ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews contemporary perspectives on ethics in laboratory and field testing, allied to a review of pertinent issues relating to risk management, liability and special considerations for different populations. Applying fundamental standards of ethical practice and risk management underpins all health and safety operations. Work undertaken in either a laboratory or field setting presents a number of key challenges in ensuring the health and safety of participants, testers and all who may come into the testing environment. In the UK, common law duty of care is enshrined in the Health and Safety at Work Act from 1974. Well-informed, skilled, professionals will positively influence their athletes and ensure scientifically informed testing and resulting practices are best implemented. Fitness testing should be considered an integral part of athletic training, with the modality of testing determined by a complete needs analysis. Enforcing strict standards, whilst adhering to more local guidelines, will ensure the safest possible testing environment can be afforded to all.
