Fieldwork

Refers to any activity undertaken by members of the University in any location external to University of Waterloo campuses for the purpose of research, study, training or learning.

Lower risk fieldwork (fieldwork risk management form not required)

Includes an activity taking place at another institution (e.g. university, hospital, library, government agency) that does not require vaccinations other than those routinely given in Ontario, and has no significant health, safety or environmental risk. Examples include:

• Supervised field trips/internships within Canada and USA
• Out-of-town trip to a university, government agency, non-governmental organizations (NGO), art gallery or museum
• Supervised sample collection or surveys
• Conference/meeting/workshop attendance

Higher risk fieldwork

Includes any activity that may cause personal harm or may negatively impact local environments, including buildings, or social or cultural norms. A fieldwork risk management form must be completed and approved prior to undertaking fieldwork in any location external to the University that involves higher risk.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Fieldwork, field trips and internships outside Canada and USA
• Fieldwork at industrial sites such as factories, mining operations and construction sites
• Activities that require specialized safety training and/or certification in the use of personal protective or safety equipment
• Fieldwork at any international or remote location
• Travel to areas where immunization and/or significant health and safety precautions are required
• Work at sites with hazardous substances
• Overnight trips with undergraduate students
• Fieldwork which by nature entails risk (e.g., travelling on water or ice, rock climbing, high altitude work, diving, working with dangerous flora or fauna or working in remote regions or habitats such as forests and lakes)

Fieldwork Risk Management Form (PDF)

Fieldwork Risk Management Form (Word)

Safety in student abroad programs

Travel requirements