Field Research

Safely working and conducting research outdoors, off-campus, and abroad.

Wes Chase

Senior Certified Industrial Hygienist
Air Quality
Workplace Safety
Field Research
Wildfire Smoke

Field Research

clipboard iconSafely working and conducting research outdoors, off-campus, and abroad. The UC Field Operations Safety Manual serves as a reference document and teaching tool to promote safe, successful field courses and research trips. It includes guidance on planning, training, incident response, risk...

Addressing Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, and Psychological Safety in the Field

UC Field Research Safety & EH&S
2025

This session, hosted by the VCRO at UC Berkeley aimed to advance the campus's commitments to prevent and address sexual harassment and sexual violence in field research, to foster a culture that prioritizes consent and respect, and to engage all members of the university community in creating a healthy environment where violence in any form is not tolerated. Panelists reviewed violence prevention strategies, support resources and reporting, and explored the related topic of psychological safety in the field.Speakers: Led by Sara Souza...

Resilience

Lorca Smetana, Resilience Trainer
2025

Video

Presentation

Resources

Speaker bio:
Lorca Smetana knows about coming back...

De-Escalation Workshop

Joffe Emergency Services
2025

Speaker: Joffe Emergency Services, 3/6/2025

Best Practices Video

Best Practices Slides

Presentation...

Practical Use of Risk Assessment Tools in the Field

2025

Speaker(s): Abbey Dias, Assistant Diving and Boating Safety Officer, UC Davis

Abbey Dias is an Assistant Diving and Boating Safety Officer for UC Davis based in Bodega Bay, California. Her experience as a student-turned-instructor of scientific diving and boating has allowed her to hone the skills and tools needed to successfully lead and train a variety of teams conducting global research. Abbey will use her most recent experience working on a research team in Antarctica to demonstrate implementation of risk assessment through productive...

Safety Differently

2025

Speaker(s):

Steve Smith, Experiential Consulting, Risk Management for Outdoor Programs

Video (3/9/24)

International Research & Evacuation Factors

2025

Speaker(s):

AJ Leeds, UC Davis Travel Security Manager

Video, Presentation (3/8/24)

Trip Planning: Risk Management for Field Settings

Chris Lay
2021

Poor communication is often an overlooked contributor to incidents in field settings. For this reason, it's critical for field leaders to establish clear expectations for a safe learning environment, good rapport between leaders and participants, tools for managing conflict, and open lines of communication.

Speaker:

Chris Lay, UC Santa Cruz, Ken Norris Center for Natural History

Video Materials Got Feedback? 03/03/2021 Recording

...

Creating a Safe Learning Environment in Field Settings

Chris Lay
2020

Poor communication is often an overlooked contributor to accidents in field settings. For this reason, it's critical for field leaders to focus on creating a group environment with clear expectations, good rapport between leaders and participants, tools for managing conflict, and open lines of communication. When done successfully, safe learning/working environments not only reduce the likelihood of accidents but also often lead to more enjoyable group experiences. Join us for a discussion of best practices.

Speaker: Chris Lay, Administrative Director and...