Scientific publisher Nature Publishing Group (NPG) has conducted an international survey of researchers' attitudes towards laboratory safety. Early results are reported in this week's issue of Nature, and the UC Center for Laboratory Safety is analysing the data further for future publication. The survey was commissioned by the University of California Center for Laboratory Safety and BioRAFT, a web-based laboratory safety and compliance management system.
The survey attracted over 2,000 anonymous responses, and is stated to be the most comprehensive international study to look at the culture of lab safety to date. The three partners are clear that the results are preliminary starting points for further study, and that many questions remain. The biggest barriers to improving safety in the lab are "time and hassle" and "apathy", according to the survey results.
The Nature news story is available at http://www.nature.com/news/safety-survey-reveals-lab-risks-1.12121. A related editorial is also in this week's issue of Nature: http://www.nature.com/news/safety-catch-1.12118
