The Field Safety Committee is going to be holding training sessions for students and researchers that will be conducting field-based research, either in a community or outdoor setting. 

Safety issues associated with Community-based Field Research will be held in a 1-day session on 24^th April.  Topics will include “why a safety plan is needed in Community-based Research” and “how to implement safety in the field”, as well as number of special topics covered in the afternoon session (see attachment).  The session will be held at UNBC and is free of charge. 

Safety issues associated with Wilderness-based Field Research will be held in a 1.5 day session, with a half day on the 24^th April and full field day on the 25^th April.  Topics include wildlife safety, working alone and communication protocols, vehicle safety and calling procedures, as well as others (see attachment).  There will be a fee of $20/participant in this session to cover the costs of supplies. 

All students and researchers who complete the training sessions will receive a certificate, and be registered with UNBC’s Risk & Safety and Research Office as having completed the sessions. 

Please see the UNBC Field Safety Website for copies of the Field Procedures and Safety Manual, the Safety Guide for Conducting Community-based Research.  The committee is also working on a short guide for developing Field Work Risk Management Plans, which will be posted on this website.

Ken Otter, Field Safety Committee Chair