📷Photojournalism II Unit 11 – Safety and Risk Management

Key Safety Concepts

• Situational awareness involves being constantly alert and aware of potential hazards in the environment while on assignment
• Risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks to minimize potential harm or danger
• Duty of care refers to the legal and ethical obligation of photojournalists to ensure the safety of themselves, their subjects, and the public
• Informed consent requires obtaining permission from subjects before photographing them, especially in high-risk situations
• Confidentiality is the practice of protecting sensitive information and the identity of sources when necessary for their safety
• Personal responsibility emphasizes the importance of individual judgment and decision-making in maintaining safety on the job
• Safety protocols are established procedures and guidelines designed to minimize risks and ensure a consistent approach to safety

Equipment Hazards and Precautions

• Electrical hazards can occur when using power sources or equipment in wet or damaged conditions, requiring proper grounding and maintenance
• Tripping hazards from cords, cables, and equipment bags should be minimized by keeping work areas organized and using cable management techniques
• Heavy equipment such as lighting stands or camera rigs can cause injury if not properly secured or handled with proper lifting techniques
• Battery fires can result from damaged or overheated lithium-ion batteries, requiring careful storage and handling according to manufacturer guidelines
  • Avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures or physical damage
  • Use only approved chargers and replace damaged batteries promptly
• Glass lenses can shatter if dropped or impacted, potentially causing eye injuries, so handle with care and use protective filters when possible
• Flashlights or strobes can temporarily blind or disorient subjects, so use with caution and provide warnings when necessary
• Drones can cause injury or property damage if not operated safely and in compliance with local regulations, requiring proper training and certification

On-Location Risk Assessment

• Identify potential hazards specific to the location, such as unstable structures, extreme weather, or dangerous wildlife
• Assess the likelihood and severity of each hazard to prioritize risks and develop appropriate safety measures
• Consider the physical layout and accessibility of the location, including emergency exits, evacuation routes, and areas of shelter
• Evaluate the security situation, including the presence of hostile individuals, crowds, or criminal activity
  • Determine the need for personal protective equipment or security personnel
  • Establish a communication plan with the team and emergency contacts
• Assess the cultural and political sensitivities of the location to avoid unintentional offenses or escalation of tensions
• Continuously monitor and reassess risks throughout the assignment, adapting safety plans as necessary
• Document the risk assessment process and communicate findings to all team members and relevant stakeholders

Ethical Considerations in Dangerous Situations

• Respect for human dignity requires balancing the need for impactful storytelling with the potential harm or exploitation of vulnerable subjects
• Informed consent becomes especially critical in dangerous situations where subjects may be at increased risk of harm or retaliation
• Minimizing harm to subjects, bystanders, and colleagues should be a top priority, even if it means missing a shot or altering the story
• Objectivity and accuracy are essential to avoid sensationalism or misrepresentation of dangerous events
  • Verify information from multiple sources and provide context to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or propaganda
  • Clearly distinguish between facts and opinions in reporting
• Independence from influence by governments, corporations, or other interested parties is necessary to maintain journalistic integrity
• Accountability for the consequences of reporting, both intended and unintended, requires ongoing reflection and responsiveness to feedback
• Cultural sensitivity is crucial to avoid escalating tensions or putting oneself or others at risk due to misunderstandings or offenses

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

• Right to access public spaces and events for newsgathering purposes, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions
• Right to protect confidential sources and unpublished material from legal discovery or government subpoenas, with some exceptions
• Responsibility to obey lawful orders from police or other authorities, such as dispersal orders or evacuation notices
  • Calmly assert legal rights and document any violations, but avoid escalating confrontations
  • Seek legal assistance if rights are violated or if uncertain about the lawfulness of an order
• Responsibility to obtain permission before entering private property or restricted areas, unless there is a compelling public interest
• Responsibility to respect intellectual property rights and obtain necessary licenses or permissions for use of copyrighted material
• Responsibility to comply with privacy laws and avoid intrusive or harassing behavior toward subjects
• Responsibility to avoid libel, slander, or other forms of defamation by verifying information and providing opportunity for response

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop and regularly review emergency response plans for various scenarios (medical emergencies, natural disasters, active shooters)
• Establish clear communication protocols and emergency contact information for all team members and relevant stakeholders
• Conduct regular safety briefings and training sessions to ensure all team members are familiar with emergency procedures
• Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit and ensure all team members have basic first aid and CPR training
  • Include supplies for treating common injuries (cuts, burns, sprains) as well as situation-specific items (insect repellent, sunscreen, cold weather gear)
  • Regularly check and restock supplies, and ensure all team members know the location and contents of the kit
• Identify and communicate the location of safe havens, evacuation routes, and emergency services in advance of each assignment
• Establish a check-in system to account for all team members in the event of an emergency, and have a plan for reunification if separated
• Document and report any safety incidents or near-misses to improve future preparedness and response efforts

Personal Protective Equipment for Photojournalists

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the environment and anticipated hazards (sturdy boots, long sleeves, high-visibility colors)
• Use eye and face protection, such as safety glasses or full-face shields, when working in areas with flying debris, chemicals, or other hazards
• Wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when working in loud environments (concerts, protests, industrial sites)
• Use respiratory protection, such as N95 masks or gas masks, when working in areas with airborne hazards (smoke, tear gas, infectious diseases)
  • Ensure proper fit and seal, and replace filters or cartridges as needed
  • Receive medical clearance and fit testing before using respiratory protection
• Wear protective gloves when handling hazardous materials or working in extreme temperatures
• Use fall protection, such as harnesses or lanyards, when working at heights or in unstable environments
• Regularly inspect and maintain all personal protective equipment according to manufacturer guidelines, and replace any damaged or expired items

Post-Assignment Safety Protocols

• Conduct a post-assignment debrief with all team members to discuss any safety concerns, incidents, or lessons learned
• Provide access to mental health resources and support for team members who may be experiencing trauma or stress related to the assignment
  • Encourage open communication and peer support among team members
  • Offer confidential counseling services or referrals to qualified professionals
• Properly clean and disinfect any equipment or clothing that may have been exposed to hazardous materials or environments
• Securely store or dispose of any sensitive or confidential materials gathered during the assignment, such as unpublished photos or source information
• Follow up with any subjects or sources who may be at ongoing risk of harm or retaliation to ensure their safety and well-being
• Review and update safety protocols and risk assessments based on feedback and lessons learned from the assignment
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to maintain and improve safety skills and knowledge