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Introductory techniques
While it is important that risks are properly assessed before going into the field, it is also important for staff (and pupils!) to engage in dynamic risk assessment. This is where people make informed, on-the-spot decisions which address unforeseen changes or evolving risks as they develop.
To explore dynamic risk assessment, start by presenting a mock fieldwork scenario to pupils. For example, a river study or coastal investigation.
Through discussion, come up with a list of risks that you would expect to appear on a standard risk assessment, such as slippery rocks, tides, uneven ground etc.
Then ask pupils to come up with some risks that would need more dynamic risk assessment. For example, sudden changes in the weather, encounters with wildlife or members of the public, changes in accessibility e.g. a blocked path etc.
Write these scenarios onto separate cards.
Assessing risk
Take pupils to a safe outdoor area, such as the school playing field or local park. You could mock up the physical environment from the mock scenario i.e. by using a blue sheet to represent a river or tape measures to mark the edge of cliffs.
Divide pupils into small groups of three or four and assign each group a typical fieldwork task such as measuring the stream’s width or sketching a beach profile.
As the activity progresses, introduce the unexpected ‘dynamic’ hazards into the environment which pupils came up with in the introductory activity. For example, you could announce that it has ‘started to rain heavily’ or a dog is off its lead and barking at passers-by.
Each group should identify the new hazard and discuss and record who might be affected and how. They should then decide on immediate actions to reduce the risk.
Once all of the dynamic risks have been announced and discussed, pupils could discuss the following questions:
- What dynamic risks did they spot?
- How did their group respond? Did all of the groups respond in the same way?
- Would any of the responses have unintended consequences or risks?
- Why is it important to address dynamic risks as well as established ones?
The Geographical Association (GA) has worked closely with the Field Studies Council (FSC) to develop these resources.
