Arctic Safety

The course provides an introduction to basic principles and methods for systematic prevention of various types of accidents and adverse events that can lead to losses in the Arctic. This also includes an understanding of the peculiarities of the risk picture in the Arctic with regard to climatic conditions and changes, distances, access to infrastructure and more. The course provides a background for and introduction to the practical use of safety analyzes(reporting of unwanted occurrences, accident investigation, various types of risk assessments). Emphasis is placed on the results of the analyzes being used as a support for decisions for improved safety performance, including improved emergency preparedness. Emergency preparedness and handling is a part of the course. A theoretical part of the course deals with accident theories and models as well as organizational theoretical perspectives on safety.

Knowledge: Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:

• choose and assess appropriate methods and tools for a systematic and efficient accident prevention work in an Arctic context
• choose and assess efficient preventive measures to control Arctic hazards
• explain why accidents happen by using theoretical models and perspectives
• explain the principles for experience feedback and learning from unwanted occurrences
• describe key concepts on emergency preparedness and management
• explain the purpose of preparedness, in relation to both prevention and response
• explain risk influencing factors and framework conditions for management of safety in an Arctic context

Skills: Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:

• assess risk for different tasks and systems in the Arctic
• apply methods for accident investigation at different levels
• apply methods for reporting of unwanted occurrences
• reflect critically on the special Arctic conditions and challenges
• use the concepts presented in the course to reflect on the quality and relevance of emergency preparedness and response in the Arctic

Competence Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:

• solve practical tasks in operational safety management in the Arctic.

Lectures and exercises closely related to practice. Real, practical examples and exercises are applied in the teaching. A number of exercises must be approved to be able to take the exam.