Field Trip Health and Safety

There are a few legal and liability issues which JCU Bushwalking Club members need to be aware of.

Although the JCU Bushwalking Club is a recognised Club of the James Cook University Student Association, the Association legally indemnifies itself and club members from all liability for injury or loss, resulting from Club activities, whether by negligence or otherwise. This means that each member of a club is soley responsible for is his or her behaviour and actions.

All student Union members are covered by the University's Insurance Policy, which covers students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for accident related injuries while they are at University or on a University related activity. This includes all bushwalking trips. Unfortunately it does not cover any illnesses arising from any activity.

To promote safe practices, the club has decided to adopt two aspects of the University's Field Trip Health and Safety Policy. These are:

(1) Field Trip Operational Details Form are to be completed, including detailed information on each trip, a list of participants and estimated time of return.

(2) Field Trip Induction's to be provided prior to each walk. This is to cover the nature of the excursion, safety issues, fitness expectations, expected behaviour and gear required by participants. Participants must formally acknowledge this induction, and accept full responsibility for their behaviour and actions.

The Bushwalking Club has 3 simple rules we expect members to adhere to. These are:

(1) Club Members should act responsibly, showing courtesy and consideration to other members at all times.

(2) Always be well prepared for any expedition. Carefully judge the time and effort needed for a trip and always take appropriate food and water. Make sure you also take sun screen, appropriate clothing (depending on the nature of the walk, this might include a long sleeved shirt, long pants, spare (dry) clothes, hat and suitable footwear), maps- GPS and EPRIB (if possible) as well as emergency gear such as compass, matches, a pocket knife and first aid kit. If possible, always leave details of your intended route and time of return with someone.

(3) Never leave a group without telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

The Terrestrial Field Safety Handbook is an excellent source of relevant information on first aid, procedures when lost, and essential elements of a safety. If you would like to get hold of copy, please let Allen Mcilwee know.