Fieldwork Safety Protocol

1. The purpose of our protocol

Our protocol sets out how Adelaide University conducts fieldwork that requires the use of hazard management. It outlines principles and practices for ensuring the wellbeing and safety of staff, students, and volunteers participating in Adelaide University (AU) teaching and research related fieldwork activities. It provides guidance and direction to support suitable local-level planning for the safe conduct of fieldwork.

This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Hazard Management Procedure, which gives effect to the Wellbeing and Safety Policy.

2. Our protocol applies to

2.1 Inclusions

Members of our Adelaide University Community that undertake fieldwork activities.

2.2 Exclusions

Examples of fieldwork that do not require the use of hazard management are

placements (e.g., work experience or professional placements in non-university facilities)
travel to/from and attendance at conferences or events (including offshore)
professional experience programs
student exchange programs
offshore teaching at other institutions
working from home
brief off-campus trips for administrative or shopping purposes.

3. Our fieldwork protocols

3.1 Roles and responsibility

University roles and responsibilities for managing Wellbeing and Safety risks, including those risks associated with fieldwork, are set out in the Hazard Management Procedure.

3.2 Ensuring field safety management

The table below outlines key roles and responsibilities for fieldwork safety management.

Role	Responsibilities	Protocols
Role	Responsibilities	Actions
Fieldwork Coordinator	Must Ensure hazards associated with fieldwork are identified and managed. Document all reasonably foreseeable hazards in fieldwork activities in Unisafe. Consult with staff and others on wellbeing and safety matters that are likely to impact them. Provide information, training, instruction, and an appropriate level of supervision, to staff, students, and others where relevant.	Complete risk assessments and fieldwork details in the field trip module of Unisafe. Ensure all equipment, including communications and first aid requirements are identified and sourced. Note: mobile phone coverage, satellite phones and other signalling devices (such as a SPOT device) may need to be considered. Ensure an emergency plan where required is documented in the field trip module of Unisafe. Communicate hazards, controls, and emergency procedures to all participants before departure. Use effective risk management, supervision, and control measures based on the experience of the participants.
Fieldwork Leaders	Must Ensure hazards associated with fieldwork are identified and managed. Ensure controls listed in Unisafe are implemented and effective for the duration of the fieldwork activity. Provide information, training, instruction, and an appropriate level of supervision, to staff, students, and others where relevant. Report hazards/incidents identified through Unisafe.	All devices and equipment (controls) required to manage hazards during the fieldwork are in working order before departure including required communications and first aid equipment. Communicate hazards, controls, and emergency procedures to all participants before departure. Supervise the conduct, safety, and wellbeing of all participants during fieldwork. Report incidents in Unisafe. Make contact at the agreed intervals with the Nominated Contact Person (NCP). Note: In some fieldwork locations it may be more appropriate to set up an alternate communication arrangement with a reputable contact point (e.g.: local police station, National Parks office, or station manager). Initiate emergency plan where required and communicate significant accidents or concerns to the NCP.
Fieldwork participants	Must Ensure hazards associated with fieldwork are identified and managed. Follow reasonable instructions and work practices to maintain their own and others’ wellbeing and safety Report hazards/incidents identified through Unisafe.	Participate in pre-fieldwork briefings on hazards, controls, and emergency procedures. Be aware of the relevant emergency contingency arrangements. Provide relevant medical information via the field trip module in Unisafe. Do not place yourself or others at risk.
Nominated Contact Person	Must Ensure you are contactable at all times when field work is being conducted, and you are the NCP Monitor alerts where requested and communicate to the Fieldwork Leader (such as bushfires and other weather alerts).,	Receive contact at agreed intervals from the Fieldwork Leader. Contactable in an emergency and/or available for general support for each fieldtrip. Notify the Executive Dean/ Unit if there is an incident or a party fails to return from the field. Initiate the emergency response if appropriate.
Deans of School (or nominated fieldwork approver)	Must Review and approve all fieldwork activities with high residual risk rating.	Consider if there are other control which can lower the risk level Review and approve all planned fieldwork activity which will carry a high risk after controls are applied, review the information provided in Unisafe and determine if the activity is approved to proceed. Seek assistance from Wellbeing and Safety where required.

4. Definitions used in our protocol

The following definitions are applicable to this protocol, for generic Adelaide University definitions refer to the Glossary of Terms.

Fieldwork is any University activity involving work activity, research or study undertaken by staff, students, volunteers or visitors, at any off-campus, urban, rural or remote location.

Unisafe is the online system used by our staff and students to manage information related to wellbeing and safety issues. This includes reporting incidents, injuries and hazards to ensure timely investigations, risk assessments and control measures are applied to keep our community safe.

5. How our protocol is governed

5.1 Compliance

Fieldwork management at Adelaide University is conducted in compliance with the following established regulations and guidelines:

Legislation & Code of Practice

University related documents and resources

5.2 Governance

This protocol is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

Parent procedure	Authority to create and maintain this protocol is granted under the Hazard Management Procedure
Policy category	Corporate
Approving authority	Executive Director People, Advisory and Wellbeing
Policy owner	Deputy Vice Chancellor People and Culture
Responsible manager	Deputy Vice Chancellor People and Culture or their delegate
Effective from	1 March 2026
Review date	1 March 2029
Enquiries	Wellbeing and Safety Team
Replaced documents	None

6. History of changes

Date approved	To section/clauses	Description of change
[DD Month Year]	N/A	New protocol

Note on structures, positions and position titles:
At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions and position titles for Adelaide University have not all been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are known.