Meeting with agents from the occupational health and safety prevention network in research in French Guiana

Strengthening occupational risk prevention in French Guiana

The meeting brought together representatives from UMR ECOFOB, IRD, LEEISA, CNRS, CIRAD and the SECU security service. Together, they discussed best practice and the tools to be put in place to consolidate risk prevention in an often demanding and isolated research environment.

One of the priorities mentioned was the creation of a map of prevention assistants and advisers. This tool will enable better coordination of actions throughout French Guiana, while facilitating exchanges between establishments.

Pooling training and resources

The staff also discussed the pooling of occupational health and safety training, with a view to harmonising practices and optimising costs. The aim is to guarantee consistent training quality, regardless of the host organisation.

The qualification of collective protection equipment was also discussed. This approach aims to standardise prevention tools while reducing expenditure, in a spirit of inter-institutional collaboration.

A common guide for travelling staff

Another major issue is the development of a common guide for staff working in several establishments, particularly doctoral students. This document will provide better information on the risks specific to field research: isolation, climatic conditions, exposure to water, insects, bites, etc.

Thanks to this initiative, staff will benefit from harmonised support, essential for anticipating the dangers associated with missions in tropical environments.A collective drive for safety

This meeting marks a new stage in the cooperation between research players in French Guyana. By joining forces, the University of Guyana and its partners are affirming their long-term commitment to health and safety in the workplace, with prevention at the heart of their priorities.