Abstract
Ensuring safety protocols are implemented in the workplace is essential to identify and control hazards and improve response capacities to unexpected emergencies. Within environmental consulting, fieldwork can pose various hazards based on fieldwork types, environmental conditions and equipment utilized for data collection. For this project, a safety protocol framework was developed for future Turrell Hall and Associates’ intern cohorts to promote safety awareness. This framework was based on personal experiences from fieldwork such as tree monitoring, surveying and wetland delineations. Additional information for the framework was derived from academic literature and proper procedures from state entities, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The framework is a powerful and versatile risk management tool that Turrell Hall and Associates can apply to both its marine engineering and environmental consulting services. Promoting safety awareness and knowledge through frameworks such as the one developed, attribute greatly to ensuring a safe working environment for employees in both the field and office.
The final deliverables for the project consisted of two forms of media. First, a safety protocol booklet that can be printed and placed into a binder for future interns to refer to throughout the duration of their on-boarding and internship was created. This detailed booklet divided land-based and water-based field work into two separate sections, detailing the proper procedures for each kind of field work, background information necessary, such as permitting procedures, potential hazards and the best prevention and control measures for hazard responses in a visually pleasing and easy to read format. A quick and easy to reference safety protocol poster was also created outlining the best practices for field safety by land or water-based fieldwork, personal protective equipment, the most troublesome and common hazards, and materials essential to hazard response.
The project’s main goals were to address the lack of cohesion in academic literature about proper fieldwork procedures, synthesizing it into readily available and accessible content. It can serve as a useful guide for universities and local organizations to form their own safety protocols or student interns who lack experience with real world emergencies and hazard response capacities.