Field Safety Checklist¶

Pre-Fieldwork Preparation¶

1. Training¶

• Ensure all participants complete required safety training, including field-specific hazard awareness.
• All field team members must review and abide by the Code of Conduct. Students must also abide by OSU’s Student Code of Conduct regardless of home institution.
• A pre-trip briefing covering fieldwork objectives, locations, and potential risks.

2. Permits and Permissions¶

• Obtain all necessary permits for the field site.
• Notify local authorities or landowners of your presence when required.

3. Health Considerations¶

• Verify that all participants are physically fit for fieldwork.
• Update vaccinations as needed (e.g., tetanus, rabies, or region-specific diseases).
• Collect and securely store emergency contact and medical information for all team members.

4. Equipment Checklist¶

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): sturdy boots, gloves, helmets, safety glasses.
• Navigation tools: maps, GPS devices, compasses.
• Communication devices: satellite phones, radios.
• First aid kits and emergency supplies.
• Food, water, and shelter provisions.

5. Risk Assessment¶

• Identify potential hazards (e.g., wildlife, weather, terrain).
• PI/Field Team Leader complete Field Safety Plan and share it with the team.

6. Emergency Plan¶

• Define evacuation routes and nearest medical facilities.
• Assign roles for emergencies (e.g., first responder, communicator).

Fieldwork Protocols¶

1. Team Dynamics¶

• Always work in pairs or groups; never venture alone.
• Establish check-in times to ensure regular communication.

2. Environmental Awareness¶

• Respect local wildlife; maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding animals.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact.

3. Navigation and Movement¶

• Use established trails whenever possible.
• Avoid risky shortcuts and unstable terrain.
• Mark your route clearly if venturing off-trail.

4. Weather Precautions¶

• Monitor weather forecasts regularly.
• Halt activities during extreme weather conditions (e.g., thunderstorms, heatwaves).

5. Hydration and Nutrition¶

• Drink water regularly to prevent dehydration.
• Carry high-energy snacks for sustained energy levels.

6. Incident Reporting¶

• Report any injuries, near misses, or hazards to the designated safety officer immediately.

Wildlife and Plant Safety¶

1. Wildlife Encounters¶

• Do not approach or handle wildlife.
• Carry deterrents (e.g., bear spray) if necessary and know how to use them.

2. Plant Hazards¶

• Learn to identify and avoid poisonous plants in the area.
• Wear protective clothing to prevent exposure.

3. Insect Protection¶

• Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants.
• Check for ticks regularly and know how to remove them properly.

Emergency Response¶

1. First Aid¶

• Administer basic first aid as needed.
• For serious injuries, stabilize the individual and call for emergency assistance.

2. Lost or Separated¶

• Stay calm and remain in one place to increase the chances of being found.
• Use whistles, mirrors, or other signaling devices to attract attention.

3. Evacuation¶

• Follow the emergency plan and use the established evacuation routes.
• Keep the group together during evacuation procedures.

Post-Fieldwork Procedures¶

1. Debriefing¶

• Conduct a post-trip review to discuss challenges and areas for improvement.
• Report any incidents and update the risk assessment for future trips.

2. Equipment Maintenance¶

• Clean, inspect, and store all equipment properly.

3. Health Monitoring¶

• Watch for delayed symptoms of injuries or illnesses.
• Seek medical attention if any concerns arise.

Additional Resources¶

Prior to embarking on a field expedition be sure to:

• Obtain a list of local emergency contact numbers.
• Locate nearest medical facility addresses.
• Consider field site-specific safety guides.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and enjoy your fieldwork responsibly!