Identifying Risks

The first step in preparing for the field is to identify the main risks you could face. We have grouped the risks into broad categories and drawn out several examples for each, as shown in the table below. The aim is not to draw up an exhaustive list, but rather to provide an overview of the potential hazards that could be encountered in the field.

It's important to think about the risks you might personally face so that you can be well prepared.

Risks Associated with Transportation

The first category of risk to consider in the field is transport. This is a major cause of mortality among researchers working in northern environments and should not be overlooked in planning and preparation.

Hazards to consider include the risk of accidents, mechanical breakdowns, or dangerous terrain or weather conditions, such as rivers to be crossed or sudden fog. Even noise, such as noisy engines, can have harmful long-term effects on hearing. Lack of experience is also a major risk factor. Situations that may seem harmless can quickly become dangerous if a team member is unfamiliar with the use of certain vehicles or motorised equipment.

Some modes of transport are more risky than others. For example, aeroplanes and helicopters can be particularly dangerous when loading and unloading equipment and passengers. Boats run the risk of colliding with icebergs, falling overboard, or disembarking in unstable conditions such as rocky or slippery shores.

Risks Associated with the Research Station and Equipment

When you arrive at the study site, you'll have access to a research station and a variety of equipment. In some cases, you'll even have to build or set up your own camp. It's important to get to know your station, as each infrastructure is unique, with its own services, restrictions and challenges.

Research stations often have limited services. You won't necessarily have access to your usual comforts, and some facilities can be dangerous if misused. For example, there may be electrical hazards, fires (heating or cooking) or carbon monoxide build-up in confined spaces.The first category of risk to consider in the field is transport. This is a major cause of mortality among researchers working in northern environments and should not be overlooked in planning and preparation.

Access to basic sanitation is not guaranteed. It's important to know what facilities are available (type of toilets, washing facilities, quality of water available). These factors can have a direct impact on your physical and mental health.

There are also significant risks associated with the use of tools, particularly firearms, sharp tools and heavy or mechanical equipment. Proper training and safe handling are essential.

Waste management is a critical issue, particularly in the presence of wildlife. Waste production must be minimised and properly stored to avoid attracting animals and risks to the environment.

Finally, the use of chemicals in the field brings with it special responsibilities for the transport, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Rigorous management is essential to ensure everyone's safety.

Biological Risks

Injuries are one of the most frequent risks in the field. The transition from a sedentary lifestyle to active days outdoors, sometimes in demanding conditions, can put a strain on the body, especially if it's unprepared. In addition to musculoskeletal injuries, there are also risks of infection, disease and parasites. These risks take on an even more serious dimension in remote areas, where access to medical care is limited. A minor injury, insignificant in an urban context, can become a cause for concern when you're far from medical services.

Wildlife is also an issue to consider, especially in northern environments. It can be a source of :

• Serious, even fatal, injuries from encounters with dangerous animals (e.g. polar bears).
• Infections caused by bites, scratches or contact with carcasses.
• Transmissible diseases such as rabies.
• Parasites, for example in contaminated water, faeces or dead animals.

Finally, insects should not be underestimated. In addition to being very annoying (like black flies), they can cause allergic reactions, skin lesions or transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease in certain regions.

In a northern environment, where help can take a long time to arrive, prevention and vigilance in the face of these risks are essential.

Risks associated with environmental conditions and terrain

Environmental conditions and terrain are another major source of risk in the Arctic context. This may seem obvious, but it's important to remember that this environment can quickly become hostile.

Extreme temperatures are a good example. In cold weather, the risks of frostbite and hypothermia are very real. Conversely, warmer temperatures can also cause heatstroke, especially during sustained physical exertion.

The weather is also a major risk factor. Wind, fog and sun can have a significant impact. The latter, in particular, can not only cause sunburn, but also damage the eyes due to the strong reflection of light off the snow. What's more, a lack of visibility can increase the risk of getting lost or having an accident, especially when travelling in a vehicle. It is essential to bear in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly, often without warning, making it even more difficult to plan activities in the field.

Last but not least, the region's topography also presents its share of dangers. Avalanches, steep cliffs and river crossings come to mind. These features, combined with weather conditions, can make moving around on foot or in a vehicle a complex undertaking. That's why it's important to assess the risks associated with the terrain before setting off.

Psychosocial Risks

Finally, an often underestimated but fundamental aspect of fieldwork is mental health. This is particularly true of long-term fieldwork or fieldwork in remote regions such as the North.

Fieldwork can sometimes be an isolating experience, especially if you are working with a small team. You may not know your colleagues well at the beginning, or they may not share your lifestyle. While these differences are normal, they can sometimes lead to discomfort, especially when living and working together in a demanding environment. What's more, working in the field often means being far away from your usual points of reference, including the people who usually provide emotional support. Communication can be limited, making it all the more important to think about these issues before you leave.

For those living in a northern community, there may also be a culture shock. While this experience is often enriching, it can also be destabilising as you have to adapt, even temporarily, to a way of life that is not your own.

Finally, the effects of fatigue should not be overlooked. The pace of work in the field is often intense and it's easy to forget to take breaks. However, the accumulation of fatigue can exacerbate all the risks mentioned above, as well as having a direct impact on our psychological wellbeing, morale and even our physical health. So looking after your mental health in the field also means looking after your safety and your ability to do your job well.

Once the risks have been identified, the next step is to think about how to mitigate them.