Field Safety Plans
Man wearing a glove holding a clam near a stream.
Field Safety Quick Links
Fieldwork consists of activities authorized by the university for the purpose of study, research, or teaching undertaken by faculty, staff, and students at a location outside of the local campus or workplace. Field activities may involve isolated or remote locations where access to emergency services is delayed, or where participants may be exposed to hazards related to weather, climate, wildlife, or terrain. Fieldwork may need to be reviewed by Environmental Health & Safety for safety and health hazards which may require training and/or services.
Each department conducting field research must ensure personnel are aware of related hazards, and that safe work practices and other necessary controls are implemented to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of injury or illness.
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Field Research Safety Program
Health and Safety Review
Identifying potential health and safety risks for the research to be conducted in the field.
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Field Safety Plans
Developing a plan to address all aspects of health and safety while conducting research in remote locations to campus.
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Communications
Identifying potential communication issues and developing a plan to stay in touch while in remote locations.
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Remote Locations
Unique potential hazards and concerns while performing research in remote locations.
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- Are there additional resources for pesticide use? Yes. Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs (VTPP) provide pesticide safety information, training, and educational resources to pesticide applicators, Extension agents, and the public. In addition, the Office of Pesticide Programs under Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) provides certification and registration services.
- Are there special requirements for the use of boats in fieldwork? Yes. All relevant state and federal boating laws must be observed. Appropriate licenses and boat registrations must be obtained. Personal floatation devices are required for all persons on each boat. Virginia boating laws are available at Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
- Are there special requirements if I must carry a firearm during fieldwork? Yes. You must abide by all state and federal laws, including any training or certification requirements.
- Can friends, pets, or family members accompany me on field research work? No. Only staff, students, and approved volunteers authorized by the principal investigator may assist with fieldwork. This includes researchers or other colleagues from other institutions.
- May I work alone during field research operations? Working alone is strongly discouraged, particularly when remote or hazardous locations, high-risk activities, or other unusual conditions are involved. In situations where solitary work is deemed necessary and unavoidable, a stringent code of practice must be established to address worker competency, procedures for regular reporting, emergency procedures, and other precautions and procedures appropriate for the type of activities involved.
- What if I'm injured or become ill during fieldwork? All injuries incurred during fieldwork must be reported to Virginia Tech within 24 hours (or as soon as possible if in remote locations) via the Employer's Accident Report. Any illness or exposure that is related to fieldwork must also be reported in the same manner.
- What should I do if I feel the fieldwork is unsafe? Any individual member of a fieldwork team may refuse to participate in any activitiy which they feel may endanger their health and safety, or that of another person, at any time. The situation should be brought to the team leader's attention, and/or the prinicipal investigator. Individuals may also reach out to Environmental, Health & Safety for guidance.
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Contact Information
Robin McCall-Miller, Occupational Safety Program Manager
Phone: 540-231-2341
Email: rmmiller@vt.edu