Field research safety: A practical approach
Ground realities of field research
Field research is a method of observing and collecting data that directly relates to real-world conditions and experiences. The primary data collected through fieldwork serves as a foundation for formulating and testing hypotheses. Fieldwork involves investigating novel or underexplored phenomena, as well as describing or comparing the influence of variables in the real world. It can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the identification of new species, which may be possible without venturing into the wild.
Certain disciplines and research questions rely heavily on field studies, especially in observational research. For example, researchers in the natural sciences study diverse aspects of our natural environments, such as animal behavior and ecological interactions among animals and plants in their native habitats. Meanwhile, ethnographers may conduct interviews or observe people in their natural environment to gain insights into specific social constructs.
While the prospect of stepping out and embarking on adventures in the wild sounds exciting, let’s not forget that research in the field exposes scientists to various risks and negative experiences. Here, we explore the typical risks encountered in the field and the best practices for researchers and their organizations to follow to ensure safety.
Researchers must feel safe during fieldwork
Cheyenne Szydlo, a prolific field researcher, always felt “there was never any place that felt safer or happier [to me] than the outdoors.” However, she was in for a rude shock during a boat ride on the Colorado River in search for the elusive Southwestern willow flycatcher. For the trip, she was pretty much at the mercy of her boatman, who, over the course of several days, subjected her to various forms of verbal and sexual abuse and humiliation. Once ever-ready to embark on boat rides for her fieldwork, Szydlo now finds herself avoiding rivers altogether. Sexual harassment is one of the many reasons that prompt female field researchers to leave their jobs.
Other potential risks and hazards in field research can affect a researcher’s overall well-being, as well as threaten the integrity of research. Ensuring the safety of researchers during fieldwork is crucial because it allows them to focus on their work without unnecessary distractions or concerns about their well-being. A commitment to safety fosters a positive research culture, encouraging researchers to undertake fieldwork with confidence, peace of mind, and dedication.
Common risks and hazards in fieldwork
Fieldwork poses various risks and hazards, and researchers need to anticipate and manage them effectively. Understanding these risks is essential for developing comprehensive safety protocols. Broadly, the potential threats to researcher safety can be environmental, biological, and social, and these threats can even compromise the safety of the data and specimens collected.
Environmental risks: These include extreme weather phenomena, unpredictable natural calamities, and difficult terrain. These endanger researcher’s physical safety and also cause problems like disrupted communication lines and restricted access to basic resources and utilities.
Biological hazards: In the wild, there are risks of wild animal encounters, insect bites and vector-borne diseases, and contact with poisonous plants.
Social challenges: Researchers in certain remote areas might need to navigate different community perceptions and local customs owing to cultural differences. Spending extended periods in the field may even cause field researchers to experience social isolation and cabin fever. Socio-political risks in politically fragile areas pose yet another set of threats. Finally, harassment—both sexual and non-sexual—can cause severe psychological and physical trauma.
Field survival guide: Tips for researchers
If you are a field researcher or manage/collaborate with any, here are some measures to keep in mind for a safe experience in the field.
- Preparing for fieldwork:
- Before embarking on fieldwork, analyze all potential risks, evaluate their severity, and identify measures to mitigate or eliminate these risks.
- Mitigating risks and implementing safety measures
- Develop thorough awareness of the terrain, landscape, and flora and fauna of the target region. Closely follow weather forecasts and warnings.
- Procure personal protective gear, first aid supplies, communication devices, and emergency provisions.
- Earmark local sources of basic utilities and medical assistance in the target areas.
- Identify backup communication options as well.
- Understanding local cultural sensitivities and dynamics
- You should be well aware of local cultural sensitivities and subtleties so that you do not inadvertently overstep boundaries and upset the local milieu in any way.
- You should also be aware of how to manage any conflicts, crises, and security concerns. For this, be prepared to follow necessary protocols in specific threatening situations.
- Fostering team spirit
- All team members should be actively involved in the risk assessment and planning process to foster shared responsibility.
- Step-by-step emergency response procedures should be defined, and all team members must be made familiar with them to enable swift and effective actions in the face of unexpected events.
- Cultivating resilience and innovation
- When faced with challenges, you should be able to devise innovative and unique solutions to overcome logistical challenges.
- For example, use low-risk, simple ways to gather data from high-risk regions (e.g., remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles).
Safeguarding field researchers: Guidance for universities and organizations
Universities and research institutes should develop guidelines or standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fieldwork and should ensure compliance. Some points to be considered are as follows.
Risk identification
· Identifying potential risks in the fieldwork environment is the first step in ensuring researcher safety. Research institutes must conduct thorough risk assessments and understand the specific challenges associated with fieldwork.
Training and resources
· Research institutes should take responsibility for equipping researchers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to mitigate risks in the field.
· Regular training on emergency protocols, first aid, proper use of safety equipment, and safeguarding oneself from potential threats must be provided.
· Researchers must be provided with appropriate safety measures and equipment, as well as emergency communication devices.
SOPs and protocols
· Well-defined protocols for emergency situations should be in place.
· The implementation of safety protocols and proper compliance must be enforced.
Allowing open communication
· A culture of open communication should be encouraged, and clear communication channels must be created.
· Researchers should have access to the necessary tools to alert authorities in case of safety concerns and emergencies.
· Proper channels and protocols for reporting all forms of harassment must be available.
Supporting mental and emotional well-being
· Stress management tools and resources should be made available.
· Debriefing and counseling may be offered after field expeditions.
· Access must be provided to professional counseling and psychological support services for researchers experiencing emotional challenges during fieldwork.
Key takeaways
Field research is a critical means to fill gaps in existing knowledge, provide a deeper understanding of a subject, and uncover new insights. The impact of researcher safety cannot be understated as it directly affects the quality and integrity of scientific research conducted in the field. Researcher safety in fieldwork calls for proactive risk management, comprehensive safety protocols, and a supportive environment for researchers. By prioritizing researcher safety, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to ethical research practices and the physical and mental well-being of their researchers. A field researcher must feel free to enjoy their time in the field and maximize their potential without having to look over their shoulder.
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