Safety Orientation

Supervisors must ensure that the safety orientations they provide to program participants are educational and include warnings and guidance. These sessions must be provided prior to departure (general information, i.e. to ensure proper dress) and at the field activity site (i.e. specific details) before the activity commences. The following outline below may be tailored to guide both pre-trip and site specific safety talks.

Safety Orientation Outline

  1. Introduction
    1. Introduce yourself and your assistants. Identify first aid attendant(s)
    2. Explain to participants that they share the responsibility for safety (refer to responsibilities section under University Safety Policy #7and any specific Unit responsibilities – please click here for a list of HSE policies)
  2. Trip Specifics
    1. Introduce the trip (e.g. geographical area, weather forecast)
    2. Describe inherent dangers (e.g.cold water, falling, hypothermia, wildlife, other environmental conditions)
    3. Explain proper use of equipment
    4. Demonstrate proper techniques (i.e. how to sit and paddle, operate equipment)
    5. Explain what to do in an emergency (e.g. if someone falls in the water, if someone gets lost)
    6. Indicate where the local copy of the trip plan, emergency procedures and contacts are stored so that any person may use them in case of an incident.
    7. Explain that assistance should be provided to anyone requiring it, but inform the students of the chain of command (researcher, technician, students) of incident management.
  3. Participants’ Responsibilities
    1. Explain the level of physical involvement
    2. Ask participants to identify any medical or physical conditions they have that might be affected by the trips activities.
    3. Explain that NO alcohol or non-medical drugs (drugs not required for medical purposes) are to be taken before or during the activity or brought along (refer to Unit policy if applicable).
    4. Explain the responsibility of participants to apply care and attention.
    5. Ask students to notify supervisors if they observe any problems with the equipment and to report any incidents or accidents.
  4. Closing
    1. Confirm that all participants understand and have signed the informed consent form (see Forms & Resources tab on the right side of the Homepage).
    2. Ask if there are any additional questions

Participants should be clear regarding their general responsibilities. At a minimum, these must include:

  • Taking reasonable care of their safety and the health of others
  • Reading and follow all safety and health policies and procedures
  • Reporting all known or observed hazards, incidents, and injuries
  • Asking questions if they are unsure about the proper or safe use of equipment
  • Reporting any illness or condition to their supervisor or first aid attendant that may hinder their ability to perform the tasks as required.

Ensure all participants have appropriate safety protection (i.e. weather-appropriate clothing, footwear, gloves, lifejacket, high-visibility vests, and other personal protective equipment required)

Take attendance prior to and after the field trip (or at acceptable intervals) to ensure all students and supervisors are accounted for.