|
|
Photo: A reprieve, blue skies above campus last week
|
|
UC Field Research Safety
It's the last day of September and I hope you are all well. We've been faced with so many real, physical threats this year (COVID-19, heatwaves, wildfire, smoke); as we start a new academic year, this issue will focus on PEOPLE. Plus summer field injury reports and other news. Last month's newsletter on wildfire is still relevant and you may access that info and other past issues here. As always, feel free to contact me directly at sarasouza@berkeley.edu with any questions, concerns or suggestions. Best, Sara
|
|
|
What is a Safe Learning Environment?
|
|
A group culture that emphasizes:
● Effective communication
● Physical and emotional safety of all group members
● Mutual respect
● Shared responsibility for the group’s wellbeing
|
|
● Establish & maintain clear goals, roles, expectations, behavioral norms
● Brief and debrief your instructor/leadership team and group often
● Invite and give feedback
● Practice active listening
● Address issues that come up
● Role-model the behavior you expect
|
|
|
Learn More: Examples & Guidance
|
|
|
Thank you to Chris Lay, Administrative Director of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History and Field Instructor, UCSC, for putting together these best practices. For specific examples, meeting outlines, and suggested language, please see his webinar and supporting handout/slides via the Fieldwork Toolkit Webinar Series website.
|
|
I enjoyed screening this film (virtually) last week, and the post-film discussions. Thank you to EEB at UCSC for hosting!
It is also featured by the National Academy of Sciences' Science & Entertainment Exchange.
The film does an excellent job describing bias and harassment -- especially acts below the surface in the iceberg analogy below.
|
|
|
|
"Characterized by Science Magazine as “sweeping in scope yet intimately compelling,” the film leads viewers on a journey deep into the very personal experiences of female researchers who have confronted a range of challenges from brutal harassment to years of subtle slights. In cramped laboratories and spectacular field stations, we meet scientific luminaries who provide new perspectives on how to make science itself more diverse, equitable, and open to all."
|
|
|
|
Graphic: From the film "Picture a Scientist." Learn more (NASEM Consensus Study Report)
|
|
Forum on the University of California Land Grab
A recording of Part 1 and references are available here. Part 2 upcoming 10/23 will include:
Current initiatives between UC system and California Indigenous communities, and breakout sessions:
- Teaching/pedagogy
- Student experience/development
- Research
- Land acknowledgements
- Field stations/UC land
- Cooperative Extension
|
|
|
Racism and harassment are common in field research — scientists are speaking up (24 August, Nature, full article)
5000th Garmin inReach SOS: A Whitewater Rafting Emergency (rescue blog)
Three Texas Parks and Wildlife employees killed in helicopter crash (9 August, full article); 2 Aggies (Texas A&M) among victims of helicopter crash
|
|
|
From Left: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Robert Dittmar, Wildlife Biologist Dewey Stockbridge and Fish and Wildlife Technician Brandon White (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), full article
|
|
|
Field Injury Reports: A few points from summer injuries
|
|
Ankle sprain: Have a quick “tailgate talk” about site hazards and terrain while you’re putting on sunscreen and lacing up your boots. Look for less steep routes to reach your plots, even if it means taking a little more time. Consider using trekking poles on steep slopes or while carrying a heavy pack. Be especially careful about your posture and foot placement toward the end of the day, and take rest breaks when needed. Don’t let your guard down just because you’re back on level ground or done with work for the day. It's just as easy to miss the last cabin step in the dark as it is to roll an ankle on a rocky trail. Learn how to wrap a sprained ankle (see video) & keep up your first aid certs. Many hands-on first aid classes have been postponed for now, but we hope to offer more in the spring.
Puncture wound: Any sharp equipment like a scalpel or razor blade should be protected and stored/transported with a rigid cap or within a hard plastic or metal container. Loose sharps in a shared equipment bag are dangerous for everyone in your group. Checking equipment before heading into the field is always smart, and keeping your tetanus shot current. First aid for a deep wound: apply pressure and get medical attention.
Eye injuries: We all know to wear eye protection in the lab, but what about during fieldwork? I've seen multiple eye injury reports from pokes by branches, reeds, dust....eye injuries hurt! and can be serious. Sunglasses will provide some protection, but proper safety eyewear is appropriate for many outdoor tasks. I encourage you to consult with your campus PPE program. And if dust is a common eye irritant, carrying an eyewash product like OcuFresh can be helpful.
|
|
Last, whistles!
An underappreciated safety item -- to be distributed to UC dive/boat/field safety programs soon.
That's all for this month. Take care out there!
-Sara
|
|
|
Well, one more thing...
I thought about this book a number of times while watching "Picture a Scientist."
Rest in Power, RBG. What a legacy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
