Safety in the field

When in the field, researchers are responsible for their own safety (unless the host institution takes on this responsibility and accompanies the team out in the field). Host institutions have typically set up systems with a field activity book/whiteboard where researchers are asked to provide information on where they go, when they expect to be back and what kind of communications and safety equipment they are bringing. The host institution will monitor the field activity book/whiteboard, and take  action if a group is not back in Ny-Ålesund at the time given in the registration.

Risk assessment and mitigations should follow the host institution’s routines.

NySMAC working group on field safety

NySMAC has established a interest group on field safety, namely the field-safety working group (FSWG).

The FSWG works within the institutional responsibilities and regulations, NySMAC agreements, the field regulation, SIOS focus and safety training and a changing environment including increased number of polar bear sights in Ny-Ålesund and melting and moving glaciers. The FSWG focus on issues such as the field-safety information flow, including field-safety information in the institutions in-briefs, a solution for sharing field-information, etc.

Link to the Ny-Ålesund field-log

The FSWG terms of reference