11.1 Assessing and mitigating risks in the field
6 min read•august 13, 2024
Photojournalists face numerous risks in the field, from physical dangers to emotional trauma. Assessing and mitigating these risks is crucial for staying safe while capturing important stories. Proper preparation, clear protocols, and are key.
Safety gear, emergency plans, and cultural sensitivity help journalists navigate hazardous environments. Constant vigilance, trusting instincts, and having backup options are essential. Balancing journalistic duty with personal safety requires careful judgment in unpredictable situations.
Risks and Hazards in Photojournalism
Physical and Environmental Risks
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Top images from around the web for Physical and Environmental Risks
Volcanic eruptions in Mexico and the dangers of fetishizing natural disasters in the Global South View original
Is this image relevant?
Extreme weather: Why the impact will be felt more widely | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
Is this image relevant?
Planning for climate extremes in global farming | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
Is this image relevant?
Volcanic eruptions in Mexico and the dangers of fetishizing natural disasters in the Global South View original
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Extreme weather: Why the impact will be felt more widely | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
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- Physical risks can include dangerous terrain, extreme weather conditions, or hazardous materials that may cause bodily harm to photojournalists in the field (unstable structures, toxic chemicals)
- Environmental risks involve unstable or rapidly changing situations that create unpredictable challenges
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires)
- Accidents (building collapses, explosions, transportation crashes)
- Ongoing emergencies (search and rescue operations, active shooter incidents)
Human and Emotional Risks
- Human risks encompass threats from individuals or groups who may react with hostility, aggression or violence toward journalists documenting sensitive topics or events
- Angry mobs or protesters targeting media personnel
- Organized crime or terrorist groups threatening journalists
- Military or law enforcement using force against reporters in conflict zones
- Emotional risks include exposure to traumatic scenes or disturbing subject matter that can have lasting psychological impacts on photojournalists
- Witnessing graphic violence, injury or death
- Interacting with victims of abuse, exploitation or hate crimes
- Covering mass casualty events or humanitarian crises
Legal and Health Risks
- Legal risks involve situations where journalists could face punitive actions for their reporting activities
- Arrest or detainment by authorities
- Confiscation of equipment or recorded material
- Accusations of trespassing, invasion of privacy or defamation
- Health risks include potential exposure to medical hazards present in certain environments
- Communicable diseases (COVID-19, Ebola, malaria)
- Contaminated substances (polluted water, toxic waste, radiation)
- Dangerous wildlife or insects (snakes, scorpions, disease-carrying mosquitoes)
Assessing and Mitigating Risks
Preparation and Planning
- Thorough research and preparation are essential for understanding the specific risks associated with each photojournalism assignment and location
- Studying the geography, climate and infrastructure of the area
- Investigating the political, social and cultural dynamics at play
- Identifying potentially hostile groups, common crime risks or recent unrest
- Consulting experienced colleagues, fixers and local experts can provide valuable insights into navigating challenging environments safely and effectively
- Getting advice from photographers who have worked in the region before
- Hiring knowledgeable local guides or interpreters
- Connecting with NGO workers or community leaders familiar with the situation on the ground
- Packing appropriate protective gear, first aid, communication devices and other safety equipment is crucial for mitigating physical risks in the field
- Sturdy boots, gloves, eye protection, and respirators for hazardous environments
- Satellite phones, GPS beacons, and backup power banks for remote locations
- Well-stocked medical kits, water purification tools, and emergency rations
Protocols and Permissions
- Establishing clear emergency protocols and rally points with team members allows for organized responses if dangerous situations arise
- Agreeing on evacuation signals, routes and transportation in advance
- Designating secure meeting spots if the team gets separated
- Sharing the planned itinerary and check-in times with a remote colleague
- Securing necessary press credentials, permits and permissions in advance can help prevent legal complications while working in the field
- Obtaining visas, accreditations and official press passes
- Getting consent forms signed by photo subjects when required
- Confirming access authorization to restricted sites like military bases or government buildings
- Carefully assessing the need to enter hazardous areas or get too close to volatile situations is vital for balancing journalistic imperatives with personal safety
- Evaluating if the story can be captured from a safer distance
- Considering if the potential image is worth the level of risk involved
- Weighing the journalistic duty to document against the ability to publish if injured or killed
Safety Protocols and Contingency Plans
Training and Check-Ins
