SSSP Fieldwork Safety Policy__Action Plan October 2014

School of Sociology and Social Policy Fieldwork Safety Policy and Action Plan

1. Background

1.1 This policy document concerns the safety of undergraduate and postgraduate students (on taught programmes and research degrees), and staff in the School of Sociology and Social Policy who undertake fieldwork in the UK or overseas.

1.2 It is recognized that researcher safety may need to be managed during fieldwork. Safety may be understood as the attempted prevention of both physical and psychological/emotional harm experienced during, or as a consequence of, fieldwork. The School has a particular duty of care in relation to its students and staff.

1.3 Fieldwork is not an inherently risky activity. However, some projects may present a greater element of risk: for example, they may be conducted in countries where personal security is generally less assured than in the UK or may involve visits to people in their homes or to neighbourhoods that might be considered insecure. The School must seek to identify such risks and discuss with students/researchers how they should be managed. A record should be made of such discussions and put on file in the School Office.

2. Policy All students/staff undertaking fieldwork must discuss its potential risks with their supervisor or the Principal Investigator (PI) of their project before any fieldwork is undertaken. Prior to upgrading/reviews students should discuss the fieldwork Safety and Action Plan and sign the annual review cover sheet to confirm that this has been done. Prior to commencing fieldwork the attached form (Appendix I) should be completed and signed, even if your fieldwork is considered low risk. While undertaking fieldwork the student/staff member must maintain the agreed level of contact with the School. Students should complete the attached form in consultation with their supervisor while staff should complete the form in consultation with the Principal Investigator on their project.

Attached: Appendix 1 - Fieldwork Risk Assessment Form & Hazard check list

March 2014 Appendix 1 Fieldwork Risk Assessment Form & Hazard checklist School of Sociology and Social Policy

FIELDWORK RECORD

Name of Fieldworker: Dates of Work Activity: Place where work to be carried out: Description of Work Activity: Level of perceived risk i.e.:

Low/Medium/High Names of Supervisors/PI:

Contact details:

Name, address, mobile and telephone Name, address and telephone number of next of kin number of fieldworker while in the and/or emergency contacts field

Arrangements agreed with supervisor/PI to mitigate risks including details of fieldwork, itinerary, internal travel and dates and places where visiting/staying including addresses and phone numbers and arrangements for maintaining contact

(If necessary please used separate sheet )

Please sign below to confirm that

a) you have read and discussed with your supervisor or PI as appropriate the attached hazard check list and have and will take all necessary action as required

b) you have read and will comply with the University’s guidance Conducting Research Abroad which can be found on Workspace under Risk Assessment

Signature of fieldworker

Signatures of Supervisor(s) or PI

Date: Hazard Checklist for conducting research off campus (Both UK & Overseas)

Hazard Harm Typical Risk Controls

Emergencies Medical, loss of supplies, fire Contingency plans & arrangements damage, personal security, Communication with ‘help’ numbers environmental phenomena (local / base / home (24 hour) (flood, fire, earthquake etc), misadventure Emergency medical evacuation cover Access to medical back-up, antidotes, emergency supplies

Driving Road traffic accidents Competent driver(s), properly maintained vehicles, suitable transport, spares Transportation / fuel. /vehicles Off road driving, Individuals should refrain from driving immediately following any long haul hazardous terrain, flight. Remote country / If driving is contemplated, the traveller should ensure that the driving license marsh / desert. is valid and insurance is arranged. The driver will need to become familiar Excessive hours / with local driving regulations. It is important to verify that the driver is load instability actually licensed to drive the vehicle in the country to be visited, e.g. does the country to be visited recognize a British driving license or is an Driving International driving license needed?

Flying Deep vein thrombosis, jet lag Avoid dehydration by drinking water and avoiding alcohol. Undertake ‘in- flight’ exercise.

Accident Responsibility of the airline. Students and staff should be aware of the need to take all necessary safety precautions as stipulated by the airline.

Rail Travel Accident Responsibility of the rail operator. Students and staff should be aware of the need to take all necessary safety precautions as stipulated by the rail operator.

