Field trip safety checklist

Has formal approval for the trip been gained from the head of the department?

Have duties and responsibilities been made clear to the supervisor?

Have duties and responsibilities been made clear to all staff, students and visitors?

Have all potential hazards been identified and controls put in place?

Are the procedures for accident/incident reporting clear?

Has written consent been granted to participate by guardians of students?

Are the procedures for dealing with emergencies in place?

Is appropriate safety equipment available (if needed)?

Have participants been instructed in the use and care of special equipment?

Is it necessary to obtain permits for particular activities?

Have medical conditions such as allergies, asthma, and diabetes been documented by the supervisor?

Is a qualified person trained in first aid included in the party?

Is there a suitable stocked first aid kit available?

Are head counts taken both on arrival and before departure?

Has all essential information been made available to all concerned parties?

Has a communication procedure been set if the field trip is in a remote area?

Is a copy of your school's code of conduct, or health and safety program, available for reference?

Is there an adequate ratio of adults to students? More congested areas may require more supervision.

Have all volunteers had a criminal background check performed?

Has a buddy system been established?

Are chaperones familiar with the names of the students?

When arriving at the destination has there been a "lost student" area identified?

If lunches are provided, are they stored at a proper temperature?

Is there a list of information available at the main office that includes route, destination, and departure and return times, list of students involved, permission slips, and contact information? This will be helpful if a guardian is unsure of information; they can then call the main office and the school staff can quickly relay information.