Fieldwork and Associated Travel Safety

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes that research, study, and teaching activities may occur in environments beyond the traditional university setting, both domestically and internationally. “Fieldwork” refers to such academic or research-related activities conducted at off-campus sites where standard university operating procedures may not apply.  

This policy applies to all members of the university community—faculty, staff, and students—engaged in fieldwork/off campus work. Its primary goal is to ensure that appropriate risk mitigation strategies and emergency planning are integrated into all fieldwork activities. This approach helps prevent incidents and accidents, protects participants, and upholds the university’s duty of care. 

This policy is guided by the University of Saskatchewan’s mission, vision, and values. It reflects the university’s commitment to occupational health and safety by promoting a culture of shared accountability, where all members of the USask community are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy working and learning environment. Each individual is expected to actively comply with health, safety, and environmental requirements, and to support and drive continuous improvement and proactive prevention efforts. 

This policy applies to all members of the university community—including faculty, staff, and students—who participate in or are responsible for the coordination of fieldwork. 

Key stakeholders include: 

• Deans 
• Department Heads / Unit Leaders / Division Heads 
• Principal Investigators 
• Team Leaders 
• Team Members 

This policy does not override provincial or federal obligations, or the terms of any collective agreements or other contractual obligations but is intended to complement applicable University policies and programs.  

Deans, Department Heads, and Division/Unit Leaders must ensure that appropriate fieldwork safety procedures are established, implemented, and communicated before any field activity commences. An Off Campus Activity Safety Plan with risk assessment must be completed in advance.  

Safety Resources will support policy implementation, provide guidance for developing procedures, and monitor compliance using the University's Workplace Responsibilities System. 

Deans, Department Heads, and Unit Leads are responsible for: 

• Ensuring fieldwork and travel safety procedures are developed and implemented. 
• Verifying that unit-specific procedures address foreseeable hazards. 
• Monitoring and enforcing compliance. 
• Ensuring appropriate training and communication of responsibilities. 

Safety Resources will: 

• Provide oversight of policy implementation through the University’s Workplace Responsibilities System (WRS). 
• Offer guidance in developing unit-specific fieldwork safety procedures. 
• Maintain resources and tools for continuous improvement. 

Fieldwork-Specific Responsibilities 

Principal Investigators (PIs) or Instructors must: 

• Approve the fieldwork team composition. 
• Conduct and document a risk assessment and develop an Off Campus Activity Safety Plan prior to departure. 
• Arrange safe transportation and consider the needs of team members with disabilities. 
• Determine required safety equipment and ensure team members are trained in its use. 
• Ensure participants are aware of travel requirements (e.g., visas, immunizations, insurance). 
• Identify emergency procedures and designate roles for crisis response. 
• Establish a clear leadership structure and maintain documentation for a minimum of three years, filed with the Dean or Department Head prior to travel.  

Team Leaders (which may be the PI, supervisor, instructor or a delegate) must: 

• Enforce safety procedures and ensure compliance in the field. 
• Conduct dynamic risk assessments and respond to emergent hazards. 
• Communicate regularly with the PI or unit head. 
• Report all substantive safety incidents in a timely and documented manner. 

Team Members are responsible for: 

• Understanding and complying with fieldwork/off campus safety requirements. 
• Familiarizing themselves with known risks and hazard controls. 
• Using appropriate PPE and following instructions. 
• Maintaining their own health readiness (e.g., immunizations, insurance). 
• Promptly reporting hazards or safety concerns to the Team Leader. 

• Academic and Curricular Nomenclature 
• Off Campus Activity Safety Plan 
• OCASP Location and Risk Assessment 
• OCASP Forms 
• Working Alone Policy 
• Health and Safety Policy 
• International Travel Risk Management Guidelines 

• The Saskatchewan Employment Act, 2013
  
• The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020