Delays / cancellation Check on-line or by phone with provider before travel.

Accommodation Personal safety: injury, loss In some countries, it may be preferable to stay in 4/5 star hotels. The safety of the accommodation must be considered before departure. Consult with International Office/Regional Co-ordinator/Hosts

School of Sociology and Social Policy March 2014 1 Hazard Harm Typical Risk Controls

Natural Exposure / hypothermia / Geographical weather planning / information Environs sunburn /oxygen deficiency / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Dry cold, Dry hot/ exhaustion / snow blindness / Suitable clothing (hot / cold / wet) desert, frost bite etc. Fieldwork clothing Altitudes, Cold High visibility vests, head wear / helmets wet Head protection Rough/remote

Climate extremes Avalanche, earthquake, Eye / face protection & Features volcano, wind storms, Hand, gauntlets/gloves/creams tidal/flood, monsoon/disused Skin protection mines/quarries, deep/tidal water.

Communication Reception: Loss of inward Voice communication: Mobile phones/radio loss information. Warnings, weather / strife / social contact. Transmission: Loss of contact Emergency communication: Torches / radio beacon / mirror reflectors / / message distress flares / smoke markers.

Electricity Equipment reliability, Transformers, converters, battery chargers, adapters/travelling kits. Compatibility of malfunction equipment and Electric shock / burn supply (Voltage & Earthing)

Lone Working Immobilising injury / Notify others where you are working. Schedules of movement & routine call- condition / Lost ins.

Good voice communication /survival kit / distress flares Lone worker alarms.

Biological Breach of legislation, controls etc. Generic precautions: Good personal hygiene, avoiding contact with carriers / infected people / animals / contaminants. All relevant immunisations prior to travel.

Contaminated / Allergies, food poisoning, Hepatitis Good food hygiene: Cook all foods thoroughly (especially fish / undercooked food meat). Wash & cook vegetables & fruit (areas where sanitation is poor).

Contaminated Diarrhoea, legionella, Cholera, polio, Avoid: Contaminated water – do not swim or wash. Be particularly Water typhoid, leptospirosis, parasitemia aware of still pools. If food hygiene is likely to be a problem, eat (Drinking, washing and swimming). only hot, freshly cooked food – avoid cold food, peeled fruit and ice cream. Consideration should be given to taking water purification tablets (be warned: effectiveness against viruses and parasites is often not proven!) and compounds to prevent diarrhoea (essential when actually travelling).

Fauna / reptiles / Allergies, asthma, bites, rabies, stings, Mosquito control. Protect from stings & bites (clothing, heavy tight insects / fish / dermatitis, Lyme’s disease, malaria, fitting / head & body cover / footwear / nets.) Anti malarials if risk snakes / scorpions yellow fever, poisoning. present. Consult with GP and allow sufficient time to take all (Wild and Violent contact. necessary preventative actions prior to travel. domestic)

Infections: HIV / Hepatitis, STD Carry emergency first aid kit including needles, syringes and giving Needles sets if travelling to areas with limited medical facilities. All relevant (contaminated) immunisations prior to travel. Consult with GP and allow sufficient Puncture time to take all necessary preventative actions prior to travel. wounding, Poor medical hygiene. Sex Avoid casual sex and always use condoms when having sex. workers

Human factors Medical conditions / medications. Advice from GP. Consult with Risk Safety & Health. Required to fill in Recent injury. Pregnancy. health declaration.

Psychological Difficulty in adapting to new Mental compatibility with demands. surroundings, language and customs.

Alcohol or drug abuse. Alcohol/drug policy.

Stress / Alienation may result from Occupational health assessment. perceived lack of support (especially family / peers), loneliness.

Social Culture (customs, dress, religion). Preparation: Before departure, briefings on what to expect and local custom and practice. Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site.

Laws / custom Law enforcement practice, local Check legal restrictions on import / export controls on substances, legislation, by-laws, procedures & including samples. Make enquiries about custom & practice. standards.

Alcohol restriction. Punitive drugs laws. Make enquiries about custom & practice.

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