Aid work has always been a hazardous profession. But now, the dangers appear to be increasing. In the course of their work, providing vital assistance to communities torn apart by conflict and civil unrest, or devastated by natural disasters, aid workers regularly face being harassed,threatened, robbed, attacked, kidnapped, or worse. Yet the dangers aid workers face are not just 'security' related threats; ill health, stress, vehicle accidents and natural hazards also present significant risks. While working in such unpredictable environments will always carry a degree of risk, many dangers facing aid workers are avoidable or, at least, can be substantially reduced. Safety First makes aid workers aware of the risks they may encounter while working in the field and what they can do to minimise them.
Safety First outlines the basic principles of security management and offers practical guidance on a range of safety and security issues: * personal security awareness * staying healthy * working in conflict environments * site safety and security * travel safety and security * field communications * natural hazards and disasters * dealing with security threats * relocating and evacuating staff * incident monitoring * information management. Safety First is an indispensible reference for even the most experienced aid workers, as well as an essential guide for those travelling or working in the field for the first time.