Field Research Photo Contest
2021 3rd Place Winner of Photo Contest
Jéssica Chaves Cardoso, PhD candidate in Renewable Resources
Charles Nock Research Team
Photo Credit: Justin Tyler Gage
Now that you are back from the field, going through your terrific field photos, why not submit them? Prizes are awarded for first, second and third places as well as the chance to have your photos shared to promote the next year's Field Research Information sessions that occur in February and other HSE marketing initiatives. See the great photo depicted above, 2nd place winner for 2021. Make sure the photos depict the work you are doing!
2023 Field Research Info Sessions
First Place winner: Christopher Schulze, Graduate Student (ALES, RenR)
Photo Credit: Lauren Thompson, also shown, Erik Umbach
Research project: Drilling into the past - Establishing a biogeochemical site
development description by permafrost peat coring, CAWS research group
Start your planning early
Early preparations and planning are key to a successful field season. Plan to attend a series of online information sessions over the weeks of February 6 to the 17th. More details to follow in November.
Winter Driving
For some University of Alberta researchers, projects continue over the winter. Winter research usually involves driving and this comes with readying your research vehicle for winter.
To help researchers prepare for winter research, we asked our Fleet Safety Advisor, Kenji Kinosita for his advice on how to winterize your research vehicles. Here's what he had to say:
Check your Tires
Winter tires provide more traction when ambient temperatures fall below +8 ° C but may become less flexible below -40 °C, depending on brand specifications.
Winter Tire Thread
Winter tire treads have more sipes (squiggly lines within the tread block) to allow flexibility in cold temperatures and shed loose surface material from the tread during rotation. The wear bars are in the middle of the green and blue circles. When the tire tread has worn to the same height as the wear bar, the tire must be replaced.
Adjust your speed for the conditions. Reduced surface friction equates to longer stopping distances.
Tire Wear
Tire wear indicators/ bars are found between the tread on the crown of the tire.
As the tread wears off the wear indicators are closer to the crown. Tires must be replaced when the tread and wear indicators are equal or earlier. The tires depicted with red markings should be replaced.
Windshield Wipers
Check the rubber blade for damage. Missing bits of rubber will leave moisture on the windshield and reduce visibility.
The blade pictured is solid which prevents ice and snow build up in the hinged portions of conventional blades shown.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Ensure your washer fluid is rated for -35° C or lower. Wind chill effects may freeze “Summer” or -10° / - 20° C washer fluid.
Turn on your Headlights
If your vehicle is equipped with an “automatic” headlight feature ensure that it is properly set.
Most vehicles are manufactured with daytime running lights that do not illuminate the focused beam provided by a headlight and may not illuminate lights.
Other drivers may see your vehicle approaching but may not see you from the rear, especially in snow or blowing snow conditions.
Vehicles should be equipped with an Emergency Kit
Emergency kits are available from local and online retailers starting at $30 and up to $200.
The kit should contain:
Booster cables
Tow strap/ rope
Tire inflator (12-volt pump with gauge)
Tire repair (use only if adequately trained)
Emergency triangle(s)
Multi-tool or pliers and screwdriver
Blanket
First Aid Kit
Flash Light
Candles
Weatherproof matches
Small shovel
FIELD RESEARCH QUESTION OF THE MONTH
What should I do with my expired bear spray?
At this time of the year, many come to us and ask if we will take their expired bear spray. Expired bear spray is considered hazardous waste and therefore, it can be picked up by HSE's hazardous waste pick-up service. Please see the details on this page and register below for Chematix.
What's New at HSE
EVENTS
Building a Safety Culture Lunch & Learn Series continues October 27 (noon to 1 pm) Environmental Management (Lois Dvorsky, HSE & Darryl Sparling, VP F&O) REGISTER HERE
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT SYMPOSIUM (online and in-person sessions Nov-Dec 2022)
- Virtual sessions throughout November: Topics include workplace burnout, 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.
- In-person session Dec 1: Launch of the U of A’s Culture of Care safety initiative, a keynote address from Gord Winkel (“Enabling Safety Leadership in Everyone”), and presentation of the HSE Committee Award (don’t forget to apply!) REGISTER ASAP -- Dec 1 attendance is capped at 200 people
COURSES
Workplace violence & harassment prevention (This is a MANDATORY course for all U of A staff)
DOCUMENTS/RESOURCES
HSE Policy updated with friendly edits to reflect changes to the OHS Act & U of A reorganization:
OTHER
NEW: Safety Shout-Out program: recognizing safety leadership & best practices. Submit a Shout-Out!
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.
