Fieldwork - Keele University
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Department of Occupational Health and Safety

 

Department of Occupational Health and Safety

Fieldwork

 

(Updated June 2011)

Useful Documents

A number of Schools undertake fieldwork as part of the taught curriculum. The current University Guidance Note for Field Work Health and Safety follows below.

In addition, the Committee of Heads of University Geoscience Departments Geological Society has published a document 'Safety in Geoscience Fieldwork: Precautions, Procedures and Documentation'.

Relevant departments should ensure they adopt at least the minimum standards outlined in the University's Guidance Note but will need nevertheless to take account of advice in the UCEA document and from any other competent professional body when detailing their own specific requirements.

In addition for overseas field trips you will need to complete Finance's Risk Assessment - OS Travel form available on the Finance website.

Guidance Notes for Fieldwork Health and Safety

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1993) requires that the University should reduce the risk of injury during all its operations. The University must provide a safe place of work as far as is reasonably practical and these notes are provided to assist in ensuring that the duty of care is properly exercised. Formal risk assessment must be carried out to:

(i) identify hazards, and

(ii) assess the risk of an accident occurring.

Once this has been done steps should be taken to:

(iii) set out specific actions/procedures to be carried out in the event of an emergency and

(iv) reduce the risk of an accident occurring to the minimum level.

Student Advice

During fieldwork students are, at all times, responsible to, and must be under the supervision of, a named member of staff and the leader of the fieldwork. The leader will be responsible to ensure that appropriate safety measures (as highlighted by the risk assessment) are complied with by all members of staff and students. However, if students jeopardise their own safety then - unless under staff supervision - the leader or members of staff cannot be held responsible for that student.

Students must be made aware that they, as individuals, have a responsibility for their own safety and also for the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Failure to do so may result in a criminal prosecution (under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) and/or disciplinary measures.

Non-compliance with the instructions of the Party leader may be a breach of University Regulations.

Duties of Leaders

One overall leader must be appointed by the relevant Head of School. The leader may appoint one or more group leaders (as appropriate) to act on their behalf in the field.

Responsibility for health and safety ultimately lies with the Head of School. Individuals nominated as leaders must display the relevant attributes/experience to carry out their duties.

Individuals operating alone must first seek the guidance of their academic supervisors or more experienced staff and the Workplace Safety Adviser. A formal risk assessment must be carried out and permission obtained before work is carried out. Leaders must be responsible for:

  • adequate first aid
  • specific warning of any particular hazards
  • ensuring the party is fully provided with safety equipment and that all individuals are adequately equipped for the expected conditions, including altitude.
  • checking the local weather conditions
  • where reasonable, giving notice to a third party of :
    • a time of departure
    • a list of the persons involved
    • a proposed route
    • the destination and time of arrival and return
    • notification of safe return.
    • contingency plans in event of leader being incapacitated.

Duties of Students

Students must, at all times, behave responsibly. They must follow the instructions of the leader. Any accidents or unexpected problems that are encountered should be reported to the team leader as soon as possible. Students should stay within earshot and visibility of other members of the party at all times. Consumption of alcohol impairs judgement and must be avoided.

Students may be directed to work under the supervision of a group leader. The group leader should be given the same respect as the expedition leader. This group leader may also be the employee of another organization e.g. a quarry manager or ship's Captain.

Students are advised to report to leaders any diseases, conditions, disabilities or susceptibilities they may have, e.g. heart conditions, diabetes, (even if not under 18 there is a need to be aware of potential problems).

All workers should be aware, where appropriate, of the symptoms and treatment of diseases and conditions commonly associated with work in the field and any hazards in the local area, e.g. boggy ground.

(Approved by Council 21st February 1995)