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Field Course Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

Field course health and safety are critical aspects of our business. We have the personnel, experience and processes required to conduct field operations to the highest standards of safety.

Health and Safety

Our People

  • All GeoLogica field courses will have a field safety officer present, whose role is to ensure the safe management of the course, oversee all participants and the environment as the safety officer and be a part of the leadership team with the tutor. They have the authority to modify or prohibit any field course activity as part of their dynamic safety management.
  • GeoLogica field safety officers have appropriate experience and training in many different areas of field safety and will dynamically manage courses in accordance with our HSE guidelines and external standards (BS8848).
  • All GeoLogica field safety officers have been trained and hold a current first aid course certificate appropriate to working in a field environment. Emergency action/response training is undertaken in conjunction with the base office.
  • Where appropriate, GeoLogica field safety officers will have completed specific training relating to any specific field course activity.
  • Our GeoLogica field safety officers are all selected for their abilities, competence and experience in the field, which ensure the courses are managed with the highest standards of health, safety and environmental considerations.

Safety Management Systems

  • All field courses have been scheduled around ideal seasonal conditions to minimize environmental hazards. Where necessary, pre-course field reconnaissance will have been carried out.
  • GeoLogica monitors political and social conditions in countries where field courses take place and will respond appropriately to any potentially hazardous situations.
  • To assist participants in their choice of course, each course is graded according to the physical demands that are placed on the participant. Each course will also be assigned a kit list, which is sent to the participant as part of the Course Joining Instructions, in order to guide participants as to what personal clothing/equipment they should carry with them.
  • Some locations require specific safety equipment to be worn or used. Where this is the case, equipment fit for purpose will be provided and, where required, explanations will be given on correct usage.
  • Post course documentation and actions are reviewed and, where necessary, appropriate improvements are made to the course for future runs and successive planning.
  • The processes employed are aligned to BS8848 safety management systems.

Kit list

For every field course we provide participants with a detailed required kit list. However, some common items that are generally expected to be needed on a field course include:

  • Walking/hiking boots
  • Backpack
  • Sun protection e.g. broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Cold protection e.g. hat, gloves, spare clothes, fleece
  • Waterproofs e.g. jacket/shell and trousers
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medications

Exertion Level

Field courses vary in weather conditions, type of terrain and in the distances that participants are required to walk. Every field course is assigned an Exertion Level that describes the physical demands normally encountered during that course. It is important for every participant to be aware of the physical nature of each field course they wish to attend so that they can prepare accordingly. Disregarding the Exertion Level may place the participant, and the field course group generally, in a position of increased risk.

  • EASY Mainly short walks (less than 1.6km/1 mile) with little elevation change (up to 100m/325 ft) on well-graded terrain with no steep or difficult sections; altitude below 2000m/6000 ft; weather not excessively warm (< 32˚C/90˚F) or cool (> 5˚C/40˚F); no special skills required; suitable for occasional walkers.
  • MODERATE One or more longer walks (up to 6.4km/4 miles) with modest ascent/descent (300m/1000 ft); paths are well marked but may be rocky or slippery with some steep sections; altitude below 2500m/8000 ft; weather may be hot (> 32˚C/90˚F) or cold (< 5˚C/40˚F); suitable for participants of average fitness.
  • DIFFICULT As MODERATE except walks may be up to 16km/10 miles; elevation changes may exceed 300m/1000 ft and some sections may be steep, exposed or precipitous; a good level of fitness is required.

Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for assessing their suitability for the course and can contact the GeoLogica office before the course begins if they have any questions about the physical requirements. Our team will be happy to advise on any medical or additional support if needed. Please note: where the situational conditions change, field safety officers will be on hand to communicate with the group and provide assistance if required.

Accessibility and Inclusiveness

Fieldwork and training opportunities should be inclusive.

Participants who may require assistance to access field locations due to differing abilities, are requested to contact the GeoLogica office and discuss a plan of action to allow them to take part. GeoLogica staff have experience in assisting participants with differing abilities and will endeavour to facilitate attendance on their chosen course.

Please contact GeoLogica to discuss any access or inclusiveness issues well in advance of the course dates.

Thick carbonate lentil, La Popa, La Popa basin, Mexico

Insurance and Medical Details

Before attendance on our field courses, participants are required to have travel and medical insurance and carry the details with them at all times. We strongly advise that these details are also shared with GeoLogica before the course starts so that, in the unlikely event of a medical/emergency situation, these details can be used to ensure medical aid and repatriation.

Environment

GeoLogica are committed to limiting our environmental impact, including reducing our carbon footprint. We aim to find ways in which we, as a business, can consistently reduce our consumption and waste. Strategies include but are not limited to:

  • Legal and responsible access to outcrops, following conservation guidelines and the country code, minimizing impact to local flora and fauna.
  • Buying provisions locally to help support the local economy and reduce carbon footprint.
  • Employing digital documentation and minimizing the use of paper.
  • Recycling and reusing consumables and equipment.
  • Improving and promoting efficient course and employee transportation.
  • Continuing to drive the efficient use of electronic appliances, e.g. power save mode or off.
  • Managing staff working from home and utilizing video conferencing.
  • Promoting employee engagement and initiatives.