Guidelines for Fieldwork Safety and Health

The Guidelines for Fieldwork Safety and Health is to be read in conjunction with the 'Murdoch University Fieldwork Safety and Health Policy'

Introduction

The purpose of having a detailed Fieldwork Safety and Health Guideline is to provide Managers, Supervisors and Fieldwork Leaders and Students with a simple step by step guide on how to prepare for and be involved in safe and healthy fieldwork.

Definitions

'As far as is practicable' means all reasonable measures must be taken, bearing in mind:

• The severity of the hazard
• The likelihood of the hazard occurring
• How much is known about the hazard and how to eliminate or control it
• The availability, suitability and cost of safeguards (The cost has to do with the expense and inconvenience necessary to put the safeguards in place measured against the consequences of failing to do so. It is not a measure of whether the employer can afford to put the necessary safe guards in place.)

'Fieldwork': means, as far as is practicable, any University research or activity undertaken outside of University controlled property or grounds

'Fieldwork Leader': is the person who is responsible for coordinating or managing the Fieldwork and activities thereof.

'Hazard': in relation to a person, means anything that may result in: Injury to the person; or Harm to the health of the person

'Isolated Locations': means an area separated by time or distance from essential emergency and required services such that the location presents a significant increase in risk

'Risk':- relation to any injury or harm means the probability of that injury or harm occurring

Detailed Steps, Procedures and Actions

Fieldwork Plan and Risk Assessment

Fieldwork leaders shall complete a fieldwork plan and risk assessment as detailed in Appendix One and submit it to their supervisor/manager for approval prior to the commencement of the proposed fieldwork.

Fieldwork induction and training

Fieldwork leaders and supervisors shall ensure that all fieldwork participants are adequately qualified, trained, inducted and supervised to undertake the proposed fieldwork safely.

Communication

Fieldwork leaders are responsible for ensuring that an appropriate communication strategy is established and implemented. A schedule for regular contact with a University or other reputable contact must be recorded on the fieldwork plan together with a clear process to be adhered to if contact is not made in accordance with the plan.

Repeated Fieldwork

Approved fieldwork plans and risk assessments developed less than 12 months previous may be used for repeat fieldwork provided that: · no significant changes to the fieldwork have been made and the existing plan and assessment remain entirely applicable; and · updated itinerary details are appended and submitted for each fieldwork trip.

Fieldwork in Isolated Locations

All fieldworkers working alone or undertaking fieldwork in remote locations shall comply with the provisions of the University's policy for working alone or in isolated locations.

Using University or Private Vehicles (including boats) in Fieldwork

Individuals required to drive whilst undertaking fieldwork must comply with all the provisions of the University's procedure for the "Use of University Vehicles and Private Vehicles for Work or Study Purposes".

Individuals required to use a boat whilst undertaking fieldwork must comply with all the provisions of the University's policy for the "Use of University Boats".  Fieldworkers must also be aware and comply with the provisions of the University's Diving protocols as applicable.

Overseas Fieldwork

Personnel travelling overseas on University business shall abide by all University policies relating to University travel. In particular (but not limited to), individuals shall:

• consult the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Website www.dfat.gov.au and address all identified risks in the risk assessment process of the fieldwork plan;
• not be permitted to travel to, or through destinations where DFAT recommend against it; and
• lodge and maintain comprehensive itinerary and contact details with their Divisional Administration.

Medical Certification

All fieldworkers must ensure that they:

• receive appropriate medical advice and vaccinations, and are adequately fit to participate in the proposed fieldwork activities;
• disclose to their Fieldwork Leader or Supervisor any limitations imposed by their health that may affect their ability to participate safely in the proposed fieldwork activities; and
• in undertaking fieldwork in isolated locations or of duration in excess of 90 days, are declared by a qualified medical practitioner that they are fit to participate in the proposed fieldwork.

First Aid Provisions

Supervisors and managers shall ensure that all fieldwork has adequate first aid provisions and facilities in accordance with the University' procedure for First Aid in the Workplace.

Supervisors and managers shall ensure that a suitably qualified first aider is present in all fieldwork trips where adequate alternative first aid provisions cannot be identified.

Breaches of the Fieldwork Safety and Health Procedure

Breaches of the Fieldwork Safety and Health Procedure shall be reported to the relevant Head of School/Line Manager and Divisional Administration. Management of breaches shall be at the discretion of the relevant Head of School/Line Manager and in accordance with staff and student disciplinary procedures.

Performance Indicators

• Percentage of Heads of School/Managers that implement the Policy.
• Number of incidents and resulting system failures identified in Fieldwork activities.