Safety for Field and Farm Operations
Welcome to our dedicated space for Field and Farm Safety. Our mission is to foster a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity in the field and at the farm. EH&S works in partnership with individuals and groups both on and off-campus to assess the risks of farm and field activities. This partnership aims to have all tasks conducted with the highest standards of safety and most effective control measures in place. Here, you’ll find comprehensive resources, best practices and innovative strategies designed to promote field and farm safety.
Field – Includes any location outside of USU main and statewide campuses, extension offices, or USU owned or operated office and classroom buildings. Risk is inherent in all field activities. Best practice is to plan ahead so that you have and not need, rather than need and not have. If you are working in- or planning a trip to- the field, check out these resources.
Utah State University has more than 15 Research Farms, bontanical gardens, and agricultural plots. The USU Environmental Health and Safety office is determined to provide a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to conduct agricultural research and education. Our mission is to prioritize safety, educate and train, promote awareness, encourage responsibility, innovate for safety, comply with regulations, and review and improve our safety policies and procedures. Through this mission, we aim to ensure that our research farms remain safe, secure, and conducive to advancing agricultural knowledge and innovation.
Farm Safety Resources
- Grain Safe Handling Coalition
- USU Extension Farm Safety
- Worker Protection Standard
- Animal Care and Use | Office of Research | USU
- Medical Trainings
Safe & Inclusive Work Environment
At Utah State University, we are committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. Environmental Health & Safety supports the National Science Foundation’s mandate for a certified plan that ensures safety and inclusivity during off-campus and off-site research, particularly within fieldwork and field research endeavors.
We promote field environments that:
- Are free from abuse to any person. Including, not limited to, harassment, stalking, bullying, or hazing of any kind;
- Prohibit conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, indecent, obscene, or disorderly;
- Encourage shared team definitions of roles, responsibilities, and team culture;
- Provide support in the field, such as mentor/mentee support mechanisms, regular check-ins with each person, and communication pathways that are equally available to all.
For NSF funded grants, visit the Sponsored Programs | Office of Research | USU webpage for more information on submitting safe and inclusive plans for NSF grant proposals.
Related Resources and Policies
Safe & Inclusive Work Environments | Sponsored Programs | Office of Research | USU
Policy 514: Vehicle Use Policy | USU
University Policy 337: Safety and Health
University Policy 539: Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Usage
USU Policy 536: International Travel
Vehicle Use Policy | Risk Management | USU
The Field and Farm webpages are currently under revision. EH&S is accepting feedback. For more field and farm safety information, please call (435) 797-1750 or email the Field Safety Officer if you have any comments, questions or concerns.