Field safety

Prior to any work or research conducted in an outdoor environment a risk assessment should be completed to identify any hazards and ensure appropriate control measures are in place. A copy of the risk assessment template can be found on the EHSO page for Field Safety on the UM Intranet. If you require assistance in conducting this risk assessment, please contact us.

All work and research that takes place external to UM facilities should include a UM staff member trained in CPR/First Aid. Please see the CPR and first aid program page for more information.

If you are working alone in the field you must develop a working alone plan as per the UM Working Alone Program.

Heat stress occurs when the body cannot get rid of excess heat resulting in the rise of the body’s core temperature and an elevated heart rate. The three stages of heat stress include: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke (sunstroke). Learn more about the three stages of heat stress and how to treat them.

Another hazard to consider when working outdoors, is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburns, premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer. These negative effects can occur and accumulate even when clouds, haze or fog are in the sky, including during our winter months.

Protection from these hazards needs to be considered when conducting work or research outdoors. You can learn more about Heat Stress and UV Protection in the guidance document found on the EHSO page for Field Safety on the UM Intranet, including actions to prevent health conditions and illness caused by heat stress and UV rays.

When conducting work or research in cold weather conditions we can become exposed to temperature levels that can reduce our core body temperature and lead to health and safety concerns such as windburn, frostbite or hypothermia. If working outside in cold conditions, please review the guidance document on Cold Stress found on the Field Safety page on the UM Intranet.

If working within indoor cold environments such as walk-in freezers, please find information on how to work safely on the Lab Safety page on the UM Intranet.

If you are conducting work or research in an area prone to other inclement weather events, please contact EHSO for any additional safety information you may require.

If you require information on plants or animals found in your outdoor environment, please contact EHSO for any risk assessment or further assistance/information needed.

The buildings and various facilities at UM campuses are adjacent to roadways. Crossing streets with vehicular traffic is part of the daily routine of employees, students and other visitors, especially at the UM Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Whether as a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist on roadways, please be mindful of your surroundings and courteous to all those on or crossing roads.

Tractors and other agricultural or powered mobile equipment must be properly inspected and maintained. This includes the following controls:

• Guarding for exposed, moving parts
• A horn or other audible device
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Seatbelts or restraining devices
• Suitable headlights and back-up lights for any equipment that is operated during hours of darkness or in an area that is not adequately illuminated
• Appropriate rollover protection

All equipment operators are expected to engage in a walk-around check before moving equipment.

Serious injuries can result from agricultural equipment running over or striking nearby workers or visitors to the farm due to poor sight lines and lack of visibility, commonly known as “blind spots," that exist on many pieces of agricultural equipment. Workers are trained to recognize blind spots on agricultural equipment and to avoid entering these areas and untrained visitors are not permitted to enter any area where agricultural equipment is operating.

Please contact EHSO for more information or help with creating Safe Work Procedures for agricultural and other powered mobile equipment.

An off-road vehicle (ORV) can include all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles. All operators and riders must wear properly fastened safety helmets unless the vehicle is equipped with rollover protection and the occupants are wearing securely fastened seat belts. An ORV handles differently from motorcycles and cars and so training on proper handling should be acquired before using one.

Contact EHSO for support in obtaining training on the use of off-road vehicles.

Regardless of the size of the boat, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is required when operating motorized vessels on waterways in Canada. Manitoba boat operators caught without a PCOC can be fined a minimum of $250. The PCOC can be obtained online through Transport Canada and you can access an official online course that will issue a boating license after passing the test at the end of the course.

Chemical safety procedures must be followed in the field as well as in the lab. This includes understanding safe handling, transport, storage, disposal and spill response for the chemicals you are using to conduct work or research. This is for your health and safety as well as for the protection of the environment. Please take all precautions to avoid any chemical spills. If any chemicals are accidentally spilled while in the field contact us. This information must be provided for reporting purposes. EHSO can also assist in spill response procedures.

Travel safety begins at the point you start planning travel for work or research purposes. While planning your travel, review the following aspects of your trip to mitigate risk as much as possible:

• Are you travelling alone?
• What is your mode of travel (e.g. motor vehicle, plane, train) and what are the risks inherent to that mode of travel?
• Are there any safety concerns specific to your destination of travel (e.g. known political unrest)?
• Are you familiar with the laws and expectations within the country you are travelling?
• What sleeping arrangements have been prepared?

Learn more information on International Travel Safety.