ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT FORM (STUDENT)
Discipline of Archaeology, School of Geography and Archaeology, NUI Galway.
(This form to be completed by each student carrying out independent field research. Please note: Students are not permitted to
commence fieldwork until this form is completed and signed off by the relevant Supervisor or Head of Discipline and a copy of it is
submitted to the Administrative Assistant – Room ARC217)
Fieldwork category
Student research
Date commencing:
Field-tuition
Module No./class
Date concluding:
Location(s) of fieldwork:
Address and phone no. of residential base:
Nearest A&E hospital to location(s):
Student contact E-mail:
Student contact mobile phone and/or landline:
Fieldwork approved by Supervisor/Head of Discipline?
YES
NO
N/A
Fieldwork in compliance with ‘Health and Safety’
guidelines as detailed in Student Handbooks
and School/Discipline webpage(s)?
YES
NO
N/A
School ‘Health and Safety’ induction completed?
(e.g. attendance of introductory lecture/meeting)
YES
NO
N/A
‘Health and Safety’ briefing with supervisor?
YES
NO
N/A
Confidential ‘Student/Participant Health and Safety Statement’
completed, signed by student, and submitted along
with this form to the Administrative Assistant?
YES
NO
N/A
Hazard Identification
Physical hazards
Archaeological buildings, sites and monuments:
slippery surfaces underfoot
irregular surfaces underfoot
falling masonry / structural collapse
low doorways
lack of safety barriers, ramps or handrails etc.
Environmental hazards
Adverse weather Conditions:
snow/sleet, rain, sun, wind
Challenging terrain:
irregular, boggy, slippery,
Water hazards:
seashore, rivers streams and lakes
Building site/Quarry
Likelihood
(1-4)
2
3
1
2
2
Severity
(1-4)
2
2
4
2
2
L’hood x
Severity
4
6
4
4
4
2
2
4
2
2
4
1
1
3
3
3
3
Biological hazards
Animals:
aggressive farm animals,
aggressive dogs,
aggressive wild animals
vermin & rats
Harmful insects (wasps, ticks)
Virus/Bacteria
Harmful vegetation
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
4
2
2
3
2
3
3
4
2
2
3
4
3
3
Accessibility/mechanical/electrical hazards
Walls, fences, electrical fences, hedgerows
Vehicles, farm machinery, building machinery
1
1
2
4
2
4
Existing Control
Measures
Control measure required /
Remedial measures
(see ‘safeguards and
emergency
procedures’ below)
Wear appropriate outdoor footwear preferably with ankle support.
Potentially dangerous buildings or structures are to be avoided.
Avoid taking unnecessary risks when exploring or recording sites and
monument by using the recognised walkways and access routes as
appropriate.
Hard-hats are required f reconnoitring any building or structure with
unknown hazards or risk.
(see ‘safeguards and
emergency
procedures’ below)
Dress appropriately for the time of year and be prepared for worst-case
weather conditions : Bring gloves, hat, scarf, waterproofs, boots and
change of clothes (if staying overnight) during the winter conditions:
Bring boots, waterproofs, long-sleeved shirt with collar and change of
clothes (if staying overnight) in summer conditions, in addition to
sunscreen, sunhat and insect repellent)
Wear appropriate outdoor footwear, preferably with ankle support.
Use a walking stick or ranging rod for support
Avoid wading into deep water or engaging in water-based activities
without the taking necessary safety precautions in consultation with the
supervisor.
Avoid working in the dark or twilight conditions. If returning from
fieldwork along darkened roads etc. it is advisable to bring a torch and/or
vis-vest as a precaution.
(see ‘safeguards and
emergency
procedures’ below)
Avoid crossing fields in which there may be potentially dangerous
animals or livestock. Remain vigilant at all times and keep close to a
fence or means of exit from a field. Carry a walking stick or ranging rod
as a deterrent.
Avoid areas potentially infested by rats. Wash hand during/after
fieldwork and/or bring antiseptic hand wipes on fieldwork expeditions.
Avoid disturbing bee or wasp nests. Tuck trousers into socks in long
grass to avoid ticks. If unlucky enough to be bitten, be careful to remove
ticks in the appropriate way to avoid the possibility of contracting
infectious diseases. Wear an insect repellent in summer conditions to
deter horse flies, mosquitoes, midges, etc. Be sure to cover/bandage open
cuts and wounds to avoid infection, before, during or after fieldwork.
Avoid harmful vegetation (brambles, nettles, thistles, giant hogweed,
etc.) unless the appropriate protective clothing and gloves and safety
equipment are available (see other hazards below).
Students/participants
and staff are advised
to get a tetanus
inoculation prior to
undertaking fieldwork
(see ‘safeguards and
emergency
procedures’ below)
Use recognised gates, stiles or crossing points when traversing fields
taking care to avoid unstable walls, barbed-wire or electric fences.
Be vigilant for farm machinery and vehicles when walking roads and
Silage/hay cutting or crop spraying/harvesting
in progress
1
4
4
Personal safety hazards
Lone working
Working in isolated remote locations
Harassment/aggression/interpersonal conflict
1
1
1
4
3
2
4
3
2
Other hazards
Hunting activities in the area
Shooting activities in the area
Clearing vegetation in advance of fieldwork
1
1
1
2
3
2
2
3
2
Safeguards and Emergency Procedures
country lanes. Avoid areas where machinery is cutting, harvesting or
spraying crops. If necessary, it is advised to wear a vis-vest to ensure
fieldworkers are more easily visible.
(see ‘safeguards and
emergency
procedures’ below)
Ensure to bring adequate food and water
It is advised not to work alone and to bring an assistant when working in
isolated remote areas. Fieldworkers should endeavour to make
themselves visible in the landscape (carrying a ranging rod and/or
wearing a vis-vest).
Ensure to carry a fully charged mobile phone with the necessary contact
and emergency numbers. Ensure to tell a responsible person/persons of
your whereabouts when on fieldwork, your contact details and your
estimated time of return.
Be courteous to people at all times and respectful of property. Ensure to
bring a ‘student card’ for the purposes of introductions and
identification. Avoid confrontational situations and vacate the area if
requested to do so or if there are any doubts regarding personal safety.
(see ‘safeguards and
emergency
procedures’ below)
Avoid areas where there are hunting or shooting activities occurring. If
working in the vicinity of such activities ensure fieldworkers make
themselves as visible as possible, wearing vis-vests as appropriate.
If it is necessary to clear vegetation for the purposes of fieldwork research
it is advised to wear the appropriate protective clothing and safety items
(gloves, goggles, boots, as necessary). Be aware and avoid contact with
potentially harmful vegetation, insects, etc.
Before engaging with fieldwork and related research activities I have been:

appraised of ‘health & safety’ and ‘risk assessment’ concerns as part of an introductory lecture and/or consultation with their supervisor.

directed to and have read the ‘health & safety’ documentation on the School/Discipline website.

Completed the appropriate ‘fieldwork risk assessment’ and ‘health and safety statement’ forms (available on the School/Discipline websites) ,
approved and signed by Supervisor/Head of Discipline, and submitted these to the Administrative Assistant prior to commencing fieldwork .

acquired the necessary ‘health and safety’ items required for this programme of fieldwork (e.g. first aid kit, safety gloves, vis-vest, hard hat,
goggles, field equipment, etc.) some of which may be made available/borrowed with prior notice from the School/Discipline.
Assessor (student):
Student No.:
Signature:
Date:
Signature of Supervisor/Head of Discipline:
Date: