In thinking about safety plans for the NGEE Arctic
project, we have recently added what we are calling the "Officer of the
Day" concept. This requires that one person assumes the responsibility
each morning to get the team together, review any issues encountered during the
previous day, and then highlight the upcoming activities that might bring with
them new safety considerations. Most people do this informally during some part
of their day. We have simply chosen to formalize that in order to heighten the
safety message in what can be a hectic and harsh working environment.
Today, I took a turn at being the Officer of the Day and reviewed with our small team any safety issues that were revealed as we worked yesterday and need to be revisited or analyzed today. The small size of our team, just four of us, made it easy to talk through issues and identify potential hazards and safety concerns.
The main topic of discussion was that Jonathan was new to
Barrow and would be working for the first time at our field research site. He
needed to check in with UMIAQ and get a BEO permit. He also needed a briefing
on proper use of our communication radios, appropriate clothing for the
prevailing weather conditions, location of the local hospital, etc. We are developing a
field and laboratory safety manual that contains much of this information, some
of which Jonathan was already aware based on discussions prior to his trip.
Site-specific training was given by Victoria who will be working closely with
Jonathan in the coming weeks.
The safety briefing and site-specific training were
completed in a short period of time and people departed for the field. We will
do the same thing tomorrow morning as we continually reinforce safety
expectations and requirements in the NGEE Arctic project.
