Field Research Safety

Planning and Preparation

Field research, field studies, or fieldwork is an essential component of several academic programs at the Institute.

These activities may be for just a day or for an extended length of time and may take you to local, international, urban or rural environment. Undergoing careful planning and preparation for such dynamic work can help you when you encounter potential hazards and emergencies and can aid in reducing risks.

Planning a successful field research trip will take time, effort, organizing, and review. EHS has created the Planning a Field Research Trip Flow Chart (Figure 1) and the Field Research Safety Planning Document which should be used to help you develop and organize a safe trip.

Figure 1: Planning a Field Research Trip Flow Chart

For any activity occurring in potentially hazardous environmental conditions or where potentially hazardous materials and/or equipment will be used. Please contact EHS or call us at 617-452-3477 to review requirements for:
- – MIT EHS trainings
- – Local permits and research registration, which must be obtained by the PI
- – Personal protective equipment which may require extra planning for purchase
- – Policies and procedures related to emergency preparedness
- – Safe transport, storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials

An awareness level web course has been developed for shipping of hazardous materials from MIT to anywhere, domestic or international, including chemicals, biological material, and radiological material. It is encouraged that anyone in your DLCs who may ship hazardous materials or may assist with providing information about shipping to the MIT community, complete this course: EHS00792w – Hazardous Materials Shipping Awareness Training.

Planning for International Travel

MIT Global Support Resources provides resources that guide MIT faculty, researchers, students, and staff in planning, negotiating, and implementing international activity, including a collection of administrative resources for traveling abroad.

Other important resources include:

The Program Manager for International Safety and Security— provides advice and resources for mitigating travel risks, and reviews the policy and processes relating to high-risk travel.
MIT Medical Department’s Travel Health Clinic — provides advice and can help you obtain appropriate immunizations and prescriptions.
The Office of Insurance — helps with documentation of health insurance requirements for visa requests and help obtaining additional international health insurance, if need.
Research Administration Services (RAS)) — provides important information about export control laws and international shipping requirements.
MIT Information Systems & Technology (IS&T) — provides secure travel recommendations and technology tips for travelers.

Planning for Collaborative Research

If your research will take you to facilities outside of MIT or to other institutions, it is important that you are familiar with local safety policies and emergency preparedness procedures. The host facility is responsible for reviewing their emergency plan with you so that you can react accordingly in the event of an emergency.

If you will be entering your host facility’s laboratories you should be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment and safety training for any potentially hazardous materials such as biological, radiological, or chemical.

It is important that you reach out to your host facility early in the planning process so that you are aware of their requirements and expectations.

Injury/Illness Reporting Requirements

The requirements for reporting work-related injuries while participating in field research are the same for employees working remotely or on campus. Any injuries related to work must be reported to your supervisor immediately after you receive any necessary medical attention. Your supervisor will need to submit an injury report within 24 hours. Remember, regardless of need for medical treatment, all injuries should be reported immediately.

For unpaid students that sustain an injury while participating in field work please complete the Non-Employee Incident Report as soon as possible. For injuries that occur in International locations, International SOS (ISOS) should be contacted to coordinate medical care and payment. Failure to engage ISOS could result in uncovered medical costs.

Additional Resources