- Enrolling in hostile environment training courses teaches crucial skills for operating in conflict zones or disaster areas as a photojournalist
- Learning situational awareness, emergency first aid, and self-defense techniques
- Practicing crisis communication and ethical decision-making under stress
- Understanding the psychological impacts of trauma and building resilience strategies
- Developing a clear check-in schedule with editors or support staff is essential for monitoring a journalist's status and location during high-risk assignments
- Agreeing on the frequency and method of contact before entering the field
- Providing detailed updates on whereabouts and activities at designated intervals
- Establishing a missed check-in protocol that initiates an emergency response
Emergency Communication and Extraction
- Establishing code words or phrases can discreetly signal that a journalist is facing a threatening situation and needs immediate assistance or extraction
- Using pre-arranged language to convey danger without alerting hostiles
- Having a covert distress button or app to send an SOS with GPS coordinates
- Agreeing on a social media post that will notify editors if the reporter is unable to communicate directly
- Having contingency funds, backup communication methods and emergency contacts in place allows for quick response if a crisis scenario occurs in the field
- Carrying hidden cash reserves and alternate ID documents
- Packing multiple burner phones with international SIM cards
- Providing the contact info of trusted fixers, lawyers, and medical professionals to the home office
Protective Equipment and Kidnapping Response
- Utilizing protective equipment like helmets, or gas masks may be necessary in extremely dangerous environments like war zones or civil unrest
- Wearing flak jackets or ballistic vests in areas with gunfire or shrapnel
- Donning respirators when exposed to tear gas, smoke or chemical agents
- Using flame-retardant clothing near explosive or incendiary risks
- If kidnapping or detainment risks are high, having a specific response plan that involves third-party negotiators and avoids reckless rescue attempts is critical
- Contracting with an experienced security firm for hostage negotiations
- Ensuring that editors and loved ones know not to speak to media or interfere with official channels
- Compiling proof of life questions and personal details that can aid professional mediators
Situational Awareness and Adaptability
Constant Vigilance and Instincts
- Constantly scanning and evaluating surroundings for potential hazards or changes in atmosphere is a key skill for photojournalists operating in unpredictable environments
- Identifying exits, obstacles, and areas of cover in case a rapid escape is needed
- Noting shifts in noise levels, crowd density, or emotional tenor that may signal impending danger
- Staying attuned to weather patterns, daylight, and tidal conditions in extreme outdoor settings
- Being attuned to the body language, reactions and disposition of individuals in the vicinity can provide early warning signs of developing threats or hostility
- Watching for people who seem agitated, intoxicated, or fixated on the journalist's presence
- Perceiving when subjects are getting uncomfortable with continued photography
- Noticing if local onlookers start urgently gesturing or hurrying to leave the area
- Trusting one's instincts and having the discipline to walk away from a potentially dangerous scene is sometimes necessary, even if it means missing a compelling image
- Listening to the gut feeling that something just doesn't seem right
- Erring on the side of caution when weighing risks and benefits in the moment
- Accepting that no photograph is worth serious injury or death
Cultural Sensitivity and Backup Plans
- Displaying cultural sensitivity, situational humility and a willingness to follow local guidance can build goodwill and prevent unintentional offense that may provoke backlash
- Dressing and behaving in a way that respects conservative norms and customs
- Asking for permission before taking pictures of people or private property
- Deferring to the judgment of native colleagues on how to navigate delicate situations
- Maintaining a calm and focused demeanor in high-stress situations allows photojournalists to think clearly and make prudent decisions under pressure
- Controlling breathing and heart rate with practiced techniques
- Compartmentalizing emotions to stay on task
- Avoiding impulsive reactions that could escalate tensions
- Having backup plans and the flexibility to quickly change approaches allows photojournalists to salvage assignments that may be disrupted by unexpected challenges
- Identifying alternate vantage points or secondary shot lists in case the primary plan falls through
- Packing redundant equipment in the event of malfunctions or confiscations
- Being willing to pivot to a different storyline if the intended subject becomes inaccessible
Key Terms to Review (18)
Body armor: Body armor is protective clothing designed to absorb or deflect physical impacts and protect the wearer from injury, particularly in high-risk environments. It is crucial for professionals like journalists working in conflict zones or areas with potential violence, as it serves as a vital safety measure against various threats.
Duty of care: Duty of care refers to the legal and ethical obligation that individuals, including photojournalists, have to ensure the safety and well-being of others while performing their professional duties. This concept is crucial in assessing and mitigating risks in the field, as it emphasizes the responsibility to avoid causing harm to subjects, colleagues, and the public while gathering information and capturing images.
