent these efforts support those of the organization. Resources necessary to accomplish the task will be allocated on a basis relative to how well the accomplishment of the task helps the organization achieve its goals. Of course, personalities, personal ambitions, and politics can interfere in the process. It is critical for the efforts of the safety department to be tied to those of the organization. 

Just as self-determination is often equated with political self-determination, economic development is often discussed under the general headline development. The United Nations are concerned with development, though it is development aimed at states and not at peoples as self-determination demands. Economic development touches on the system as such through the participation of the state in international economic organizations and in particular the power over one s own natural resources. The free disposal over natural wealth and resources is mentioned in art. 1 (2) ICCPR. The Human Rights Committee has stated that this is a particular aspect of the economic content of the right to self-determination. Art. 2 of the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States lists the economic freedoms a state has. The article explains economic state activities however, it does not explicitly address economic development. Art. 7 places the prime responsibility for economic development on the state. Art. 1 firmly places decisions on the economic system within the state in accordance with the will of the people no interference or coercion fi om external actors may take place. 

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