Abstract
In a globalized world, industrial risks linked to the hazard potential of physic-chemical and/or biological processes and phenomena transcend borders, yet there are disparities in regulations leading to differences in risk management practices and hence protection worldwide. This article examines the factors that can explain and influence the diversity of regulations governing industrial and natural hazards in different countries. The analysis shows that differences can be explained by three main factors: (1) political systems, (2) economic priorities and (3) cultural and historical legacies. These disparities raise questions about risk management in multinational companies and international cooperation. While total harmonization seems both impossible and undesirable, the study recommends a middle way of strengthened and flexible international cooperation, respecting local specificities while promoting the sharing of expertise.
