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Quiz yourself on Fieldwork Process and EnquiryGet your flashcardsBuild my revision planTrack my progress📋 Risk Assessment — Required Before Every Investigation
Before fieldwork can take place, a risk assessment must be completed. This is not a bureaucratic formality — it is a genuine process of identifying hazards, assessing how serious they are, and putting controls in place to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. In the exam, you may be asked to complete a risk assessment table, or to suggest risk controls for a given fieldwork context.
The standard format is: Hazard → Who is at risk → Likelihood (1–5) → Severity (1–5) → Risk rating (L × S) → Control measures
| Hazard | Who is at risk | Likelihood (1–5) | Severity (1–5) | Risk rating | Control measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road traffic near data collection sites | All students and staff | 3 | 5 | 15 (HIGH) | High-visibility vests worn at all times; cross only at designated pedestrian crossings; adult supervision at road edges; risk assessment brief before departure |
| Fast-flowing or deep river water | Students entering or near the river channel | 2 | 5 | 10 (HIGH) | Non-slip footwear; never enter water above ankle depth without waders; buddy system — no student alone near water; teacher to assess flow conditions before entry; abandon if in flood |
| Slippery riverbanks or rocky coastal platforms | All students | 4 | 3 | 12 (MEDIUM) | Waterproof boots with grip; avoid fieldwork in wet conditions on steep banks; hold onto poles or ropes where provided; buddy system |
| Becoming lost or separated in an unfamiliar urban or rural area | All students | 2 | 3 | 6 (MEDIUM) | Groups of minimum 4 students; designated meeting points at set times; all students briefed on route before departure; mobile phones charged and carried; teacher's number saved |
| Sun exposure and dehydration | All students, especially in summer fieldwork | 3 | 2 | 6 (MEDIUM) | Water bottles carried by all students; sun cream applied; hats available; scheduled rest breaks in shade; fieldwork adjusted if temperature exceeds threshold |
| Confrontational or hostile members of public during urban questionnaires | Students conducting surveys | 2 | 2 | 4 (LOW) | Work in pairs; do not approach individuals who appear aggressive; briefing on politely declining confrontation; retreat to group assembly point if concerned |
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