FIELD GEOLOGY AND SAFETY ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE

Progress in geological sciences depends on the ability of current and future practitioners to teach, learn, and perform research in remote environments, but few laws, standards, or even policies exist to provide safety guidelines for academic field trips, field classes, or field research in remote areas. As with lab safety, a systems approach is preferable, incorporating behavior and equipment. A comprehensive policy should include driving, awareness and planning, communications, equipment, training, and staffing for field trips and classes. Risks - and casualties - associated with driving are far greater than those associated with most laboratory research. Institutional driving policies should be extended to cover trips to, from, and in remote areas. Driving policies should include driver qualifications, number of drivers per vehicle, driver rest and rotation, and “no-drive” times. Effective risk assessment begins with hazard awareness and pre-trip planning, and should include physical, political, medical, and social hazards. Advances in telecommunication technology reduce the likelihood that participants will be isolated in event of emergency, and enhance speed and location of emergency response: groups should not be in remote areas without some means of emergency electronic communication. Although proper equipment varies with location, time of year, and planned trip duration, basic emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, tire-changing tools, potable water, and shelter should always be included. Appropriate training includes use and basic maintenance of emergency equipment, wilderness first aid, crisis management, and prevention. Equipment and training can be tailored to the needs of the end-users. Solitary field research should be discouraged, and field trips and classes should have adequate staffing to prevent and manage emergencies. Objective risk-benefit analysis is essential: decisions on field activities, as well as policies and procedures, must be based on objective analysis rather than convenience.