Chapter 3.2 - Field Safety: Principles, Practice, and Culture

Abstract

Abstract Intrinsic to fieldwork in the Earth sciences are field-safety practices which aim to preserve life, health, property, and the environment. No single standard solution can address the inherent diversity of field operations, transportation, equipment, instruments, wildlife, personnel, and physical settings. However, the systematic approach of identifying risks and task hazards potentially encountered during fieldwork, as well as mitigation measures that eliminate or reduce them, can be universally applied. Critical thinking, which has no true substitute, can be supported by practices and leadership within a positive culture of safety at all levels of organizational hierarchies. Field-based scientific organizations can create practices that promote taking responsibility beyond satisfying the minimum regulated safety requirements. Processes should be tailored according to the task-hazard analysis to: achieve required qualifications in training; plan emergency-response procedures; delegate tasks; evaluate field-party competence; communicate safety issues; deploy equipment safely; report and assess deviations from safety planning; improve risk mitigation; and reassess prior risk-management decisions and assumptions for their current relevance. Under supportive leadership, these practices stimulate a positive culture of safety with built-in feedback loops; ultimately, to master problem-solving skills that increase safety performance and resilience to foreseen and unexpected risks of fieldwork.