Appendix 13
FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT
The purpose of this risk assessment is to identify possible causes of harm and measures needed to avoid
these - before an accident occurs.
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. The risk is the likelihood that someone will be
harmed by the hazard and the severity of the harm caused. A high risk is one which is very likely to
occur and/or may cause death or serious injury/illness. A low risk is extremely unlikely and/or would
result in trivial or no injury/illness. A medium risk is in between these two.
By carrying out a risk assessment, you can direct attention and resources where they are most needed to
prevent injuries or ill health.
The five steps to carry out a risk assessment are :
1.
Identify the hazards - find out about the site, the work, where you will be staying, how you
will be travelling etc. Contact your School Safety Officer and/or Head of School for
documentation on Health and Safety policies.
2
Identify who might be harmed and how - think about risks to yourself and others in your
team. People with health problems, disabilities or lacking experience in fieldwork may be at
greater risk and need extra protection. Think about harmful effects of your work on the
environment and how these can be minimised.
3.
Evaluate the risks and consider how the risk of harm can be reduced - what
arrangements, equipment and training etc. will help to avoid accidents or illness?
4.
Record your findings - on the risk assessment form overleaf. This assessment should form
the basis of safe working practices and local rules. Don’t just fill in the form and forget it make sure everyone in your team knows about the risks and how to avoid them.
5.
Review and revise your assessment where necessary - you should do this when there are
significant changes in materials, equipment, work methods, location or people involved.
Assessments should also be reviewed if there are accidents, near misses or complaints
associated with the work.
**
NOTE: If the risk of biological and/or chemical hazards is high, you should carry out a
separate risk assessment and record the results on biological agents (section 12) and/or
hazardous chemicals risk assessment forms (section 11). Risk assessments are also needed for
any laboratory work using hazardous chemicals or biological agents collected on field trips.
SECTION 14
FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
14.1 Researcher Details
Name (use block capitals):
Title:
Faculty/ School/Department:
14.2 Location(s) of Work
[Please type here]
14.3 Title and Description of fieldwork
e.g. independent student project/ research
14.4 Proposed time-scale for completion of research
Dates: From:
To:
14.5 Hazards
14.5.1 Physical hazards
RISK
e.g. extreme weather; mountains and cliffs; quarries, marshes and
quicksand; freshwater or seawater
(High, medium, Low)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.5.2 Biological hazards
RISK
(High, medium, low)
E.g. Poisonous plants; aggressive animals; soil or water micro-organisms;
insects.
1
2
3
4
5
6
14.5.3 Chemical hazards
RISK
E.g. pesticides; dusts; contaminated soils; chemicals brought into site.
(High, medium, low)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.5.4 Man-made hazards
RISK
E.g. Electrical equipment; vehicles; insecure buildings; slurry pits; power
and pipelines.
(High, medium, low)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.5.5 Personal safety
RISK
e.g. lone working; attack on person or property
(High, medium, low)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.5.6 Environmental impact
RISK
e.g. Rubbish; pollution; disturbance of eco-system
(High, medium, low)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.5.7. Other Hazards (specify)
RISK
(High, medium, low)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.5.8 Steps taken to minimise risks identified above
e.g. procedures; equipment; clothing; skills training; information
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.6 Emergency procedures
e.g. first aid; survival aids; communication
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.7 Sources of information used for this assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
14.8 Have the following been arranged for?
Please answer yes, no or not applicable (NA)
1) Suitable travel arrangements and licensed drivers:
2) Adequete insurance cover:
Answer:
Answer:
3) Permission to work on site: Answer:
4) Necessary training and information received: Answer:
5) Health and next of kin information given to field trip leader: Answer
6) Provision for disabilities, health problems: Answer
14.9 Person(s) completing this assessment :
Signature: _________________________
Signature: _________________________
Print Name: ________________________
Print Name: ________________________
Title: __________________________
Title: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Date: __________________________
14.10 Approved by Safety Officer (or Head of School)
Signature: ___________________________________ Title: __________________________
Print Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________________
14.11 Approved by Head of School
Signature: ___________________________________ Title: __________________________
Print Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________________