Fieldwork and Field Trips

Owned by Rebecca Sutton
Last updated: 14 Nov, 2024 by Dave Hay
2 min read


General Guide to Fieldwork and Field Trip Risk Assessment.

General information for all staff below

Click here for information for students


Fieldwork and Field Trips form a substantial part of the work we do and carries with it a wide and varied set of risks and hazards which must be identified, recorded and mitigated.

All members of the Department might be involved in fieldwork from technicians to students to academic staff. The fieldwork might be physical in nature or might involve canvassing members of the public for their opinions either in person or by telephone. Fieldwork might also require overseas travel, requiring a travel risk assessment as well as physical fieldwork in the destination country.

The key is that all fieldwork, whether personal, student-initiated or as part of a compulsory or optional taught module must be risk assessed before the trip takes place.

The risks are many and varied and users are guided through them on our Field work risk assessment forms. Bear in mind things such as location, weather, season, numbers and fitness of participants, nature of the work, communications issues, supervision etc.

Who needs to perform a risk assessment?

  • If you plan fieldwork or a field trip of any kind, you will need to perform a risk assessment. This includes survey work.
  • Risk assessment flowchart (PDF , 446kb)

What help is available to perform a risk assessment?

  • The assessment forms an integral part of your planning and must be recorded in writing.
  • If you require further assistance, Dave Hay can offer further help.

What happens when I have completed my risk assessment?

  • You will need to sign the completed risk assessment forms and submit a copy by email to environment-safety@york.ac.uk. 
  • This will be held on file to satisfy the legal requirements placed upon the department to record the risks to staff, students and members of the public caused by the actions of departmental members.

Access to Private Property for Fieldwork Purposes

From time to time, you may require access to private property.  In this instance, it is essential that you do the following:

  • Make 2 copies of a brief description of activities to be undertaken on the property
  • Have both signed by the landowner and you
  • Keep one copy for yourself
  • Give one copy to the landowner
  • These are required for insurance purposes and to provide proof of authorisation to be on private land should it be required by either the landowner, landowner's agents, the University or its insurers.
  • Whilst working on private property, remember you are a representative of the University and Department of Environment and Geography. Please act responsibly. Failure to do so will be considered a disciplinary matter.
  • You must take care of your own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do (or do not do).
  • You must also cooperate with others on health and safety, and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.
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