Safer Science

May 23, 2021

Safer Science is a comprehensive approach to managing risks inherent in scientific research, emphasizing the principle of inherently safer design (ISD) and promoting a proactive safety culture across various fields, including biotechnology, education, and art conservation. The core tenet of Safer Science is to prioritize the reduction of hazards at the design phase, minimize the use of dangerous substances, and develop risk-aware practices that enhance safety while simultaneously reducing costs associated with later safety modifications.[

The framework of Safer Science encourages practitioners to cultivate a safety mindset through systematic risk assessment, which is guided by critical questions addressing potential hazards, risk mitigation strategies, and necessary safety protocols. This approach ensures the safety of researchers and their environments and fosters a culture of awareness and responsibility among team members and the broader community involved in scientific inquiry.[3]

Prominent challenges in implementing Safer Science practices include risk compensation, resource disparities among research institutions, and the need for a cultural shift towards prioritizing safety. These issues can complicate efforts to establish consistent safety measures and reinforce the necessity of addressing ethical considerations in research recruitment to ensure diverse and representative participation in scientific studies.[4]</a.[[5][6 ]

As scientific research continues to evolve, the principles of Safer Science are increasingly relevant, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in safety practices and the integration of advanced technologies. Future efforts will focus on developing comprehensive safety programs, managing risks associated with new research methodologies, and promoting a culture that values safety as an essential component of scientific progress, ultimately enhancing the integrity and reliability of research outcomes.[7 ][8 ][9 ]

Principles of Safer Science

Inherently Safer Design

An integral aspect of safer science is the concept of inherently safer design (ISD), which focuses on avoiding hazards rather than merely controlling them. This can be achieved by minimizing the quantity of hazardous materials used, substituting less dangerous substances for more hazardous ones, moderating the severity of potential effects, and simplifying processes to eliminate unnecessary risks[1 ]. Implementing these principles at the conceptual design stage not only enhances safety but also reduces costs associated with later modifications, underscoring the economic benefits of planning for safety from the outset[1 ].

Understanding Safer Science

“Safer science” emphasizes the importance of managing risk to acceptable levels rather than striving for absolute safety, which is unattainable in scientific inquiry. It is crucial for individuals involved in any potentially hazardous work, including art conservation, to develop a safety mindset that incorporates systematic risk assessment. This approach is guided by four critical questions designed to foster awareness and proactive engagement with safety concerns before and during any experimental activities[3 ].

What hazards are associated with this experiment?
What are the potential risks related to the materials and processes used? How can these risks be minimized or mitigated?
What safety protocols should be in place to protect both individuals and the environment?

By addressing these questions, practitioners ensure their safety and promote a culture of risk awareness that extends to their teams and communities[2 ].

Risk Assessment and Management

Effective risk management begins with a thorough risk assessment process. This involves identifying hazards related to specific materials and activities and evaluating the associated risks. The first step in risk assessment is identifying what could

go wrong by considering the materials used, procedures followed, and the work environment[10 ][11 ]. Following this, the likelihood and potential severity of adverse outcomes must be evaluated, which informs the development of a comprehensive risk mitigation plan.

Implementing risk management strategies involves changing operational procedures and possibly acquiring new safety equipment and conducting regular training sessions to ensure that all personnel are aware of best practices

in laboratory safety[11 ]. This proactive stance is essential, especially in educational contexts where the impressionable nature of young learners can influence their perceptions of safety in scientific practices[2 ].

Implementation of Safer Science

Understanding Safer Science

The concept of “safer science” emphasizes managing risks to acceptable levels rather than attempting to eliminate them. This approach is particularly relevant in various scientific and technical fields where the excitement of discovery often accompanies inherent risks. Practitioners, including researchers and educators, must adopt a mindset focused on safety through a systematic evaluation of potential hazards associated with their activities[2 ].

Critical Questions for Risk Management

Implementing safer science involves guiding scientists through four critical questions designed to cultivate a safety-oriented mindset:

What hazards are associated with this experiment? Identifying potential dangers at the outset is vital for adequate planning. For instance, experiments involving reactive chemicals necessitate specific safety protocols to prevent accidents.
What could go wrong? Anticipating possible issues allows researchers to take proactive measures. A key consideration here is the consequences of equipment failure.
How are we prepared to handle these issues? Establishing clear safety measures and emergency procedures ensures that all personnel know how to respond effectively to any arising problems.
What protective measures are necessary to minimize risks? Implementing effective safety protocols—including protective facilities, prudent practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE)—is essential for safeguarding against identified hazards[2-
][12 ].

