Safety for Field and Farm Operations

Our mission is to foster a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity in the field and at the farm. We work 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.

inReach & First Aid Kit Checkout

female researcher in river with equipment
Field 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.
More about Field Safety

technician setting up a drone for flight over an agricultural field
Farm Safety
Utah State University proudly maintains more than 13 research farms, including botanical gardens and extension agricultural locations throughout the state. At USU, our Environmental Health and Safety team is determined to provide a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to conduct agricultural research and education.

Our mission is to promote safety, educate, raise awareness, encourage responsibility, innovate, comply with regulations, and continuously improve 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.
More about Farm Safety

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AUG
First Aid Training

Upcoming Dates:

  • August: 6, 7, 9, 13, 14
  • September: 2, 10, 18

Times:

  • 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
  • 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $40 per person

Pre-registration is required and is due a minimum of 5 business days before the training date selected (1-hour online pre-coursework due on the day of training). The maximum enrollment for each class is 12 participants.

Register for a First Aid Training

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.

More information on submitting safe and inclusive plans for for NSF funded grants is available from Sponsored Programs.

Related Resources and Policies

For more field and farm safety information or to provide feedback on information you feel is missing, please call (435) 797-1750 or email the Field Safety Officer if you have any comments, questions or concerns.