2023 Field Research Info Sessions
Join us for the Field Research Information Sessions (online) Feb 7-16, 2023
Who should attend?
This event is intended for University of Alberta academics, staff, and students who supervise or participate in research projects off-campus or in the "field".
How do I sign up?
Review the session summaries in detail on this page and select those you'd like to attend when you fill out the online form to register.
Tuesday, February 7, 2:00 - 3:30 pm - Culture of Care (Philip Stack) | Pre-planning for Field Research Activities (Dr. Erin Bayne, FRO Director, Professor, SCI)
Thursday, February 9, 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Driver Authorization and Training (Kenji Kinoshita) | Lessons Learned from the 2022 Field Season (Kim Schaerer)
Friday, February 10, 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in field research (Dr. Laura Beard, Associate Vice-President (Research), VPRI & Dr. Stephanie Green, Professor, SCI)
Tuesday, February 14, 2:00 - 3:00 pm - All your WCB questions answered (Panel Discussion)
Thursday, February 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Safety and CN Railroad Crossings (CN Safety Outreach) | Industry/Resource Road Safety (Speaker TBD)
You will receive calendar invitations based on the sessions you select. Registration will remain open until the day before each session or until each session is full.
There will be door prizes to be won at each session but the person whose name is selected must have pre-registered and must be in attendance to win.
Photo Contest closes Dec 31
Submit your photos as the Field Research Photo Contest closes December 31
WORKING IN THE COLD
2018 Photo Contest 3rd Place Winner
Taylor McLeod, ALES
Health, Safety and Environment developed the Cold Stress Program and this sets out specific hazards and mitigation strategies and can be referred to in the hazard assessment portion of your Field Activities Plan (Section 3). This Cold Stress Program is part of the overarching Thermal Stress Program.
The following resource is from CCOHS and is an excellent infographic for a quick review for employers and workers and summarizes the signs and symptoms of frostnip and frostbite. Researchers should be wearing waterproof and insulated boots as well as taking extra woolen socks if they know they will be working where prolonged wet or cold feet are a possibility.
FIELD RESEARCH QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Where can I store my field research equipment for the winter months?
If you haven't already visited our field of seacans, it is directly south of the Saville Centre as shown on the map on the left. Please check with your department administration to find out if there is available storage. There is no heated storage. The Field Research Office administers access to the storage compound. You will need the combination number for the locked entrance.
We advise researchers when visiting South Campus to access equipment or to do any research activities, you buddy up and visit during daylight hours. There have been multiple thefts at South Campus over the last few months so make sure to have locks on all of your equipment and storage units.
What's New at HSE
EVENTS
BUILDING A SAFETY CULTURE SERIES
- Lunch and Learn - Program Promotion - Learn about promoting and encouraging behavior that contributes to a healthy, safe, and environmentally responsible work and learning environment. Attend the Dec 15 session from 12 to 1 pm - register here. If you have missed any of the monthly sessions that have taken place in the past year, check out the previous sessions here.
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT SYMPOSIUM (online and in-person sessions Nov-Dec 2022)
Virtual sessions throughout November were held: Topics include bringing safety principles home, creating a psychologically safe workplace, F&O’s journey of care, safety considerations beyond the lab, preventing workplace violence & harassment, and the hazards and risks of gifts & donations. If you missed a session, presentations and recordings are available here.
COURSES
Workplace violence & harassment prevention (This is a MANDATORY course for all U of A staff)
DOCUMENTS/RESOURCES
UPDATED Clearance to work in laboratories TEMPLATE (complete this form prior to maintenance/repairs/renos in your lab)
Fatigue Management (program document, for supervisors with employees who work shift work, night-time, long hours)
Journey Management (program document, for supervisors with employees who travel long distances)
HSE Policy updated with friendly edits to reflect changes to OHS Act & U of A reorganization:
Environmental Management Assignment of Accountability & Procedure Newly published the Program Evaluation and Program Promotion Procedures on UAPPOL.
OTHER
NEW: Safety Shout-Out program: recognizing safety leadership & best practices. Submit a Shout-Out!
November is
Fall Prevention Month: Slippery surface safety tips & “walk like a penguin” video
CPR Month: Download this CPR poster for your workplace/find the nearest AED & let others know
Still Noteworthy
Browse past newsletters here
Check out the Field Research Office web pages within HSEIf you have any questions or require our advice on FAP preparations, hazard assessments, etc., please email fieldoff@ualberta.ca
The South Campus Storage Lot (southwest of the Saville Centre) has storage containers and cages for combustibles.
The access code on the entrance lock has changed and those who have registered for access have received an email notification of the new code.
We rent satellite phones, inReach devices, first aid kits, and AEDs at cost recovery prices. Rental fees for satellite phones are $31.00/week + usage fees, InReach devices are $21.00/week and first aid kits are $6.00/week, AEDs are free of charge. During the winter months, we have limited satellite phones activated so require additional notice when booking.
