UC Field Research Safety
To wrap up and celebrate 2018, I'm sharing field projects from all the UC campuses -- and a few other announcements. These pictures highlight the variety and complexity of fieldwork well...
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I'm excited to announce that funding from UCOP Risk Services for my role has been extended through 2019/2010. This listserv has grown a lot so it seems worthwhile to note the goals of the UC Field Research Safety Program: to facilitate sharing of lessons learned and best practices in the field, coordinate first aid and other skills-based training, promote risk management and safety planning tools, and serve as a liaison between field staff/researchers and campus staff and services.
Things going well: large numbers taking wilderness first aid training; increased use of inReach devices (or other satellite technology) in remote areas; more incident reporting and candid discussion of lessons learned in the field; initial UC Field Ops Safety Manual posted
Ongoing challenges: integrating written safety plans into preparations; getting resources and announcements to those that can benefit; identifying appropriate training for high hazard work; security, personal safety, and harassment concerns.....and of course, extreme weather, storms, wildfire, disasters, etc...
If you have specific ideas to promote safe, successful field research, or other concerns or requests, please contact me directly via sarasouza@berkeley.edu. Thank you!
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A few holiday wellness reminders...in no particular order...
Impaired driving kills people. Family time can be stressful, schedule downtime for yourself. Wash your hands often. Dress for the weather, stay dry. Don't ignore the mumble jumbles or numb skin; there's a fine line between cold and too cold. Don't indulge (too much), and get proper sleep. Give up trying to change difficult relatives. Savor good moments! Official UCNet wellness post.
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UC Abroad/Traveler Safety training now available
This new training covers helpful precautions, procedures, and resources; available online via the UC Learning Center (approx. 20 minutes). To request access, please contact your Systemwide Training & Education Workgroup (STEW) representative.
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Increasing Detection of Emerging Zoonotic Pathogens
According to the CDC, more than half of all known human pathogens originated in animals. This November article in American Veterinarian highlights work from the UC Davis One Health Institute.
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Creating a culture shift in fieldwork
A workshop designed by a professor and Ph.D. student aims to help scientists prevent and deal with sexual assault and harassment in field settings, where researchers often work in harsh conditions and close quarters miles from help. Read more (from UCSC news October 19, 2018).
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American Camp Association
For those that manage or support outdoor camps, there is an ACA workshop January 29 in San Rafael on lessons learned from recent wildfires in California, more info here. New 2019 ACA standards are also available to review, and benchmark best practices.
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That's all for now, but numerous workshops and trainings are in the works for 2019, stay tuned. From my family to yours...cheers to a healthy, happy new year!
Sara Souza
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