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Focusing events as catalyst : Changes in external safety policy around fireworks storage and the transport of hazardous substances by rail.
Hilhorst, Jorne Johan Harmen (2025) Focusing events as catalyst : Changes in external safety policy around fireworks storage and the transport of hazardous substances by rail.
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| Abstract: | This thesis aims to examine how differences in the development of Dutch external safety policy concerning the transport of hazardous materials by rail and the storage of consumer fireworks can be explained through focusing events, in general and in both policy domains. Using the concept of focusing events, the study analyses how major incidents, such as fireworks disasters and railway accidents, have shaped external safety policy. To achieve this, the research will employ a comparative case study approach, analysing policy developments in both sectors through document analysis. The study will address three key research questions: (1) What major events have occurred in these policy domains, and which can be classified as focusing events? (2) How has external safety legislation, particularly regarding risk management, evolved in general and specifically for hazardous materials transport and fireworks storage? (3) To what extent can differences and similarities in policy development be explained through the focusing events framework? By combining theoretical insights with empirical data, this thesis aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of crises in shaping safety regulations. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 88 social and public administration |
| Programme: | Public Administration MSc (60020) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107171 |
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