Fieldwork preparation
Below are the forms and resources to prepare for fieldwork and ensure compliance with Curtin’s fieldwork policies and procedures regarding risk, occupational safety and health, travel, legal arrangements and insurance.
Fieldwork forms and resources
Pre-briefing
It’s important to attend a pre-briefing session before you participate in fieldwork. Your unit coordinator or fieldwork advisor will let you know when you need to attend your pre-briefing session.
Fieldwork checklists
Your Fieldwork Coordinator may request that you complete the following checklist before commencing your fieldwork activity. Please return this checklist to your Fieldwork Coordinator.
Fieldwork agreements
A Fieldwork Agreement is negotiated between Curtin and partners who host students on a placement or industry-based project. Examples of templates are provided below. The templates may be edited according to the particular context.
Risk management
All fieldwork must be approved before students commence fieldwork. Unit coordinators, fieldwork coordinators, staff and students must use the Fieldwork Online Risk Assessment and Approval tool, to determine the level of risk associated with the activity to initiate the approval process. Guidance on using the Risk Assessment and Approval too is available here. The Fieldwork Online Risk Assessment and Approval tool is integrated with the Travel Operations Portal for approval of fieldwork related travel.
- Fieldwork Online Risk Assessment and Approval tool
- Vehicles and Driving Risk assessment [.doc 180KB]
- Work alone, in isolation or remote areas Risk Assessment [.doc 290KB]
- Confined Space Risk Assessment [.doc 249KB]
- Plant and Equipment Risk Assessment [.doc 236KB]
- Hazardous Substances, Dangerous Goods & Biologicals Risk Assessment [.doc 289KB]
- Curtin Emergency Notification Plan – Domestic [.pdf 251KB]
- Curtin Emergency Notification Plan – International [.pdf 259KB]
Vulnerable students
- The Australian Health Principal Committee has identified people who may be a greater risk of COVID-19 infection who should take additional precautions for self care and wellbeing. If you believe that you are in one of these categories of vulnerable people, please contact your Unit Coordinator, Fieldwork Administrator, Student Wellbeing or Accessibility staff and develop a plan to manage any concerns.
COVID-19 and Fieldwork
Return to campus procedures
- The following processes are being used to assure your safety on campus.
- A COVID-19 Declaration should be completed by all students attending activities in specialised spaces on campus (e.g. labs, studios, clinics or performance spaces).
Fieldwork
- A COVID-19 Declaration should be completed by all students attending professional/volunteer placements prior to undertaking these activities.
- New guidance for Fieldwork briefings: Domestic Fieldwork considerations [.pptx 1.75MB] in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Guidance on additional travel approvals for students, internal WA travel and interstate travel
- Guidance on the use and reuse of masks [.pdf 120KB] on fieldwork placements
Vulnerable students
- The Australian Health Principal Committee has identified people who may be a greater risk of COVID-19 infection who should take additional precautions for self care and wellbeing. If you believe that you are in one of these categories of vulnerable people, please contact your Unit Coordinator, Fieldwork Administrator, Student Wellbeing or Accessibility staff and develop a plan to manage any concerns.
Travel for fieldwork
Travel approval for domestic and international fieldwork is completed through the Travel Operations Portal (TOP) in accordance with Curtin’s travel procedures.
See specific COVID-19 related advice on internal WA travel and interstate travel for Curtin students.
For more information about travel, refer to the Curtin Travel website.
For information about travel insurance, see Curtin’s Risk and Assurance website.
Insurance
The majority of fieldwork (placements) is conducted as part of a degree program (referred to a Curricular Fieldwork). Fieldwork administrators, Unit coordinators and HDR Supervisors should be able to assist with completion of the Online Fieldwork Risk Assessment, including approval of various Health and Safety risk assessments. Fieldwork approved through this process is covered by university insurance.
Co-curricular Fieldwork is not part of your degree, it is a range of complementary skill development opportunities undertaken on a voluntary basis with community organisations. Contact the Curtin Careers, Employment & Leadership Team on 9266 7802 or visit them in B102 Curtin Connect. They will facilitate your Online Fieldwork Risk Assessment and ensure you meet health and safety requirements and have appropriate insurance coverage.
Students studying at Curtin Perth, Curtin Kalgoorlie and OUA are covered by Curtin University’s Australian insurance. Students studying on our international campuses are covered by our global campus partner’s insurance.
Certificates of Currency cover staff and students undertaking approved fieldwork activities for personal accident, public liability and professional indemnity where appropriate.
Security clearances
Check your course guide for appropriate security clearances prior to fieldwork.
International fieldwork
Travel approval for domestic and international fieldwork is completed through the Travel Operations Portal (TOP) in accordance with Curtin’s travel procedures.
The forms below are useful for staff and students preparing for fieldwork overseas.
- Accommodation and Site Safety Assessment [.pdf 210KB]
- Curtin Emergency Notification Plan – International [.pdf 259KB]
- Emergency Contacts [.doc 83KB]
- Fitness to Travel Medical Certificate
- Host Organisation Detail of Work Placement Form [.pdf 75KB]
- Host Site Induction Checklist [.pdf 36KB]
- Student International Fieldwork Checklist [.pdf 186KB]
For information and examples of Fieldwork agreements with international host organisations, contact Professor Craig Zimitat, Learning Innovation and Teaching Excellence Centre, craig.zimitat@curtin.edu.au