Field Safety Plans

Field Safety Plans are required for field activities carried out in the natural environment, community or remote locations, away from the normal support networks of the university. They are intended to identify and minimize potential risks, and ensure appropriate safety and emergency response measures are implemented while in the field.  

Note: Most academic group travel, either domestic or abroad, will be required to complete a Field Safety Plan. Contact us at the email addresses below to confirm any exceptions.

Please review the safety plan processes for the following activities, and contact  or  if you require guidance in assessing the risks involved and safety requirements with your planned activity or travel.

Field research

  • If applicable, complete the Special Authorization form for any research involving students travelling internationally where the Government of Canada recommends either to "avoid non-essential travel" or "avoid all travel".
  • Ensure all field researchers review, understand and follow the ongoing prevention measures in the UVic CD Safety Plan
  • Complete the Field Safety Plan 
  • Submit your completed plan to  for joint review by OHSE and Risk Management, prior to approval
  • Chair/Director recommendation to Dean for approval of Field Safety Plan
  • Dean approval of the Field Safety Plan
  • Submit signed and approved Field Safety Plan to  for central record-keeping

Off-campus in-person community research

  • If applicable, complete the Special Authorization form for any research involving students travelling internationally where the Government of Canada recommends either to "avoid non-essential travel" or "avoid all travel".
  • Note: the following processes can be undertaken concurrently:
    • Complete the Human Research Ethics (HREB) application/amendment process following current instructions if research is being conducted with human participants
    • Ensure all researchers review, understand and follow the ongoing prevention measures in the UVic CD Safety Plan
    • Complete the Field Safety Plan
    • Submit your completed plan to  for joint review by OHSE and Risk Management, prior to approval
    • Chair/Director recommendation to Dean for approval of Field Safety Plan
    • Dean approval of the Field Safety Plan
    • Submit signed and approved Field Safety Plan to  for central record-keeping

Field schools/trips related to academic programs

  • If applicable, complete the Special Authorization form for any field schools/trips involving students travelling internationally where the Government of Canada recommends either to "avoid non-essential travel" or "avoid all travel".
  • Ensure all field participants review, understand and follow the ongoing prevention measures in the UVic CD Safety Plan
  • Complete the Field Safety Plan 
  • Submit your completed plan to  for joint review by OHSE and Risk Management, prior to approval
  • Chair/Director recommendation to Dean for approval of Field Safety Plan
  • Dean approval of the Field Safety Plan
  • Submit signed and approved Field Safety Plan to  for central record-keeping