How does scientific enquiry and research apply to safety scientists?
Why does safety require science? Aven (2014, p. 17) suggests science is a means to produce knowledge. In addition, there is a strong link between physical science concepts, particularly those relating to chemical energy, and biological/health science concepts (Pryor & Capra, 2012, p.2). As such, it can be seen that the production of knowledge benefits the safety profession through evidence based practice. There is a common-sense notion that the applied sciences produce information that can be disseminated to practitioners. The practitioners will therefore increase their knowledge base and, as a consequence, increase their capacity or power to handle safety challenges (Almklov, Rosness & Storkersen, 2014, p. 25). Scientific enquiry and research form part of the scientific method, where terms are objectively defined, results must be replicated or proven before acceptance and theories must be critically evaluated. The following of a scientific method allows for reasoned information to be gathered and thus, decisions and recommendations have solid foundations based in facts and data. The benefit of a scientific methodology means can be measured and documented, allowing for repeatability of the application of results to differing and varying situations with similar problems whilst ensuring the data utilises objective terms capable of universal definition.
Almklov, PG, Rosness, R & Storkersen, K 2014, 'When safety science meets the practitioners: Does safety science contribute to marginalization of practical knowledge?', Safety Science, Vol. 67, August, pp. 25-36.
Aven, T 2014, 'What is Safety Science?', Safety Science, Vol. 67, August, pp. 15-20.
Pryor, P & Capra, M 2012, 'Foundation Science', In HaSPA (Health and Safety Professionals Alliance), The Core Body of Knowledge for Generalist OHS Professionals, Safety Institute of Australia, Tullamarine VIC.
Safety Science Comparison
(Aven,T 2014, 'What is Safety Science?' Safety Science, Vol. 67, August, p. 18)
The Scientific Method
(University of New Hampshire - Library, 2014, Scientific Method, viewed November 15 2014, http://libraryguides.unh.edu/content.php?pid=350369&sid=3969939)
How are work, energy and risk related to safety science?
The notion of work can be described in a number of ways. Colloquially, work is often referred to with respect to paid employment. The jobs or tasks performed in the course of this employment are also often referred to as work. Scientifically, work can be expressed as "using a force to move an object a distance (when both the force and the motion of the object are in the same direction)." (education.jlab.org/jsat/powerpoint/work_and_simple_machines.ppt). Mathematically, work=force x distance, or W=Fd (http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/what_is_energy.htm). Energy is a measure of the capability of an object or system to do work on another system or object (http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/what_is_energy.htm). Risk is a word capable of many meanings or inferences (Cross, 2012, p.2). Again, colloquially risk is seen as an unwanted event or outcome which may or may not occur (Cross, 2012, p. 3).
The relationship of these three objects is that work involves energy, and the presence of energy also involves risk. In order for work to be performed (the movement of an object) energy must be present and where energy is present there is the potential for unwanted events or outcomes to occur. Safety science is therefore interested in understanding these concepts and determining appropriate methods or standards of control to minimise the effects or exposure to hazards arising from these factors. A further explanation can be found on the videos presented here.
Cross, J 2012, 'What is Energy?', in HaSPA (Health and Safety Professionals Alliance, The Core Body of Knowledge for Generalist OHS Professionals, Safety Institue of Australia Ltd, Tullamarine, VIC
New Mexico Solar Energy Association ND, , viewed November 15 2014, http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/what_is_energy.htmThomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility - Office of Science Education ND, Work and Simple Machines, viewed November 15, 2014, education.jlab.org/jsat/powerpoint/work_and_simple_machines.ppt
