1.2 Safety and Security
Course Objectives
In this section, Project Managers will find considerations for assessing the needs for safety and security for field operations. As a project manager, you should be able to:
- Understand the topics to consider when discussing security plans
Learning Activities
Safety and Security
In accordance with the first protection principle – do no harm – organizations must prioritize safety, especially of refugee populations. In non-camp situations one of the key goals is expanding the amount of protection space available.
The idea of ‘protection space’ does not have a legal definition – it is a concept that means the extent to which a conducive environment exists for people to be respected and their needs to be met. In most situations, protection space is not static, but expands and contracts over time according to changes in the political, economic, social and security environments.
Each context is so different that it is difficult to make specific recommendations for safety. Communities and organizations conducting mapping activities should establish contingency plans to address the different types of security incidents that may occur. Team members should coordinate all responses to such incidents so as to safeguard the rights and well-being of local community members, and ensure that staff members and volunteers are not put at risk.
For operations, the key to effective safety and security management is the creation of a culture of security. Each staff member and volunteer has a responsibility for their own safety and security, and that of other team members.
For operations, the key to effective safety and security management is the creation of a culture of security. Each staff member and volunteer has a responsibility for their own safety and security, and that of other team members. To understand safety and security, please consider the following questions in Activity Sheet - Safety and Security.
| Tips: |
|---|
| Know the emergency services numbers for the local areaAlways have access to a first-aid kitTeams should have someone trained in first aidLet people decide where they work and feel most safe inAvoid performing field work aloneAlways obtain relevant permits, licenses, permissions, and visas for workDevelop a country-specific security planCreate a minor incident and suspicious activity reportEstablish a process for regular monitoring and review of hazardsIf operating outside of your home country, sign up for travel alerts from your embassy |
[Quiz] Check Your Knowledge
1. What is the best way to plan if you need to conduct a field data collection activity in a conflict area?
a. Set the working hour early and encourage to work alone and fast
b. Establish a process for regular monitoring of your team, avoid working alone, and establish a contingency plan for each scenario
c. Directly collect data to the field without prior safety and security preparation
d. Develop a global security plan
Answer: B
Activity Checklist
By the end of this section, you should be able to understand:
- Factors to consider when planning the safety and security of field operations
- Establish procedures for the safety and security of field personnel
Additional resources
