Field Activity Risk Assessment and Control
Earth Science Program
Faculties of Science and Social Science
Field Activity:
Trip Leader:
Site Location:
Date Prepared:
Using the categories in the form supplied, assess the risk as (H)igh, (M)edium or (L)ow. Note the risk is assessed AFTER all the controls are
applied. For example, while the risk of a pedestrian-vehicle accident may be quite high for people standing on the side of the road, the risk
may be low if you wear a reflective vest, keep to the shoulder facing oncoming traffic and have someone posted as a traffic lookout. Note that
you must identify more controls if the risk is deemed High or Medium.
a. You must list all the controls you will use to mitigate the risk.
b. Mitigation must include appropriate training. For example, working in bear country would require an orientation to dealing with bears
and how to use bear spray. You must provide all participants with the appropriate instruction or documentation and document that they
have been trained. You must also provide appropriate equipment such as first aid kits, hard hats, bear spray etc.
c. Risk Assessment is dynamic and each new risk must be assessed at the time. Begin each day in the field with an orientation session,
even if it is just to repeat what you have said previously.
Assessment of Risk
H
EASC field risk assessment form 27 Apr 07
High potential for an incident to occur. Activity should be reviewed and
additional controls implemented to reduce the potential. If the activity risk
remains high with additional controls then a review by the departments Field
Work Coordinator and the Department Head is required and activity may not
be sanctioned by the University.
M
Medium hazard potential or controls only partially mitigate the risk potential.
Additional controls should be considered. Participants should be alerted to
hazard and controls. Effective Emergency Response Plan required.
L
Low level of risk associated with identified hazard. Hazard and controls should
be reviewed with participants and the hazard monitored.
Field Activity Risk Assessment and Control
Earth Science Program
Faculties of Science and Social Science
Potential Hazard
Controls
Assessment of
Risk
H
Emergency Response
Limited/Remote Medical Services
Limited Communications
Natural Environment
Temperature Extremes (Hot/Cold)
Uneven/Slippery Walking Surfaces
Sharp Objects—rocks, coral, vegetation
Heights/Drop-offs (including high elevation)
Falling Objects/Obstructions
Tight Spaces/Narrow Openings/Overhangs
Darkness/Low Light
Strong Sunlight (including sunburn)
Foul Weather—wind, rain, snow, lightning, flash flood
Fire Hazard
Smoke/Dust/Fog
Toxic/Allergic Sources (vegetation, pollen)
Animals—insects, reptiles, mammals, other
Water/Current—streams, waves, tides, depth
Man-Made Environment
Vehicular Traffic—roads, railroads
Bridges
Fences
Utility Lines
Local Inhabitants (including hunters)
Crowds/Spectators
EASC field risk assessment form 27 Apr 07
M
L
NA
Field Activity Risk Assessment and Control
Earth Science Program
Faculties of Science and Social Science
Potential Hazard
Controls
Assessment of
Risk
H
Transportation (Auto, Boat, Air)
Vehicle Condition (safety equipment, mechanical, tires, etc.)
Driver Qualification/Experience for location activity
Route Conditions – Weather extremes
Route Conditions - rough (inc. flat tires)
Route Conditions - congestion
Route Conditions - winding, limited sight line
Pedestrians
Intersections/Railroad Crossings
Human Factors / Participant Activities
Hiking/Walking
Climbing
Lifting/Carrying
Swimming/Snorkeling/SCUBA/Boating
Digging/Trenching
Use of Tools (including chipping)
Extended Immobility (auto, boat, air)
Fatigue/Dehydration
Food Handling
Language/Culture Differences
Pre-Existing Physical/Medical Needs
Separation of Individuals from Group
Lack of Rest Stops/Facilities
Individual Behaviors/Risk Acceptance
Equipment Failure
Additional Hazards identified by team?
EASC field risk assessment form 27 Apr 07
Attach another sheet if necessary
M
L
NA