Risks to researchers

Field research

The ethics review process is intended to protect participants in research. However, it is recognized that there may be risks to a researcher or research assistants while conducting a study.

Some examples where researchers may be at risk are:

  • conducting interviews in remote, high-risk locations;
  • delivering and collecting questionnaires from homes and apartments in high-risk areas; and
  • conducting interviews in clubs or in some situations conducting research in other countries.

Lab research

The Safety Office has programs/guidelines on bio-safety for labs using human blood and body fluids, hazardous waste, and radiation safety.

Researchers are to review their procedures, lab facilities, and methods of collecting data from the perspective of what could pose as possible risks to themselves and/or research assistants or any personnel working in the lab or associated with the project.