School of Sociology and Social Policy
Fieldwork Safety Policy and Action Plan
1. Background
1.1 This policy document concerns the safety of undergraduate and postgraduate students (on
taught programmes and research degrees), and staff in the School of Sociology and Social
Policy who undertake fieldwork in the UK or overseas.
1.2 It is recognized that researcher safety may need to be managed during fieldwork. Safety
may be understood as the attempted prevention of both physical and psychological/emotional
harm experienced during, or as a consequence of, fieldwork. The School has a particular duty of
care in relation to its students and staff.
1.3 Fieldwork is not an inherently risky activity. However, some projects may present a greater
element of risk: for example, they may be conducted in countries where personal security is
generally less assured than in the UK or may involve visits to people in their homes or to
neighbourhoods that might be considered insecure. The School must seek to identify such risks
and discuss with students/researchers how they should be managed. A record should be made
of such discussions and put on file in the School Office.
2. Policy
All students/staff undertaking fieldwork must discuss its potential risks with their supervisor or
the Principal Investigator (PI) of their project before any fieldwork is undertaken. Prior to
upgrading/reviews students should discuss the fieldwork Safety and Action Plan and sign the
annual review cover sheet to confirm that this has been done. Prior to commencing
fieldwork the attached form (Appendix I) should be completed and signed, even if your
fieldwork is considered low risk. While undertaking fieldwork the student/staff member must
maintain the agreed level of contact with the School. Students should complete the attached
form in consultation with their supervisor while staff should complete the form in consultation
with the Principal Investigator on their project.
Attached:
March 2014
Appendix 1 - Fieldwork Risk Assessment Form & Hazard check list
Appendix 1
Fieldwork Risk Assessment Form & Hazard checklist
School of Sociology and Social Policy
FIELDWORK RECORD
Name of Fieldworker:
Dates of Work Activity:
Place where work to be carried out:
Description of Work Activity:
Level of perceived risk i.e.:
Low/Medium/High
Names of Supervisors/PI:
Contact details:
Name, address, mobile and telephone
number of fieldworker while in the
field
Name, address and telephone number of next of kin
and/or emergency contacts
Arrangements agreed with supervisor/PI to mitigate risks including
details of fieldwork, itinerary, internal travel and dates and places where
visiting/staying including addresses and phone numbers and arrangements for
maintaining contact
(If necessary please used separate sheet )
Please sign below to confirm that
a) you have read and discussed with your supervisor or PI as appropriate the
attached hazard check list and have and will take all necessary action as
required
b) you have read and will comply with the University’s guidance Conducting
Research Abroad which can be found on Workspace under Risk Assessment
Signature of fieldworker
Signatures of Supervisor(s) or
PI
Date:
Hazard Checklist for conducting research off campus (Both UK & Overseas)
Hazard
Emergencies
Driving
Harm
Medical, loss of supplies, fire
damage, personal security,
environmental phenomena
(flood, fire, earthquake etc),
misadventure
Contingency plans & arrangements
Road traffic accidents
Competent driver(s), properly maintained vehicles, suitable transport, spares
/ fuel.
Transportation
/vehicles
Accommodation
(local / base / home (24 hour)
Emergency medical evacuation cover
Access to medical back-up, antidotes, emergency supplies
If driving is contemplated, the traveller should ensure that the driving license
is valid and insurance is arranged. The driver will need to become familiar
with local driving regulations. It is important to verify that the driver is
actually licensed to drive the vehicle in the country to be visited, e.g. does
the country to be visited recognize a British driving license or is an
International driving license needed?
Driving
Rail Travel
Communication with ‘help’ numbers
Individuals should refrain from driving immediately following any long haul
flight.
Off road driving,
hazardous terrain,
Remote country /
marsh / desert.
Excessive hours /
load instability
Flying
Typical Risk Controls
Deep vein thrombosis, jet lag
Avoid dehydration by drinking water and avoiding alcohol. Undertake ‘inflight’ exercise.
Accident
Responsibility of the airline. Students and staff should be aware of the need
to take all necessary safety precautions as stipulated by the airline.
Accident
Responsibility of the rail operator. Students and staff should be aware of the
need to take all necessary safety precautions as stipulated by the rail
operator.
Delays / cancellation
Check on-line or by phone with provider before travel.
Personal safety: injury, loss
In some countries, it may be preferable to stay in 4/5 star hotels. The safety
of the accommodation must be considered before departure.
