Welcome Back to Campus

It was a productive field season. Despite record rainfall in June and July, our researchers adapted and worked safely.

We are still receiving Field Activity Safety Plans from teams extending their season or collecting data later in the year.

Field Research in the Winter?

Many labs continue field data collection through the winter.

Before heading out:

Review your hazard assessments and make sure to identify and control all hazards arising from the change in weather, temperatures, etc.
Check out the HSE Cold Stress Program to help with hazard management
Have the Alberta Emergency Alerts app on your phone
Check out Environment Canada's Public Weather Alerts before you go
Monitor the 511 Road Reports for the duration of your winter field project
- Make sure your U of A-owned vehicle is winterized and has undergone a thorough maintenance check and needed repairs, if any. See our previous newsletter for tips on winterizing your vehicle.

Finally, prepare a Vehicle Winter Survival Kit as suggested below.

Field Research Safety Training

If you plan to work in the field this year and your activities are rated risk level 2 to 5, you must complete Field Research Safety Training, including eLearning and in-person sessions. Register using the Google form. Certificates are issued only to attendees. Training is required every three years.

Sessions will be held in 2-25 (Tamarack Room), Materials Management Building, unless noted otherwise.
Tuesday, November 3, 9 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, December 1, 9 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, January 12, 9 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, February 9, 9 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, March 9, 9 am to 12 pm

Field school instructors and staff must complete both online and in-person training. Participants must complete the online eLearning only. Field School Lead(s) will provide the safety orientation. See HSE Requirements for Field Schools and Field Trips.

Share input on Re-Certification Training

Field Research Safety Training became mandatory in April 2024 and is valid for three years. Those who completed it in 2024 will soon need re-certification.

HSE is seeking input on the re-certification program. To participate, email fieldoff@ualberta.ca. The commitment is limited to three one-hour meetings.

Online Field Activity Plan

The Field Activity Safety Plan (FASP) and Field School Safety Plan (FSSP) are moving to an online smart form in the University of Alberta Safety Hub. The current Google Doc templates will be phased out by April 2027.

Try the online FASP, H-FASP, and FSSP form below.

Try the Online Form

Cash Prizes: Lab and Field Safety Video Contest

The Alberta Education Health and Safety Association has launched the Safety First for Students Video Contest. It invites students to share clear, creative safety messages with the broader community.

The post-secondary category focuses on safety in the lab or in the field. The selected entry will receive at least $1,500 to support safer work. Enter below, and make sure to have your video ready to upload.

Enter Today!

U of A Short-Term Rentals

Book short-term rentals through Transportation Services.

Use the Transportation Service Registration System. Questions? Contact vehinfo@ualberta.ca or call 780-492-1920.

Hazard Specific Training

Wilderness First Aid Certification

For work in remote areas more than 40 minutes from EMS, we recommend Wilderness First Aid or Advanced First Aid.

We will not offer another course until the Spring of 2027. If you need training sooner, consider:

Haskin Canoe
Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine
Yamnuska

Driver Training and Authorization

HSE + customers who are authorized drivers (or plan to become an authorized driver): The Driving Safely course (formerly Defensive Driving) is now on Canvas. Authorized drivers must retake this course every three years. HSE will be phasing in this requirement over the next year.

HSE Fleet Safety Advisor Jeff Brady (825-963-0613) provides driver training, evaluations, and trailer training. Call or email Jeff to arrange training and become a U of A authorized driver.

What's New in HSE?

CULTURE OF CARE INITIATIVES

Dare to CARE: Speak up for Safety - addresses unsafe work and near-miss incidents. Order decals here.

Graduate Students Peer Support program - connects grad students with peers trained to support students’ academic, mental and physical well-being. Please help to promote the program: add this message to your faculty/portfolio newsletter or other channel of communication

DOCUMENTS/RESOURCES - review each resource for links to related forms & information

Cultural of Care Webinar Series: Navigating Challenging Interpersonal Relationships in the Workplace - slide deck/recording

SAFETY + WELLNESS RELATED EVENTS/COURSES:

Thurs/Fri, Nov 12/13 | Wellness Supports Workshops: Community Helpers (Virtual)

Tues, Nov 17 | How to Have a Supportive Conversation (Virtual)

Wed, Nov 18 | Safeguarding Research and Researchers - Physical and Research Security and Safety in the Lab

Tues, Nov 24 | Mental Health First Aid (Virtual)

Thurs, Nov 26 | Suicide Prevention Training: Question, Persuade, Refer (Virtual)

NOVEMBER is:

CPR Month: Download this CPR poster for your workplace/find the nearest AED & let others know

Fall Prevention Month: Slippery surface safety tips & “walk like a penguin” video

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Still Noteworthy

FRO Equipment Rental Program

The Field Research Office rents satellite phones, Garmin GPS with inReach capabilities, first aid kits, and AEDs at cost-recovery prices. We have a limited number of phones activated, so please give us at least 48 hours notice.

Rental prices are:

Sat Phones: $40/week plus usage fees

InReach Devices: $35/week (Unlimited data plan)

First Aid Kits: $10/week (no restocking fee)

AEDs: free

BOOK EQUIPMENT

SOUTH CAMPUS STORAGE LOT

The South Campus Storage Lot (southwest of the Saville Centre) has storage containers and cages for storing combustibles, and most field equipment is stored there.

All users of the lot must request access online.

If you visit the lot and there is evidence of a break and enter, vandalism, unusual activity or your equipment stolen, etc. please report this to UAPS. If equipment is stolen or damaged, please submit the insurance claim here.

Request Access