Health and Safety in NZ Archaeology

Introduction

This part of the website is a portal to information regarding Health and Safety issues for archaeologists working in New Zealand. While every attempt to keep the relevant you should look at the various resources here and elsewhere to best stay SAFE!

Safety for the individuals

Archaeology and OSH

Archaeology and Accidental Compensation Commission (ACC)

ACC website and in particular the Work Safety Section

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Safety in Fieldwork practise

Field survey

Working in the field can be one of the most dangerous places for an archaeologist. Surveys often take you through difficult terrain which can lead to all sorts of issues.

A template for a Health and Safety Plan which has been used for archaeological field survey work in New Zealand can be downloaded from the NZAA website - here

General Health Advice

1. Back pain, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Archaeologists
2. Be Sun-smart: "Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap' - Skin cancer is a real problem for archaeologists and you all know the drill!

General Safety advice

1. Work in pairs
2. If you can work with pairs then ensure that somebody knows where you are going and when to expect you return
3. Ensure you have a GPS and mobile phone and they are fully charged when in the field
4. If possible identify areas that are unsafe and avoid if possible e.g., cliffs, tidal zones etc

Quadbikes

These are incredibly dangerous and we know of archaeologists who have had issues with these. There is no doubt that they can be very useful for field surveys so a few things should be kept in mind:

1. Realise that they are not toys and recognise that they can hurt and even kill you
2. Ensure you have some training and practice on them with somebody who knows how they work
3. Do not go over terrain that is too steep or rough: just get out and walk!

On Construction and Demolition Projects

Construction/demolition sites are very dangerous places for archaeology. Many construction projects require archaeologists to be qualified in basic construction site safety protocols. You may have to go an course on site safety before being admitted to a project site.

Safety gear

(Gften referred to Personal Protection Equipment/Clothing or PPE/PPC) including:

• Visibility Jackets - use the ones with reflectors
• Safety boots (steel caps)
• Hard hat

Optional gear that may be necessary include:

• Safety googles
• Masks
• Gloves

General Principles to follow

1. Communicate frequently with the construction/demolition team to identify, avoid, isolate and minimise hazards
2. Check site hazard boards regularly before entering a project area.

Wells

Wells are popular for archaeologists and although often good places for artefacts they are dangerous for archaeologists.

Importantly it is against the law to go into a well (that has any depth) without the proper safety gear and rescue plan. So our advice is essentially not to do it!

Known or potential wells should be identified clearly and properly covered to prevent accidental falls.

During excavations

Safety in Lab Environments

Rules within Laboratory environments are usually well established but if they are not then you should ensure that the necessary actions take place. Typical examples of some of these rules are presented here.

Safety in the office

We may like to think of ourselves as Indiana Jones but most of our time is spent in offices and dangers lurk even there!

Useful Resources

SiteSafe NZ

Links

• Safety Issues in Archaeology US website
• Basic Health and Safety Advice for Archaeology - UK PDF document