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First Place winner of 2021 Field Research Photo Contest - Erin Cherlet, ALES
2021 Online Field Research Sessions a Success
The Field Research Information Sessions took on a new format this year. There were five online sessions occurring over a two week period (February 9-19). A total of 250 participated. Thanks to all who attended to make it a success. The feedback received is summarized below.
In addition to the wonderful praises received, there were also suggestions for improvement and we will endeavour to to incorporate these in planning for next year's sessions.
Training
Standard First Aid Training
The University's minimum first aid requirement is Standard First Aid (SFA).
If you missed out on those SFA courses organized by the Faculty of Science, Campus & Community Recreation does offer SFA training. If you are booking with an outside provider, make sure they are listed on the Alberta Government's list of approved First Aid training agencies.
Wilderness First Aid Course
A Wilderness First Aid Course, recommended control for the hazard of working remotely, has been organized for April 14-16. Spots are still available.
Chainsaw Certification
Chainsaw Operation is a high risk activity and requires certification as well as hands-on experience to become competent. We have tentatively organized a Chainsaw Certification course for May 5-7.
Free HSE eLearning CoursesSupervisors (directing work of others or controlling a worksite) must take this HSE Supervisory Personal Development course and list it in the Training Section of the Field Activity Plan (FAP) or the Human Participant Field Activity Plan (H-FAP). Do you know there are field-related HSE eLearning courses to help you mitigate your hazards? Bear Awareness and Safety Tom Hantos, Biological Sciences Safety Officer, teaches the hands-on component of the course where participants deploy bear spray (inert cans) in a safe environment. Sign up for a session in May or if you require an earlier date, please email Tom directly at hantos@ualberta.ca. |
Driver Authorization and Evaluation, and ATV TrainingPlease reach out to Kenji Kinoshita, HSE Fleet Safety Advisor, to schedule your Authorized Driver and ATV training. Trailering CourseA course to learn how to load, pull and maneuver a trailer is being held on Tuesday, May 4th this year. Pre-register here. Check out this video on |
Updates on Domestic & International Research Protocols during COVID-19
Please keep up to date by following the weekly updates provided by the Public Health Response Team (PHRT). Here’s the latest one issued March 5, 2021.
PHRT is approving off-campus/field research activities. Please see this page setting out the steps for approval. When looking at your Field Activity Plans, we will only focus on your COVID-19 hazard assessment.
For international travel (both off-campus/field research activities and business travel), please see this page that provides important information and steps for approval during COVID-19. Please see this page for further information on how to obtain necessary insurance and reduce your risks associated with international travel.
University-owned Research Vehicle Parking Fees to Increase
This is a reminder of the parking permit rate increase for University-owned research vehicles effective April 1, 2021. The rate will increase from $150.00 to $250.00 annually.
Any questions, please reach out directly to parking@ualberta.ca.
Authorized Drivers and Use of Personal Vehicles for University Business
As communicated at a few of our online Field Research Info Sessions last month, the use of personal, rental or fleet vehicles for University of Alberta business/research purposes requires the driver to be a University authorized driver.
What is involved in getting Driver Authorization?
1) contact Kenji.Kinoshita@ualberta.ca to start the process (providing abstracts, etc.).
2) Kenji will sign you up for an online free defensive driving course.
3) Kenji will conduct a quick one hour in person defensive driving evaluation.
Please see this page for specifics on the process.
If you are using your personal vehicle for University of Alberta business/research purposes, you will require at least $2,000,000 liability insurance to be carried under your personal automobile insurance. You will also need to contact your insurance agent/broker and disclose the use of your vehicle for work to avoid denial of a claim in an injury/collision situation. These details are outlined on the Office of Insurance and Risk website. Finally if using your personal vehicle, you will be asked to sign an informed consent acknowledging you understand the risks you will be taking by driving your personal vehicle.
New Policies or Procedures related to Field Research
Contract Management Procedure
approved February 5, 2021
On occasion researchers contract their research tasks out to third parties and thus they should be aware of this new procedure.
Program Management and Leadership Procedure
approved February 9, 2021
It's purpose is to direct senior administrators and other supervisors to implement environment, health, and safety program management and leadership in their respective units. Also this enables the creation and implementation of additional EHSMS tools and resources.
Upcoming
HSE is working on two eLearning courses, Fall Protection and Confined Spaces. Field researchers will be allowed to take these. More details to follow next month.
A new edition of the HSE Workplace Safety Bulletin will be released shortly. This bulletin covers hazard management, incident review, and inspection tips. Subscribe to the Workplace Safety Bulletin.
Equipment Rental and Storage
Equipment Rentals
We rent satellite phones, inReach devices, first aid kits and AEDs at cost recovery prices. Book your equipment today!
Equipment Storage
The South Campus Storage Lot (southwest of the Saville Centre) has storage containers and cages for combustibles. You must register online for access.
Still Noteworthy
Browse past newsletters here
Check out the Field Research Office web pages within HSE
Receive weather warnings, safety alerts specific to your field site -register here
If you have any questions or require our help, please email fieldoff@ualberta.ca
University of Alberta
2-60 University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 1K4
