Field Research

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

Field and International Research Resources

January 10, 2025

The following materials are for researchers, principal investigators, staff, and faculty involved in off-campus fieldwork–both domestic and international.

Off-Campus, Field, and International Research Resources for a Safe and Inclusive Experience collapse all expand all Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork

Held Wednesday,...

UC Field Safety Leadership Training Retreat 2024

UC Field Research Safety Center of Excellence
2024

The 2024 UC Field Safety Leadership Retreat featured timely, challenging workshops with opportunities to discuss scenarios, practice skills, and plan for field projects and settings. Attendees participated in small group activities, and reported back lessons learned to their own groups/departments. The retreat was held on March 8-10, 2024 at UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab. It was a unique opportunity to learn and collaborate with leaders from a variety of field disciplines from across the University of California.

Respiratory Protection Program

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2018

EH&S evaluates workplaces for possible airborne hazards and recommends ways to reduce these hazards when found. When appropriate, EH&S will fit campus workers with respirators and provide annual training on their proper use. This program is administered in cooperation with University Health Services. UHS evaluates a person's ability to safely wear a respirator prior to a respirator being issued. For more information contact EH&S at ehs@berkeley.edu.

Reminders: Working in Hot Weather

September 30, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Warmer temperatures are returning. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the region. Heat can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Please share this information with supervisors and employees in your department that work outdoors or may be exposed to high temperatures indoors during their workday.

Outdoor work when temperature exceeds 80°F

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus...

Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork Symposium

October 2, 2024
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Off-Campus, Field, and International Research: Resources for a Safe and Inclusive Experience Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork

The town hall will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 online from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Zoom Information

Access Zoom link

Zoom Meeting ID: 948 3905 3719

Passcode: 6427540.

About the Town Hall

This town hall...

Sara Souza

Program Director, UC Field Research Safety
UCOP Center of Excellence
Field Safety
Field Research
Outdoor Air Quality
Wildfire Smoke

Working in Hot Weather: Reminders for Employees and Supervisors

May 13, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Working in high temperatures can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Please share this information with supervisors and employees in your department that work outdoors or may be exposed to high temperatures indoors during their workday.

Outdoor work when temperature exceeds 80°F

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus ...

Resources and Guides

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A JSA describes job tasks in step-by-step fashion, identifies associated hazards at each step, and outlines proper hazard controls that minimize the risk of injury or illness to the individual(s) performing that task.

JSAs Listed by Topic: Body Mechanics ...

New Field Safety Hazard Assessment Question

April 23, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

A NEW Field Hazards section is now live in UC Berkeley's Lab Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)

What to expect?

During recertification of existing assessments, PIs will see a new fieldwork screening question. If any members of your research group conduct fieldwork or research off-campus, mark "Yes."

Example fieldwork activities include:

specimen collection

surveys...

Field Safety Reminders for the Spring/Summer

April 16, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Following these simple steps supports safe and successful research.

Five reminders for the Spring/Summer fieldwork & travel season

Register all University travel >100 miles via UC Away (Calnet login required) for travel insurance documentation, 24/7 travel assistance, and a destination-specific trip brief.

For international travel, review the...