Cultivating a Safety Mindset

The consistent application of these critical questions develops a safety mindset. By systematically gathering information about potential dangers, individuals can better manage risks, not just in laboratories but in various contexts, including fields like art conservation. For example, an art conservationist restoring a valuable painting must evaluate the hazards associated with the chemicals and delicate materials they work with[2 ][12 ].

Best Practices for Laboratory Safety

Institutions must prioritize funding for safety equipment, training, and protocols to further embed safer science into laboratory culture.

Proper Use of PPE: It is crucial to train researchers on the appropriate selection and usage of PPE. Regular inspections and updates to safety gear ensure optimal protection.

Emergency Preparedness: Clear emergency procedures should be established and communicated to all personnel. Training sessions on evacuation plans, first aid, and fire safety are vital.

Risk Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments to understand potential haz- ards in experiments and developing comprehensive risk management plans help mitigate risks before they escalate[13 ][14 ][15 ].

Case Studies

Importance of Case Studies in Health and Safety

Case studies serve as critical resources for various stakeholders, including owners, managers, health and safety professionals, and committee members, particularly within small and mid-sized organizations. They provide a basis for dialogue on im- proving health and safety records and can inspire actionable ideas for organizations looking to enhance their practices[16 ]. Moreover, these studies are valuable for Oc- cupational Health and Safety (OHS) consultants and policymakers by illustrating the necessary internal and external factors required for effective change management in workplace safety initiatives[16 ].

Examples of Laboratory Safety Case Studies

One notable case study is the “ACS Case Studies for Research Lab Safety,” a comprehensive 90-minute course designed to guide students and faculty through five real-world lab safety incident scenarios[17 ]. Such case studies emphasize the importance of understanding safety dynamics in a laboratory context and are pivotal in fostering discussions about research integrity and safety practices among peers and mentors[18 ][19 ].

Analyzing Historical Accidents

Case studies highlighting severe accidents in the chemical process industry provide essential lessons on the critical need for rigorous safety protocols. They allow organizations to reflect on past failures and the systemic changes necessary to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future[20 ].

Implementing Safer Science Practices

Proactive risk management underpins the concept of “safer science.” By employing a structured approach, researchers can effectively navigate hazards associated with their work. For instance, art conservationists are encouraged to apply critical questions related to hazard identification and risk assessment to their processes, thus aligning with safer science principles[2 ][14 ]. This reflective practice not only aids in the immediate context of laboratory work but also cultivates a broader safety mindset applicable across various disciplines.

Fostering a Safety Culture Through Case Studies

In universities, initiatives like the University of California’s Center for Laboratory Safety illustrate the necessity of incorporating safety culture into research. They engage researchers, safety professionals, and institutional leadership to prioritize safety equipment and training, informed by case studies showcasing successful safety implementations and accidents due to neglect[12 ][21 ]. Such collaborative efforts emphasize learning from both academic and industrial researchers to improve safety across the board, reinforcing the notion that safety is a collective responsibility in scientific inquiry[21 ].

Challenges and Barriers

Several challenges and barriers exist in implementing safer science practices, which can hinder the effectiveness of safety initiatives in research environments.

Perception of Safety and Risk Compensation

One significant challenge is the phenomenon known as risk compensation, where individuals may engage in riskier behavior due to an increased perception of safety. For instance, vehicle drivers may take more risks when wearing seatbelts, believing they are better protected. At the same time, construction workers might work closer to dangerous edges when secured by fall protection devices.[4 ] This unintended consequence can lead to a false sense of security, ultimately resulting in higher rates of unintentional injuries and accidents.

Resource Disparities Among Institutions

Resource disparities also hinder cultivating a safety culture in research institutions. While all organizations must meet basic safety requirements, larger institutions may have more resources to implement comprehensive safety measures than smaller ones. This discrepancy can result in inconsistent safety practices and outcomes across institutions, thereby complicating efforts to establish a uniform culture of safety.[22 ]

Ethical Concerns in Research Recruitment

Another barrier arises from ethical considerations in research recruitment. Ensuring fair compensation and avoiding coercion during participant recruitment is critical

to maintaining integrity within research practices. Inadequate compensation or undue influence can discourage participation from economically insecure populations, limiting research findings’ diversity and representativeness.[5 ]

Culture Change and Collective Consciousness

Transforming the collective consciousness regarding safety within organizations is essential yet challenging. Cultivating a safety culture extends beyond the adoption of safety practices; it requires ongoing efforts to reshape how individuals and communities perceive and engage with safety in their daily lives. Personal storytelling and critical questioning about safety measures are effective strategies for promoting this cultural shift, but they demand commitment and openness to change from all members of the organization.[2 ]

Regulatory Compliance and Bureaucratic Challenges

Lastly, compliance with regulatory frameworks poses an additional challenge.

