Students – preparing for safe travel, accommodation
and health on Field Experience placements
To ensure your health and safety on placement it is important to be prepared in advance. Depending on
the nature and location of your placement, you may need to consider:
 Vaccinations to protect you from disease/s
 Access to treatment if you have a pre-existing medical condition
 Safe travel to, from and during your placement, including getting around while you’re there
 Appropriate accommodation
This checklist will help you prepare for these things
Healthy and safe actions that may be relevant to your placement
Yes / No
If no, plan for
contingencies
My Health
I am immunised against diseases in Australia and Overseas Countries if relevant
For some regions/industries in Australia I will need additional vaccinations and will refer to my
placement manuals, and my Course/ Program Field Experience Coordinator for advice at least 8
weeks prior to my placement. I may seek further advice from the Immunise Australia Program
Any medical condition/s I have will be well managed on placement
My Security and Communication
I check that my mobile has coverage on placements: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and if not I make
other communication arrangements
My mobile remains charged and I take my charger with me
My mobile contains all relevant and emergency phone numbers, e.g., local taxi, accommodation,
placement supervisor, family and friends
I have a map of the local area
I generally avoid walking alone in unpopulated or at-risk areas, especially at night
My Driving and Vehicle (particularly for longer trips, but also generally relevant)
I have a current and relevant driver’s license
My vehicle is registered, regularly serviced, well maintained and full of fuel prior to travel
I am a member of RACQ in case my vehicle breaks down
I am well rested and free from alcohol or drugs when driving
I travel in daylight, preferably during business hours
I carry several litres of drinking water, a small first aid kit and some non-perishable food (e.g.
muesli bars) with me on long driving trips
Someone (e.g. family member/friend/supervisor) knows my itinerary and is expecting my call
when I arrive at my destination at an agreed time. If I don’t call them, they will call me to confirm
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Yes / No
Healthy and safe actions that may be relevant to your placement
If no, plan for
contingencies
my safe arrival
I can access QUT’s CARRS-Q safety information about driving
Catching Public Transport
I have all relevant timetables to avoid long waits
I stay in open, populated areas in full view of others while waiting
I avoid empty train carriages
I phone rather than hail taxis, I sit in the back seat and I don’t disclose personal information
My Accommodation is:
Close to my placement
Close to places to eat (if relevant)
Secure with locks on the doors and windows, and has smoke alarms and 24 hour access
Hazards and Risks at the Placement Workplace
I have received information from QUT about the risks and controls associated with the workplace
I will receive a workplace induction when I commence my placement
I will follow workplace procedures
Reporting Accidents, Incidents and Dangerous Near Misses
I will report any accidents, incidents or dangerous near misses to my workplace and Uni supervisor
Remote and Isolated Placements
If your placement, or travel to it, is isolated from rescue, medical assistance or other emergency
services due to its location, time or the nature of work , additional risk management and
communication strategies are required. Consult with your University Supervisor for further
advice.
Links embedded in checklist
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Australian National Immunisation Program Schedule http://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/4CB920F0D49C61F1CA257B26
00828523/$File/nip-schedule-card-hib-menc-update.pdf
Vaccination Information by Country - http://www.travelclinic.com.au/vaccination-immunisation-info.asp
Immunise Australia Program - http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/
Telstra mobile coverage - http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/our-coverage/
Optus mobile coverage - https://www.optus.com.au/network/mobile/coverage
Vodafone mobile coverage - http://www.vodafone.com.au/aboutvodafone/network/checker
RACQ - http://www.racq.com.au/
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