Risk assessment

All institutions and/or visiting researchers should take an active role in analyzing and managing risk in order to prevent accidents or injuries associated with activities, to minimise any negative impact on the environment, and to ensure a safe work environment.

A thorough risk assessment could include the following steps:

• Risk identification and assessment – What can go wrong? 
• Protective measures – Minimise risk & problems 
• Accident management and rescue – Minimise damage. 

The assessment should – as a minimum – address the following topics:

• Fieldwork incl. weather conditions, clothing in the Arctic, cold related injuries, etc.
• Handling of rifles and signal guns
• Driving snowmobiles
• Driving and working on sea ice
• Driving and working on glaciers
• Snow & avalanches
• Special environmental rules and conditions in Svalbard, e.g. rabies.

Risk assessment should be addressed during the in-brief at the host institution prior to starting fieldwork.