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Graduate Centre

Fieldwork Policy

1.Background and Definition

Background

This fieldwork policy has been developed to provide guidance to Murdoch University research students engaged in fieldwork activities. Research students frequently conduct fieldwork activities which are diverse in their nature and which may take place in unfamiliar surroundings. Some tasks undertaken during fieldwork may involve a potentially high level of risk to the health and safety of students, and the fieldwork environment may be potentially hazardous.

Foremost in the development of this policy is a commitment to ensure risks are carefully assessed and that safe working practices are planned and implemented to minimise the risks in the field for all students engaged in field activities.

Definition

Fieldwork involves the systematic collection of information, data or specific other source material, or the carrying out of research which can only be done in a specific geographical area.

For the purpose of this policy the definition of fieldwork shall be any research, authorised by the University, which is conducted at a site other than a Murdoch University campus. Fieldwork does not include interview situations, inter-campus travel, meetings off-site or attendance at conferences. It does include, for example, most work in natural areas, remote areas field work (see definition later in this document), international field trips, work in hazardous situations, work in industrial premises, and in other areas where risk is higher that would normally be the case of the student was working on campus.

For the purpose of this policy research students shall include any student enrolled in a postgraduate research degree or an honours degree.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for the identification of risks and hazards in fieldwork by research students, and their management to ensure a safe working environment during field workfieldwork.

Students have a responsibility to work safely in the field, taking reasonable care to protect their own health and safety and that of fellow participants (which may include visitors and volunteers).

It is the duty of the University to advise students of their responsibilities and to help minimise risks involved through the discussion, planning and approval of fieldwork trips. The University, including Schools and the Faculties of Study, will assist the student to assess hazards, risks and risk control measures for specific fieldwork activities, but the primary responsibility to ensure safe working practices of research students lies with the student.

The University expects that students must not accept any unsafe working practices, and must report concerns to the supervisor and the University Occupational Health and Safety Officer at the earliest opportunity.

4. Procedures

Approval of fieldwork

Notification for intended fieldwork is given as part of the Programme of Study which is submitted by all research candidates. Details of fieldwork and any hazardous or dangerous activities must be disclosed in the submission of the Programme of Study and the Annual Progress Report. Any fieldwork which becomes part of the research programme subsequent to the original Programme of Study must be reported in the Annual Progress Report.

Travel Insurance

All enrolled postgraduate research students are covered by the University’s travel insurance policy. The worldwide travel insurance policy is similar to the policy that covers staff, and the benefits and conditions are available from the Graduate Centre, Office of Financial Services or at the following website:

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/finance/admin/polproc/manual/insurance/900.html

Insurance provisions for vehicles and equipment should also be determined. Fieldwork participants should be well informed of the extent of insurance provision prior to commencing fieldwork.

The University Policies and Guidelines that relate to occupational health and safety, must be reviewed by supervisors and students when planning and conducting a field trip. Further information can be sought from:

http://wwwadmin.murdoch.edu.au/hr/risk/osh/

Accident/Incident Reporting

The University has a well established policy on the reporting of accidents and incidents. Further information on appropriate action can be sought from the Occupational Health and Safety Website at:

http://wwwadmin.murdoch.edu.au/hr/risk/osh/

Sexual Harassment

The University has a policy on the reporting of accidents and incidents Sexual harassment is any uninvited and unwelcome sexual behaviour or advances of a sexual nature and unwelcome requests for sexual favours that make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated and it is reasonable under the circumstances that a person would feel that way.

The University has appointed Equity Information Officers and Equity Conciliators to inform and support members of the University community who feel that they have been harassed or discriminated against. Equity Information Officers are the first point of call and act like a clearing-house for all complaints. Further information can be sought from:

http://wwwadmin.murdoch.edu.au/equity

Remote Area Fieldwork

Definition:

This is defined both in terms of distance and inaccessibility, therefore it may include:

1. Working more than 5 km from a facility with phone or radio communication facility

(even if personal communication equipment is available);

OR

2. In areas of little traffic or where hills, dense forest or other topographic features make it difficult to obtain help using the communication system available;

OR

3. If medical or other emergency support is more than 1 hour away if a vehicle is not available.

It should be noted that work on or under the surface of rivers, inland waterways, estuaries and oceanic work sites, and work in drains, tunnels and caves are all considered to be remote fieldwork sites.

Remote Area Fieldwork Responsibilities

1. All research students must agree not to undertake remote area fieldwork without approval from their Supervisor and Head of School prior to departure. The student through the supervisor to the Head of School must submit a list of all persons involved and a detailed itinerary.
2. All research students must agree not to work alone on fieldwork in a remote area without regular contact with the approved staff contact person. It is highly recommended that at least two people are involved in work in remote areas.
3. All research students (in groups or as individuals must provide a written itinerary and a map indicating the working area with their Supervisor and Head of School, prior to departure.
4. All research students must agree to make contact on a regular pre-arranged basis with the approved contact person.
5. All research students must agree to ensure that all vehicles travelling in remote areas carry appropriate spare parts, first aid and communication equipment commensurate with the remoteness of and facilities within, the area of research.
6. All research students must agree to adhere to all Faculty and University policies (eg boat handling or vehicle policies) and procedures relating to fieldwork in the planning and implementation of fieldwork trips.
7. All research students must agree to complete suitable training for specialist equipment or extreme conditions, prior to commencement of fieldwork.
8. All research students must agreed that at least one member of every fieldwork party has a senior First Aid qualification, or appropriate first aid instruction.

International Field Trips

1. All research students must agree not to undertake an international field trip without approval from their Supervisor and Head of School prior to departure. A list of all persons involved and a detailed itinerary must be submitted through the supervisor to the Head of School.
2. All research students must agree to ensure that they have taken all necessary security precautions when international travel is undertaken. Further information regarding a specific country should be obtained from the Consular Office or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
3. All research students must agree to adhere to medical advice regarding vaccination and other health risks. Travel medicine advice changes over time depending on disease trends and medical advances - it is therefore important to obtain current advice before any international field trip.

Medical Conditions Affecting Fieldwork Participation

1. All research students must agree to take appropriate medical advice and disclose to their supervisor or Head of School any limitation imposed by their health which may affect their ability to participate safely in any fieldwork activity. This obligation applies both before and during any fieldwork activity. Any medical limitations of a research candidate will be treated in confidence.
2. All research students who participate in fieldwork at remote locations must be adequately fit for the tasks required.
3. All research students must agree to follow relevant medical advice concerning the avoidance of health risk and treatment of a medical condition during fieldwork.

Fieldwork Approval

All research students must agree not to undertake fieldwork until the Fieldwork Approval Form has been submitted and approved by the Head of School.

The Fieldwork Approval form is available from Faculty Offices, the Graduate Centre and within this website

An approval form is required for each separate field excursion, unless otherwise advised in writing by the Head of School.

Queries

Any queries regarding the fieldwork policy can be directed to:

Graduate Centre
Division of Research and Development
Chancellery, Level 1
Ph. (08) 9360 6506
Email: scholars@murdoch.edu.au