High-containment laboratories, for instance, must adhere to multiple standards set by agencies such as the CDC and USDA. The lack of a single regulatory body overseeing these facilities can lead to confusion and inconsistent enforcement of safety measures, which may compromise overall laboratory safety.[6 ] Ensuring compliance while fostering an environment of innovation and research can be a delicate balance.

Future Directions

Integration of Technology and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The future of scientific research in chemistry is anticipated to be significantly shaped by the integration of advanced technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. As researchers embrace these trends, they are expected to enhance their capabilities and tackle some of society’s most urgent challenges, all while upholding the principles of sustainability and community engagement.[7 ] This evolving landscape will require scientists to adapt their methodologies and embrace the scientific method as a flexible framework that accommodates new approaches.

Risk Management in Research

Moving forward, A critical focus will be managing risks associated with non-federally funded research. Initiatives have been proposed to develop comprehensive strategies that govern and monitor potentially dangerous gain-of-function research. These strategies will involve establishing a robust framework for overseeing research that may have significant societal implications, ensuring safety and compliance even in non-federal settings. [8 ] Such frameworks will be vital in maintaining public trust and fostering a culture of safety within research environments.

Emphasis on Research Integrity

The promotion of research integrity will remain at the forefront of future directions in scientific research. The adherence to ethical practices and professional values is essential for fostering open and collaborative research environments. Strengthening the foundations of research integrity will facilitate domestic and global collaborations, thereby accelerating the pace of scientific discoveries and enhancing the overall credibility of research findings.[9 ][23 ] Additionally, global standards for research integrity will be crucial in ensuring consistency in ethical practices across international collaborations, allowing for effective knowledge sharing and cultural exchange.[23 ]

Cultivating a Safety Culture

The establishment of a positive safety culture within research institutions is a necessary evolution for safer science. Future efforts will focus on developing comprehensive safety programs that prioritize continuous evaluation and the proactive involvement of all team members in safety inspections and emergency preparedness.[12 ][24 ] Emphasizing safety as a core value, rather than a mere compliance measure, will help to create an environment where researchers can confidently engage in their work without compromising their safety or that of their colleagues.[12 ]

Related Concepts

Safety in Research Settings

In the field of research, particularly in biotechnology and life sciences, the concept of “safer science” emphasizes the need to manage risks associated with biological agents and hazardous materials rather than attempting to eliminate them entirely. This approach involves acknowledging the inherent dangers of scientific inquiry while fostering a safety mindset among researchers[2 ]. Institutions are encouraged to prioritize safety through funding for safety equipment and training, and by making safety an operational priority, thus reinforcing a culture that values the wellbeing of researchers and the environment[12 ].

Communication in Healthcare

Effective verbal and nonverbal communication is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure the safe exchange of information among providers. Communication complexity can lead to misunderstandings that significantly impact patient safety and care quality[25 ]. By recognizing the interconnectedness of the communication components, healthcare professionals can improve the encoding and decoding processes, thereby minimizing errors and enhancing patient outcomes[7 ].

The Science of Safety

The principles underpinning the science of safety highlight the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel safe. This foundational need is linked to enhanced health, sociality, and overall productivity[26 ]. Implementing these principles across various societal institutions, such as healthcare and education, could significantly improve the quality of human experiences by fostering feelings of safety and co-regulation among individuals[26 ].

Biosafety and Biosecurity

Biosafety and biosecurity are essential components in maintaining safe laboratory practices. Laboratories handling select agents must adhere to stringent regulations set by agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and

the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)[6 ]. Institutional biosafety committees and biological safety officers are critical in ensuring compliance with these safety standards, thereby safeguarding researchers and the public from potential hazards associated with high-containment laboratories[27 ].

Continuous Improvement in Safety Practices

Continuous improvement of safety practices is vital in research environments. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes the importance of conscientious research practices and the need for ongoing education regarding biosafety and biosecurity policies[27 ]. By promoting a culture that diligently practices laboratory safety, researchers can better navigate the challenges of scientific exploration while minimizing risks[28 ].