Safe Field Research …advice from EHS

Field Research Safety Our discussion… 1 Planning 2 Acting 3 Reacting 4 Learning

Moral / Effective / Legal Ethical Efficient Why – Safe Research? It’s the Law It’s the Right Thing to Do for our Research It’s the Right Thing to Do for our People

A bit about the law… The Alberta OH&S Act, Regulation and Code Regulates all worksites across Alberta – there is similar language in all jurisdictions Every employer shall ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers at the work site, whether or not they are doing the work of the employer Workers must know their responsibilities as described in the act

A bit about the law… The Alberta OH&S Act, Regulation and Code Every worker shall take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of the worker and others Every worker will co-operate with the employer for the purposes of protecting the health and safety of the worker and others

Field Research Safety 1 Planning 2 Acting 3 Reacting 4 Learning Recording inputs into future plans Hazard Identification Field Research Safety Hazard Evaluation Sharing Lessons Learned 1 Planning 2 Acting 3 Reacting 4 Learning Planning for Hazard Control Evaluating Opportunities for Improvement Emergency Planning & Preparedness Reflecting on Successes & Challenges Training Implementing Remedial Hazard and Compliance Controls Competently Applying Hazard Controls & Training for Safe Research Monitoring, Supervision & Documentation Reporting to U of A and Regulators Responding to Incidents, Emergencies and Compliance Events

Hazard Identification, Evaluation & Control Most important aspect of a health and safety management system Identify hazards / evaluate risk / identify controls / ensure controls are in place Key piece to safe research and compliance to OHS Legislation Many regulatory references to hazard control Often industrial partners have resources Field Activity Plan template includes a hazard assessment

Field Activity Plans – On-Line Examples of Field Activity Plans are on the FRO website Some Departments require a copy of the plan E-Learning on Field Activity Plans will be available mid February Caution - customize for your own circumstances

Training Hazard Assessment should include training requirements for individuals in the field Where possible, evaluate the effectiveness of the training and competency of individuals Review material available through FRO and EHS Document / document / document

Continual Monitoring & Supervision Daily tailgate meetings Review daily activity (locations, nature of work, etc.) Consider any changes Weather (rain, lightning, wind, fire conditions, etc.) Individuals in the area Changes in schedule Daily / weekly / monthly equipment inspections Regular safety meetings Guard against complacency

Specific Items to Consider in the Field Working alone should be avoided if at all possible If required, high level of controls are required (two way communication equipment, frequent check-ins, action plan) Communication to and from the field Higher level of first aid may be required Consider time for external resources to arrive in the field / nature of the hazard FRO website has valuable hazard specific information Consider other researchers that are in the area Share resources Evaluate any impacts

Plans should include emergency response. Just in case… Plans should include emergency response. Decide on how to deal with the immediate incident How to provide medical attention based on type of injury Communication plan at the time of emergency Post emergency response communication Talk about the necessity of a well planned ERP – drills, etc. How if affects victim(s) and witnesses. Mention that the processes above should drastically reduce the likely of an event, it is still important to have emergency response plans

What can I do if I encounter unsafe conditions? Stop all activity if there is imminent danger Discuss conditions with supervision and decide on methods of addressing concerns Report incident or concern through the EHS website Contact the Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights

What to do in case of an incident Always deal with the incident itself first FAP should include information on how to access medical attention FAP should address emergency communication and post emergency communication Deal with people first Protect environment and infrastructure next Preserve the scene

Why do we need to report? It is the Law Severe penalties can result from lack of reporting negative perception WCB reporting protects the worker Benefits can be denied Allow the University to identify trends Effective and efficient use of resources

How do we report incidents Serious incidents verbally report immediately to EHS EHS can be contacted 24 hr / day through Protective Services 780 492-5050 Legislative reporting is complex – we will guide where needed; preference is to have EHS notify regulator All incidents must also be reported through the EHS Website WCB reporting is through Organizational Health and Effectiveness (Human Resource Services) Currently examining combined reporting

EHS Site Visits 2017 Site visits will be completed in 2017 Visits lead to improvements across all field research locations Visits mandated by BSHEC

Field Research Safety Our discussion… 1 Planning 2 Acting 3 Reacting 4 Learning

Our hope… Field Research Safety 1 Planning 2 Acting 3 Learning

Thank you for planning safe field research