Emergency plan: An emergency plan is a detailed strategy designed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from potential emergencies and crises. This plan outlines the steps to be taken, resources needed, and roles assigned to individuals in order to effectively manage unexpected situations that could pose risks to safety and operations.
Environmental Hazards: Environmental hazards refer to any potential threats or dangers that arise from environmental factors, which can cause harm to individuals, property, or the ecosystem. These hazards can include natural events like floods and earthquakes, as well as human-made issues such as pollution and chemical spills. Understanding these hazards is crucial for assessing risks in various environments and mitigating potential impacts.
First aid kit: A first aid kit is a collection of medical supplies and equipment that is used to provide immediate care for injuries and emergencies. These kits are essential in mitigating risks in the field, ensuring that individuals can respond effectively to medical situations until professional help arrives.
Informed Consent: Informed consent is the process by which individuals are fully educated about the nature, purpose, and potential risks of participating in a study or being photographed, enabling them to make a knowledgeable decision about their involvement. This concept is critical in ensuring ethical practices in photojournalism, where the rights and dignity of subjects are prioritized while maintaining integrity and credibility.
Insurance policy: An insurance policy is a contract between an insurer and the insured that outlines the terms under which the insurer will provide financial protection or compensation in the event of specific losses or damages. This contract is essential for managing risks, especially for those working in high-risk environments, as it helps mitigate potential financial burdens associated with accidents or unforeseen events.
Liability waiver: A liability waiver is a legal document that relieves one party from responsibility for any potential injuries or damages that may occur during an activity or event. It serves as a means of protection for individuals and organizations from lawsuits by participants, effectively transferring the risk associated with certain activities to those who choose to participate. By signing a liability waiver, participants acknowledge the risks involved and agree not to hold the organization accountable for any resulting harm.
Local liaison: A local liaison refers to an individual or representative who serves as a point of contact and communication between foreign journalists or organizations and the local community or authorities. This role is crucial for establishing trust, facilitating access to information, and ensuring the safety of journalists working in unfamiliar environments, especially in conflict zones or areas with complex political dynamics.
Mental health support: Mental health support refers to the services and resources that help individuals manage their mental well-being, including counseling, peer support, and crisis intervention. It plays a critical role in promoting emotional resilience, especially in high-stress environments where individuals are exposed to trauma or challenging situations. Effective mental health support is essential for fostering a healthy coping mechanism and preventing burnout among those who work in demanding fields.
Physical Hazards: Physical hazards refer to environmental factors that can cause harm or injury to individuals, particularly in the context of outdoor and fieldwork. These hazards can include anything from extreme weather conditions, rough terrains, and wildlife encounters to equipment malfunctions. Understanding and recognizing physical hazards is essential for ensuring safety and effective risk management when working in unpredictable environments.
Resilience training: Resilience training is a structured approach designed to help individuals develop the mental and emotional skills necessary to cope with stress, adversity, and challenging situations effectively. This type of training equips individuals with tools to recover quickly from difficulties, ensuring they maintain performance and well-being in high-pressure environments, such as those encountered in the field.
Risk Analysis: Risk analysis is the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential risks in a given environment, followed by the application of resources to minimize, control, or eliminate the impact of those risks. This concept is crucial for professionals operating in unpredictable settings, as it helps in understanding threats and developing strategies to mitigate them.
Risk perception: Risk perception is the subjective judgment that individuals make regarding the characteristics and severity of a risk. It is shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, and social influences, affecting how one assesses potential dangers in various situations, particularly in high-stakes environments like conflict zones or disaster areas.
Safety briefing: A safety briefing is a concise presentation designed to inform individuals about the potential risks and necessary precautions before undertaking a particular activity or assignment, especially in potentially hazardous environments. This process is essential for ensuring that all participants understand the dangers they may encounter, how to respond effectively, and the safety measures in place to mitigate risks.
Secure extraction plan: A secure extraction plan is a detailed strategy designed to safely remove individuals from a potentially dangerous situation or environment, ensuring their safety and security during the extraction process. This plan outlines the procedures, personnel involved, communication methods, and contingencies necessary to address various risks that may arise in the field.
Situational Awareness: Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, understand, and anticipate events and changes in the environment to make informed decisions. It involves continuously monitoring surroundings, recognizing potential threats, and responding appropriately to maintain safety and effectiveness in various scenarios.
Threat Assessment: Threat assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential risks and dangers that may affect individuals or organizations, especially in high-stress environments like conflict zones or during major events. This involves analyzing both the likelihood of these threats occurring and their potential impact, allowing for effective planning and risk mitigation strategies to be put in place.