Field work is an integral part of many research and academic programs, as well as operational units at Stanford. Due to the dynamic nature of field environments, faculty and supervisors must appropriately plan and prepare for a myriad of potential environmental, health and safety hazards and emergencies for themselves as well as the students, postdocs and staff under their supervision. Integration of field safety planning into routine instruction and training are part of meeting key objectives and regulatory requirements of the university’s Injury Illness Prevention Program.
Stanford has a wide variety of resources to help you in preparing for your field work. EH&S is available to assist in determining your field safety needs (e.g., training, planning, permits and approvals) and connecting you to the appropriate campus resources. Contact EH&S at ehs_field_safety_support@lists.stanford.edu or 650-723-0448 to schedule a consultation.
These resources are applicable to domestic field courses and research, international trips, research expeditions, and other outdoor excursions, including occupational work and student club activities in the field. Field sites include, but are not limited to, field stations, natural reserves, public lands and parks, wilderness areas, coastlines and waterways, and more controlled sites (e.g., construction areas, excavations, and mines).
FIELD SAFETY PRE-TRIP PLANNING CHECKLIST
Assess potential field hazards
Use the field hazard assessment tool to evaluate hazards inherent to your destination, any field activities, and for those joining you.
Assemble your written Field Safety Plan
Start developing a safety plan early in the field activity planning process to allow time to gather information, identify safety controls needed, and complete necessary training. Use the EH&S Field Safety Plan Template or follow the manual to create your own.
Determine what training your group needs ahead of the trip
Identify and make time for all participants to receive field-related training. Training courses for specific hazards may be required depending on the nature of your work, in addition to being trained on the trip’s field safety plan.
Contact the Field Safety Team for guidance.
Know to Report Incidents Occurring in the Field
Ensure your team is aware of Stanford’s requirements and processes for reporting incidents.
Traveler Emergency Hotline
+1 (833) 496-0303 for campus-based faculty, staff, students and postdocs wishing to contact the Global Risk team. International travelers should contact Crisis24 for emergency assistance.
For more information review campus resources & policies.
Schedule a travel medicine consultation and obtain necessary vaccinations
The Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC) provides health evaluations and advice to Stanford faculty and staff planning work-related travel. Travel medicine consultations should be scheduled at least 6-8 weeks prior to the departure date. This consultation is recommended for location-specific recommendations, vaccinations, and prescription medications. Before your travel medicine consultation:
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- Check with your healthcare provider to obtain records of your current vaccinations
- Schedule a travel medicine consultation with the SUOHC via phone (650) 725-5308 or email stanfordohc@stanford.edu
- Complete the travel questionnaire and email it to SUOHC prior to the travel medicine consultation
Students can receive care from Vaden Health Services.
Post-travel consultations are available and encouraged if you are experiencing an illness or fever within three months after returning, have had a possible exposure to a potentially serious infectious disease while traveling, or have any medical questions that arose during or upon return from travel.
