1. OSU Argon Lab Fieldwork Safety Plan Template

Before a remote fieldwork trip, a Safety Plan needs to be created. The sections below are filled in with examples and need to be tailored for the planned fieldwork.

Checklist for Fieldwork Planning

Acknowledgement of Fieldwork Members and Leaders form (Appendix A1)

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Fieldwork members completion of D2L field safety training

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Fieldwork Description and Site Contact Information form (Appendix A2)

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Risk Assessment form (Appendix A3)

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Emergency Services Contact Procedures and Training form (Appendix A4)

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Medical plan (Appendix A5)

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Communications List (Appendix A6)

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Student completion of Release and Indemnification form (Appendix 7)

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Reviewed Guidelines for addressing identity-based harassment (6.1)

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Reviewed Guidelines for trip expectations, rest stops, and hygiene (6.2)

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Distributed itinerary to fieldwork members

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Distributed required and optional equipment list to fieldwork members

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1.1. Fieldwork Objectives

The basic goal is to collect geologic material suitable for dating using the Ar/Ar dating method. Collecting samples in the field will generally require the following equipment.

1.3. Risk Assessment

A Risk Assessment Form should be completed to identify risks associated with fieldwork activities and the environment in which they are conducted. It is important to be familiar with the inherent risks of each fieldwork location in advance. Risks may include potentially hazardous conditions associated with plants, animals, terrain, weather, and identity-based harassment.

Field trip activities could involve observations at rock outcroppings along paved roads, dirt roads, trails, and off-trail. Hazards include traffic, tripping, falling, and wildlife. Terrain could include proximity to moderate and steep drop-offs.

Risk Assesment

Risk

Preventative Measure

Hit by car on roadside

All fieldwork members shall wear reflective vests and work as far as possible form roadway. Park vehicles well away from road.

Snake bite

Wear snake guards

Theft

Keep wallet in front pocket. Do not carry expensive belongings with you. Carry shoulder bags diagonally across body.

Car Accident

Only university employees with a valid driver’s license and an approved driver request form shall be allowed to drive university vehicles. Obey all traffic laws and do not drive when tired

Falling rocks

Minimize time spent at the base of cliff sides, especially in inclement weather. All team members must wear hardhats while at cliff base.

1.4. Action Plan

  • An action plan describing how risks will be managed.

Participants will be instructed to choose routes that minimize tripping and falling hazards and to stay away from steep areas. When traveling off-trail, participants will travel as a group.

When performing field work near roads with vehicle traffic, participants will be required to wear high visibility vests.

1.4.1. Lack of cell-phone coverage

If there will be no cell phone coverage in the work area, then a satellite phone will be taken.

  • A ‘check-in/check-out’ procedure to ensure that fieldworkers are accounted for while at the remote site.

1.4.2. Emergency Response Plan

  • An emergency response plan of sufficient scope.

First Aid Kit Safety Glasses

Medical Plan

Fieldwork First Aid Area | Medical Aid Stations | Location | First Aid Certified

Ambulance Services

Hospitals Name | Address |

ehs.dev.acquia.cws.oregonstate.edu/sites/ehs.oregonstate.edu/files/doc/remotefieldworksafetyplantemplate.doc

1.5. Training

  • Identification of risk-appropriate training.