Field work participants

As its name suggests, fieldwork takes place away from the usual university location and often under different conditions to those you are used to. Therefore fieldwork can carry new and specific risks. This document has been created to inform you about what you should consider with regard to safety during fieldwork, so you can take care of yourself and the other participants during the fieldwork.

A natural part of the fieldwork participant’s project description is the creation of a risk assessment. However, this will often be created by the fieldwork leader.

You are obliged to:

• Ensure that the risk assessment and contingency plan is approved by your closest DTU leader or your DTU advisor
• Receive instruction on the work, the risk assessment, the contingency plan and the safety equipment
• Use relevant safety equipment
• Speak out if the work does not take place in a way that is completely safe
• Take part in any legally required courses to be able to carry out the Work
• Only work independently or alone if your fieldwork leader, DTU leader or DTU advisor considers that this is completely safe
• Speak out if other participants do not comply with instructions
• Make your fieldwork leader, your DTU leader or DTU advisor aware if you experience a near-miss incident or accident
• Be aware of any insurance policies you need to take out
• Find any relevant information regarding fieldwork abroad, e.g. vaccinations, equipment, clothing, safety rules, culture, behavioural norms, visas, safety on official trips to hazardous estinations etc.
• To sign a consent form if the field work involves a trip to a possible risk area as DTU employee

You are obliged to follow instructions

The fieldwork leader, planner or instructor is responsible for instructing you of any risks or precautions that you need to be aware of or follow during the fieldwork. As a participant, you are obliged to follow these instructions and speak out if others do not follow them.

If you feel you do not receive sufficient information from the leader, planner or instructor, you must ask for more information.

If the fieldwork takes place in Denmark, Danish work environment legislation applies. If you are working abroad, this becomes more complicated if the country has other work environment rules. If you feel at all unsure or if you do not have sufficient information, you must contact your Danish DTU leader, your DTU advisor or your work environment organisation.

You can be responsible for the other participants

If you are responsible for other participants during the fieldwork, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are instructed on how to manage any risks involved with the fieldwork. Read more under “If you are a fieldwork leader, have a leadership function, or plan or teach/advise during the fieldwork”.