The Field Safety Subcommittee and the LTER Network Office have collected this curated list of field safety resources, focusing on risks that arise in the various settings of the LTER Network. These may include remote, rural, urban, and ocean-going locations and risks may include weather, terrain, equipment, and other humans.  The LTER Network Office includes a Resource of the Month in every newsletter and we welcome contributed resources.

“The show must go on!” Fieldwork, mental health and wellbeing in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

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“The show must go on!” Fieldwork, mental health and wellbeing in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Fieldwork is central to the identity, culture and history of academic Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES). However, in this paper we recognize that, for many academic staff, field trips can be a profoundly challenging “ordeal,” ill-conducive to wellness or effective pedagogic practice. Drawing on research with 39 UK university-based GEES academics who self-identify as having a mental health condition, this paper explores how mental health intersects with spaces and expectations of fieldwork in Higher Education.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Trigger Warning: How to Take Care

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Trigger Warning: How to Take Care

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

An anonymous contributor shares their experience with a horribly all too common problem with remote field research: sexual harassment.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Signaling Safety: Characterizing Fieldwork Experiences and Their Implications for Career Trajectories

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Signaling Safety: Characterizing Fieldwork Experiences and Their Implications for Career Trajectories

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

This study presents a qualitative analysis of field researchers’ experiences based on interviews, focusing on both positive and negative aspects of conducting academic research in the field. It identifies two main issues: unclear professional behavior guidelines at field sites and difficulties accessing professional resources and opportunities. Respondents reported a lack of consequences for breaches of conduct, such as harassment and assault, which negatively impacted their careers. The study introduces a “traffic light” model to illustrate the effects of varying clarity and access on field experiences. The findings build on previous survey results and suggest that fieldsite directors and principal investigators should adopt specific policies and procedures to enhance fieldwork experiences and promote equal opportunities.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Mental health in the field

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Mental health in the field

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

This article speaks to the importance of mental health in field work and summarizes the factors that impact mental health in the field.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Safety and Belonging in the Field: A Checklist for Educators

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Safety and Belonging in the Field: A Checklist for Educators

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

A comprehensive checklist that seeks to make fieldwork a “positive, generative, collective, and valuable experience for all participants.” Written by authors with a wide range of backgrounds and field experiences, this document stresses inclusivity over each step in the fieldwork process, from planning to the return and debrief.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Playing It Safe: Recognizing and Managing Risk When Working With Students in the Field

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Playing It Safe: Recognizing and Managing Risk When Working With Students in the Field

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

A website from NAGT with resources and recommendations on field safety including being prepared for emergencies, reducing risk, and protecting yourself and your department when taking students out into the field.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Toilet stops in the field: An educational primer and recommended best practices for field-based teaching

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Toilet stops in the field: An educational primer and recommended best practices for field-based teaching

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

This document is intended to educate staff and students about toilet stops and menstruation in the field. This document also contains a set of recommendations for field work and field trips with the aim of minimising stress and anxiety for all parties.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault

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Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.

A survey of field scientists reveals that experiences of sexual harassment and assault are common, particularly among women trainees who are often targeted by senior team members, while male trainees face harassment from peers. Many respondents were unfamiliar with codes of conduct or reporting mechanisms and were dissatisfied with the outcomes when they did report incidents. The study highlights the need for improved policies on safety and inclusivity, better reporting mechanisms, and effective responses to harassment, with principal investigators playing a key role in shaping fieldwork culture.

Chronicle of Higher education article with recommendations on centering accountability in DEI statements.