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Oregon State University College of Forestry

Forestry, Oceanic, and Atmospheric Business Center

Field Work ! Safety and Process April 27th 2012

Overview of Safety

Driving during field work is particularly dangerous Often unfamiliar vehicles Often unfamiliar narrow forest roads Distracted by tasks, maps, GPS, schedules Often over-tired in early morning or after a tiring

day of work With a suite of dangers

Industrial traffic Animals Loose gravel, down trees, and rocks

Driving: the most dangerous thing you’ll ever do.

Inspect vehicle for spare tire, jack, and adequate lug wrench.

Check lights, wipers, washer fluid, fuel, oil, coolant

When first driving check brake response – ABS systems vary in their action and feel

Check for tire chains if there is a possibility of snow

Driving motor pool or otherunfamiliar vehicles

Private Insurance and Liability May Not Cover Work Use

Best to Ask Insurance Provider Prior to Need

Individual Insurance Companies Vary

University Coverage may not apply if Volunteer Paperwork not filed for helpers

Best to get Clarification before taking Risks

Driving: Private Vehicles

Water – for people or the vehicle

Spare set of clothes – kept at the vehicle

Food

First Aid supplies and blankets or sleeping bags

Shovel and Pulaski – for road clearing, aid in getting unstuck

Communication device

When traveling to remote locationsThings to carry:

Road Obstructions Trees Landslides or Rocks Road Failures Wash Outs Industrial Activities Gates Other Drivers

Driving: Other Hazards

Stop and Park - Well Clear of Activity

Wear Hardhat and Approach Cautiously

Attract Attention before Approaching Equipment

Ask How to Safely Pass Though Area of Operation

Driving: Industrial Activities

And The Big Danger:

Being in a hurry – Speed!

Drive slow and safe

Gates : The Ins and Outs

• Observe the way you find the gate locked and return it to the same configuration

• Unless told differently always lock gates behind you to avoid unauthorized entrance by others

• In summer, beware of wasps in lock boxes

First Aid / Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation - 8 hour class

Wilderness First Aid with CPR - 20 hour class More than 1 hour from definitive medical care With Field Work this is almost always the case

Wilderness First Responder - 80 hour class

Wilderness EMT - 170 hour class

Carry First Aid Supplies and be aware of the medical conditions of your crew and the medicines they carry and may need – The more trained people in your crew the better.

Preparedness: Be Ready for Emergencies

Problems: Delays Vehicle Breakdown Weather difficulties Being Lost

• Clothing : extra layers, dry gloves, dry socks, appropriate outerwear

• Extra change of clothes at the vehicle• Food and Water at vehicle• Shelter supplies and first aid supplies with crew• Tools and knowledge for fire making• Map, compass, and ability to use – understanding area of work

Preparedness:Be Ready for Predictable Problems

Know the Weather Forecast for your Work Area

Be Prepared for it to be Worse

Be Psychologically Ready to Abort the Work if Conditions are Dangerous or Too Difficult for Reasonable Continuation –

Talk over how people are feeling about the conditions

High Winds, Rising Water, Intense Storm Conditions, Lightning, or Deteriorating Crew Well-Being

Preparedness: Weather and The Better Part of Valor

An Agency and Industrial System of Anticipating Hazards &

Thinking Out and Documenting Possible Problems and Solutions

Example: Getting a Piece of Pizza Hazard Solution

1) Moving from your Chair to the Pizza Tripping Walk Carefully

2) Selecting Slice Over-eatingAwareness

Burning fingers Assess First

Dropping slice Use Plate

3) Returning to Chair Same as step 1)

4) Consuming Pizza Biting tongue Do not Rush

Preparedness: Job Hazard Analysis ( JHA)

When arriving at site turn around and be ready to leave. If you get stuck you have the whole day to get unstuck In an emergency you can leave promptly without delay In an emergency you may not turn around at your best

Leave vehicle keys at vehicle so all crew members know location Avoid keys lost in the field Avoid crew traveling back for supplies forgetting keys Avoid separated crew member with keys stranding all

All crew members should understand map location and route So not dependent on leader – who may be lost or injured So all crew members are capable of leaving for help

Preparedness:Share Knowledge and Basic Needs

Field Pack Sturdy Boots with Good Traction Abrasion Resistant Long Sleeves and Long Pants Raingear Extra Layers of Clothes Extra Gloves Food and Water First Aid Kit with Personal Medical Items ( Epi-pen, Medication ) Eye Protection ( when working in heavy brush ) Compass and Map Communication Device

Hardhat ( Why ? ) Helps you build the habit for Agency or Industrial Employment Protects from Falling Branches Waterproof Head Covering High Visibility

Preparedness: Personal Gear

Cell Phones : ubiquitous but sometimes out of service

Satellite Phones: Expensive, Bulky, but Reliable

Radios : Agency or Industry Cooperation

SPOT : Satellite Communicator Relatively cheap : $150 + $100 annual fee Not Cell Tower Dependent Transmits predetermined message to specified cell texts or

emails or Search & Rescue Transmits Accurate GPS Location

Preparedness: Communication Devices

Prepare for Field Work Trips by Arranging Safety Check In with a Responsible Party - FOR EVERY TRIP

Provide Clear Instructions to “Check-In Buddy” including: Your Vehicle Description Details of Crew Intended Work Area, Itinerary, and MAPS !!!!! Cell Phone numbers or other Communication Information Phone number for Sheriff in area of work or 911

Very Clear “Trigger Time” when “Buddy” will activate Emergency Services,If you have failed to check in by specified time.

REMEMBER: If you don’t set this up – no one will look for you !!!!

Preparedness: Check Out and Check In