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Introduction of Panelists

Introduction of Panelists. David Mogk - Professor and Chair, Montana State University Steven Whitmeyer – Associate Professor, James Madison University. Dave Mogk Montana State University Steve Whitmeyer James Madison University.

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Introduction of Panelists

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  1. Introduction of Panelists • David Mogk - Professor and Chair, Montana State University • Steven Whitmeyer – Associate Professor, James Madison University

  2. Dave Mogk Montana State University Steve Whitmeyer James Madison University Legal Issues Related to Field Trips and field courses: more Questions than Answers

  3. "The field is where the truth resides; it is the essential core of geology. Models are essential figments of the imagination which must be tested by observation. Those who do no field work and do not gather data will never understand geology" (John Dewey, quoted in Butler, 2008). Photo credit: Darrell Henry

  4. A Premise: Field Work is Good • Temporal and spatial reasoning on many scales • Transfer of concepts/content to new setting • Skill development; community of practice • Encounters with open, complex systems • Affective gains (motivation, networks)… • Do field work early, often, and at all levels • And Worth the Effort • But at what risk or cost? • Do you and your university legal staff have the same views on this?

  5. Field Education Trends • The decrease in summer field camps1 • 259 summer field camps in 1985 ~ 35% of geoscience depts. • 257 summer field camps in 1995 ~ 35% of geoscience depts. • 103 summer field camps in 2006 < 15% of geoscience depts. • Potential factors • barriers to field work; e.g. time, cost, liability, access • advances in laboratory equipment and techniques • decrease in professional jobs that incorporate field mapping • decline in the number of geoscience majors nationwide2 (…but the number of majors now seems to be increasing. Implications for field courses?) Data from 1AGI “Status Report on Geoscience Summer Field Camps”, 2006; 2AGI “Status of the Geoscience Workforce 2009”

  6. Planning and Preparation are Essential • Designing an Effective Field Experience http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/field/design.html • Field Trip Safetyhttp://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/field/field_safety.html Minimize Risk and Liability in the First Place! (An ounce of prevention….)

  7. Before You Go…. • Field Trip Policy Forms • Safety First! • Responsibilities to the group • Code of conduct (and consequences) • Medical and Emergency Contact Forms • Personal medical information (allergies, medications, diabetes, asthma…); info essential for a first responder • All staff and drivers should know the locations of, and directions to all nearby hospitals • Insurance information • Contact information • Special beliefs

  8. Itinerary • On file in the department • Leader and contact info • Schedule and locations lodging • List of participants • For student participants • Potential risks are clearly identified • Clear expectations about tasks • What to expect (weather, intensity of physical demands…) • What personal or professional gear to bring • Emergency Response Plan is in place • Local emergency medical, police, search and rescue

  9. Professional Standards? • Are you in a situation that requires (or allows) application of professional standards? Model professional standards! • OSHA, MSHA, HAZWOPER,? • Best Practices used in Industry • Hard hats • Reflective Vests • Eye and ear protection • Appropriate foot wear, weather gear • Safety inspection of vehicles; chock wheels

  10. Vehicle Safety • What type of vehicles? • Institutional motor pool? Departmental? • Commercial fleet? • Do the vehicles meet the needs of the event? (4 wheel drive, snow chains, ….)? • Safety Equipment in vehicles • Flares, cones, jumper cables, first aid crash kit… • Use of personal vehicles (not recommended) • Don’t know condition of vehicles or drivers • Disclaimer if students opt to drive themselves? • Certified drivers • TAs, students in class, outdoor activity leaders?

  11. Alcohol, Drug, Sexual Harassment, (Firearm?!) Policies • JUST SAY “NO” • The exposure to liability is just too great • At the very least comply with all local and state laws • Consequences • Complaints, Dismissal and Withdrawal Procedures must be in place • Best if students have copies of these policies up front • Highly Recommended • Keck Geology Consortium Student Participant Handbook keckgeology.org/files/pdf/projects/2009Student_Hdbk.pdf • Keck Geology Consortium Project Leader Handbook keckgeology.org/files/pdf/projects/PD_Hdbk2008_1.pdf

  12. Permits, Permissions • Land access is a major issue • Respect property rights—Ask First! • Range animals, gates, roads, fire danger (smoking) • Public Lands • Increasingly permits are required for access • MSU has a MOU with local forests documenting when and how we will use USFS lands • Sampling permits (national parks, etc.) • Respect road closures and other restrictions

  13. Student Code of Conduct • Extension of classroom! • All university policies apply • Any unsafe behavior subject to dismissal from the event / course • Disruptive behavior • Document everything, but be aware that all documentation is subject to FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)

  14. First Aid and Safety Gear • What is required, reasonable, prudent? • First Aid • What level? WFR’er; EMT? • Personal first aid kits in field backpacks; larger group first aid kits in each vehicle • Safety Gear • Radios / walkie-talkies • Mobile phones • Lightning detector? • Traffic cones

  15. Personal Liability Questions • Talk to your institutional legal council • Know in advance what your coverage is! • Consider obtaining a personal liability rider on you insurance policy • Beware of exclusions! • Non-instructional activities in a field setting • Activities that may be perceived as imprudent or unsafe

  16. In the event of an Accident Injury or Illness • Incident reporting (document everything) • Names of all involved, dates, location • What happened? (symptoms; history of events; situation….) • What treatments were given? • What external help was used (e.g. medical, hospital, clinic…)? • What actions were taken by authorities (police, rangers….)? • What was the recommended course of action?

  17. International Field Work • Helpful to have an umbrella organization, like a study abroad office, to cover legal and problem issues • Know the local laws, access policies, culture (especially in rural areas) • Absolutely know how to handle emergencies, like accidents and medical issues • If possible, students should have supplementary overseas medical insurance • Have documented procedures in place to send problem students home, if necessary • Something unexpected WILL occur, you just don’t know (yet) what it will be…

  18. Selected References • Field Geology Education: Historical Perspectives and Modern Approaches, Geological Society of America Special Paper 461, Whitmeyer, Mogk and Pyle (eds). A collection of 26 essays on a wide array of field teaching approaches. • Teaching Geoscience Through Field Work by John Butler, GEES Subject Centre Learning and Teaching Guide • Designing Effective Fieldwork for the Environmental and Natural Sciences by John Maskall and Alison Stokes, University of Plymouth, GEES Subject Centre Learning and Teaching Guide • Field Safety in Uncontrolled Environments, S. Oliveri and K Bohacs, 2005, AAPG

  19. Questions?

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