Projects of the Land Safety Forum
Introduction
The Land Safety Forum carries out a range of collaborative projects. These are run via sub-groups of interested members.Data and insights
While there is a strong commitment to research and evidence-based action, organisations are often hampered by a lack of readily available data. The Data and Insights sub-group aims to address this and improve the quality and accessibility of land safety prevention information.
The first project of the Data and Insights group was a stocktake of existing research and data sources. See a list of available research.
The sub-group currently has two projects underway:
- Two reports from the Adventure Voice research panel (operated by Mountain Safety Council) – one on outdoor recreation participation and another on skills acquisition
- Research into visitor risk perception and messaging influence – an update of previous research published in 2020
Signage
Frequently signage is viewed as the go-to solution to visitor safety risks, however there is a lack of agreed best practice in outdoor safety signage in New Zealand. Safety signage is created in many different styles, producing a lack of consistency and potentially limiting its effectiveness.
The Land Safety Forum has commissioned a literature review to identify the factors that increase the effectiveness of safety signage. The findings will be used to:
- develop best practice guidance for outdoor safety signage in New Zealand
- advise organisations wishing to address a visitor safety risk about the most effective intervention
- evaluate the appropriateness of existing signage.
Read the literature review (PDF, 1,094K).
Behaviour Change
Many recreational land-based safety incidents may be prevented if different decisions were made.
Decisions that could affect the safe outcome of an experience are often made well in advance or they can happen during the trip. Human behaviour is incredibly complex. Theories and models try to explain aspects of what shapes decisions and behaviour. This includes the ways we process information, how we make decisions and what information we consider during decision-making.
The sub-group is learning more about behavioural insights before it plans collaborative work.
A useful list of approaches and resources around Behavioural Insights can be found here: Behavioural insights | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)