School of Sociology and Social Policy March 2014
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Consult with International Office/Regional Co-ordinator/Hosts
Hazard
Harm
Natural
Environs
Dry cold, Dry hot/
desert,
Altitudes, Cold
wet
Rough/remote
Exposure / hypothermia /
sunburn /oxygen deficiency /
exhaustion / snow blindness /
frost bite etc.
Geographical weather planning / information
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Suitable clothing (hot / cold / wet)
Fieldwork clothing
High visibility vests, head wear / helmets
Head protection
Climate extremes
& Features
Avalanche, earthquake,
volcano, wind storms,
tidal/flood, monsoon/disused
mines/quarries, deep/tidal
water.
Eye / face protection
Hand, gauntlets/gloves/creams
Skin protection
Communication
loss
Reception: Loss of inward
information. Warnings,
weather / strife / social
contact.
Transmission: Loss of contact
/ message
Voice communication: Mobile phones/radio
Electricity
Compatibility of
equipment and
supply (Voltage &
Earthing)
Equipment reliability,
malfunction
Electric shock / burn
Transformers, converters, battery chargers, adapters/travelling kits.
Lone Working
Immobilising injury /
condition / Lost
Notify others where you are working. Schedules of movement & routine callins.
School of Sociology and Social Policy March 2014
Typical Risk Controls
Emergency communication: Torches / radio beacon / mirror reflectors /
distress flares / smoke markers.
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Good voice communication /survival kit / distress flares
Lone worker alarms.
Hazard
Harm
Typical Risk Controls
Biological
Breach of legislation, controls etc.
Generic precautions: Good personal hygiene, avoiding contact
with carriers / infected people / animals / contaminants.
All relevant immunisations prior to travel.
Contaminated /
undercooked food
Allergies, food poisoning, Hepatitis
Good food hygiene: Cook all foods thoroughly (especially fish /
meat). Wash & cook vegetables & fruit (areas where sanitation is
poor).
Contaminated
Water
Diarrhoea, legionella, Cholera, polio,
typhoid, leptospirosis, parasitemia
(Drinking, washing and swimming).
Avoid: Contaminated water – do not swim or wash. Be particularly
aware of still pools. If food hygiene is likely to be a problem, eat
only hot, freshly cooked food – avoid cold food, peeled fruit and ice
cream. Consideration should be given to taking water purification
tablets (be warned: effectiveness against viruses and parasites is
often not proven!) and compounds to prevent diarrhoea (essential
when actually travelling).
Fauna / reptiles /
insects / fish /
snakes / scorpions
(Wild and
domestic)
Allergies, asthma, bites, rabies, stings,
dermatitis, Lyme’s disease, malaria,
yellow fever, poisoning.
Violent contact.
Mosquito control. Protect from stings & bites (clothing, heavy tight
fitting / head & body cover / footwear / nets.) Anti malarials if risk
present. Consult with GP and allow sufficient time to take all
necessary preventative actions prior to travel.
Infections:
Needles
(contaminated)
Puncture
wounding,
Poor medical
hygiene. Sex
workers
HIV / Hepatitis, STD
Carry emergency first aid kit including needles, syringes and giving
sets if travelling to areas with limited medical facilities. All relevant
immunisations prior to travel. Consult with GP and allow sufficient
time to take all necessary preventative actions prior to travel.
School of Sociology and Social Policy March 2014
Avoid casual sex and always use condoms when having sex.
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Hazard
Harm
Typical Risk Controls
Human factors
Medical conditions / medications.
Recent injury. Pregnancy.
Advice from GP. Consult with Risk Safety & Health. Required to fill in
health declaration.
Psychological
Difficulty in adapting to new
surroundings, language and customs.
Mental compatibility with demands.
Alcohol or drug abuse.
Alcohol/drug policy.
Stress / Alienation may result from
perceived lack of support (especially
family / peers), loneliness.
Occupational health assessment.
Social
Culture (customs, dress, religion).
Preparation: Before departure, briefings on what to expect and
local custom and practice. Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office web site.
Laws / custom
Law enforcement practice, local
legislation, by-laws, procedures &
standards.
Check legal restrictions on import / export controls on substances,
including samples. Make enquiries about custom & practice.
Alcohol restriction. Punitive drugs laws.
School of Sociology and Social Policy March 2014
Make enquiries about custom & practice.
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