Fieldwork is fundamental to the university's mission, but it can expose field teams to hazards that are uncommon in day-to-day work. Remote locations require additional safety planning, reliable communication, thoughtful risk management, and clear emergency procedures.
This program applies to UO employees, students, volunteers, and others participating in remote fieldwork including academic, research, and related support functions conducted outside typical office, campus, and urban environments.
For the purpose of this program, remote fieldwork generally means work conducted in a location more than approximately one hour from definitive medical treatment due to distance and accessibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and oversee activities within operational units.
- Develop and implement a Field Safety Plan prior to fieldwork.
- Seek expert advice as needed.
- Provide the emergency response plan to the unit's designated check-in monitor.
- Ensure completion of required training where applicable.
- Follow Fieldwork Safety Plan and check-in procedures.
- Inform supervisors of newly discovered or changing risks.
- Take reasonable precautions to protect their own safety and the safety of others.
- Conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner consistent with university standards of conduct.
Planning for Fieldwork
Careful planning is strongly recommended before conducting remote or higher-risk fieldwork.
Units are encouraged to complete a Field Safety Plan (or equivalent planning document) prior to departure. A Field Safety Plan typically includes:
- Risk Assessment
- Action plan describing risk management
- Check-in and check-out procedure to account for fieldworkers
- Identification of risk-appropriate training
The Field Safety Plan Template includes guidance for identifying hazards, planning communication procedures, and documenting emergency response considerations. For examples of common field hazards that may be considered during planning, see the UC Santa Barbara Field Hazards page.
Download Field Safety Plan Template
Submission of a Field Safety Plan to EHS is recommended for documentation and consultation purposes. EHS does not supervise field activities and does not approve, certify, or validate field safety plans. Responsibility for planning and conducting safe fieldwork rests with the PI, supervisor, and operational unit.
Incident Reporting
Injuries, near misses, and safety incidents that occur during fieldwork should be reported through the university's incident reporting process and to the supervisor or PI. Learn more on the Injury Reporting webpage.
Required Training
The following training is required for field personnel when applicable to their field activities:
- University of Oregon Driver Certification form and training
- Wildfire Smoke Safety training
- Heat Illness Prevention training
- Confined Space and Entrant training
Additional Training Resources
Depending on the scope and location of field activities, supervisors may consider supplemental trainings. Resources listed below include university programs and publicly available external materials. Selection of training providers and funding decisions remain the responsibility of the operational unit.
First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
Field Leadership, Culture, and Conduct
- University of California Fieldwork Toolkit Webinar Series
- University of California Safety Leadership 2025
Additional UO Courses
UO's PE and Rec department offers additional Outdoor Pursuits classes.
- PEO 412 Field Leadership
- PEO 285 Wilderness Survival
- PEO 351 Backpacking
- PEO 339 Special Studies: Avalanche Training
- PEO 315 Basics of Technical Resuce
- PEO 325 Swift Water Safety
- PEO 353 Backcountry Cuisine
Resources
- University of California, Santa Barbara website
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisories
- Center for Disease Control Traveler's Health
- UO Risk Management
- UO Environmental Health and Safety
- Safety Sheets
Questions?
For assistance with fieldwork safety planning, communications, training, or a fillable template contact Lab and Research Safety.