Field Safety Plan¶

A field safety plan serves as a tool to document your hazard assessment, communication plan, emergency procedures, and training. This plan should identify hazards, as well as precautions and actions taken to address and mitigate those hazards.

Complete the online version of the field safety plan, add NA to irrelevant sections.
Complete appropriate training for your site and operations (e.g., first aid, altitude sickness, task-specific training), and review the Code of Conduct.
Obtain immunizations for your destination, if applicable.
Hold a pre-trip meeting with your group and/or supervisor to review your field safety plan, travel logistics, pack list (including first aid kit), personal safety and security concerns, and any remaining training needs.

Field Safety Plan Outline
Location	Latitude: XX.XX (from GPS/Map)			Longitude: XX.XX (from GPS/Map)
Site Information	Elevation, terrain, environment.
Travel to Site	How will participants gt to the field site? Note any dangerous roads, conditions.
Site Access	Are there any particular restrictions or challenges to accessing the site? Note any alternate routes or suggested parking, gate access codes, etc. Make special note if isolated or remote.
Environmental Hazards	Describe any dangerous wildlife, insects, endemic diseases, poisonous plants, etc. that participants may encounter. Note intended mitigation measures; discuss prior to trip.
Security	High risk for harassment or violence? Note intended mitigation measures; discuss prior to trip. For international travel, check the U.S. State Department travel site and the OSU Office of International Affairs for current travel alerts.
LGBTQ+ legislation	Are there laws against homosexual or transgender individuals?
No Go Criteria	What are the conditions under which approach to - or activities at - the site should be stopped or canceled? e.g., heavy rains, electrical storms, snow, temperatures > 100 degrees, within 2 hours of high tide, wave heights over 1 meter, etc.
Expected Weather	Note extreme conditions that could impact the trip or require additional planning, (e.g. high heat, wind, rain, snow, approaching storm).
Drinking Water Availability	☐ Plumbed/potable water available ☐ Water cooler provided ☐ Bottled water provided ☐ Natural source and treatment methods (e.g., filtration, boiling, chemical disinfection)
High Altitude Procedures	Effective means of communication, observation, and monitoring for signs of altitude sickness are required at all times. Pre-work safety discussion required. ☐ N/A ☐ Direct supervision ☐ Buddy system ☐ Reliable cell or radio contact ☐ Other:
Emergency Services and Contact Information
Local Contact	Name, address & phone #, may be a local colleague/institution, reserve manager, USFS office, etc. Lodging location: name, address, phone #		University Contact Not on trip. Provide a copy of this plan.			Name, number, email; may be a Professor/PI, department contact, supervisor back on campus, etc. Frequency of check ins: daily, at end of work day, etc.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)	Procedures for contacting emergency medical services.
Nearest Emergency Department (ED)	Evacuation plan and transportation options to the nearest Emergency Department; include estimated transport time, contact information and driving directions from the site to the nearest provider of emergency medical care. Attach map with specific directions.
Cell Phone Coverage	Primary Number: Coverage: good, spotty, none Nearest location with coverage:	Satellite phone/device			Device carried? ☐yes ☐no Type/number:
Nearby Facilities	What facilities are available at or near the site: restrooms, water, gas, public phone, store? If not, where are the nearest services along the route?
Side Trips	Are side trips planned or allowed during free time? Before or after the planned activities? Are there restrictions, specific rules, or expected code of conduct?
Participant Information
Field Team/ Participants	Is anyone working alone? ☐ Yes ☐ No If yes, develop a communications plan with strict check-in procedures; if cell coverage is unreliable, carry a satellite communication device or personal locator beacon. Primary Field Team Leader: Name, phone number Secondary Field Team Leader: Name, phone number ☐ Field Team/Participant list is attached as training documentation ☐ Other attachment: e.g., course roster
Physical Demands	List any physical demands required for this trip and training/certification provided. e.g., diving, swimming, hiking, climbing, high altitudes, respirators, heights, confined or restricted spaces, etc.
Mental Demands	List any unique mental demands required for this trip, e.g., long travel days, high stress environments, different cultural norms, etc.
First Aid Training & Supplies	List team members trained in first aid and the type of training received. Location and description of group medical/first aid kit: Who is carrying it, where is it stored. Brief description of contents.
Medical Disclosure	Each team member must complete the Byrd Polar Disclosure and Release of Claims Form
Immunizations or Medical Evaluation	List required immunizations or required medical evaluation, if applicable. For travel-related immunizations or medical advice, contact the OSU Employee Health at 614-293-8146 several weeks prior to your trip.
Research Activities	Briefly describe the goal of your field operations, e.g., collection of samples, observation of animals/environment, interviews with human subjects, etc.
Field Transportation	What vehicles will be used during field operations? e.g., chartered boat, paddle craft, car, ATV, truck with trailer, snowmobile, chartered plane or helicopter, etc.
Research Tools	Briefly describe tools or equipment that will be used to access the research site or during research activities. Indicate specific training required before use, e.g., sharps (knives, razors, needles), hand tools, chainsaws, power tools, heavy machinery, tractors, specialty equipment, firearms; lasers, portable welding/soldering devices; other hazardous equipment or tools.
Other Research Hazards	Describe other potential research-associated hazards e.g., handling or shipping hazardous materials (chemical, biological, radiation, and explosives), handling animals, climbing, or working at heights, rigging; shoring/trenching, digging/entering excavations, caves, other confined spaces; drone use.
Personal Protective Equipment	Required—e.g., boots, safety glasses, hardhats, cold weather gear etc. Recommended – e.g., walking sticks, gloves, long pants, hats, insect repellant, sunscreen
Additional Considerations
Insurance
International Activities	Visas, permits, finances, import/export controls, transportation of specialized equipment, and data security must be considered.
Personal Safety & Security	Personal safety risks during free time should be considered and discussed in advance, e.g., alcohol or drug use, leaving the group, situational awareness, sexual harassment, or local crime/security concerns for all team members including those with minoritized identities regarding race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, religious and cultural beliefs, age, socioeconomic status, and/or any other attribute. PIs or field team leaders should review expectations and set the tone for a safe, successful trip.
Campus Contacts
OSU PD	614-292-2121
Ohio State Employee Health Services	Ohio State Employee Health Faculty/Staff: 614-293-8146 Students:
Imageomics/ABC	Diane Boghrat 614-292-1343; boghrat.1@osu.edu
International Travel Emergency Assistance	International Affairs: 614-292-6101 Ohio State 24/7 International Emergency Phone Line: 614-292-6677 GeoBlue Global Health and Safety Services: +1-610-254-8771
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