Intern Safety & Fieldwork Protocol

Holon Foundation prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of all interns and staff engaged in conservation fieldwork across Texas. This Intern Safety & Fieldwork Protocol establishes mandatory safety procedures, protective equipment requirements, emergency response protocols, and incident reporting standards specific to conservation fieldwork in the Texas landscape. All interns must complete safety training and certification before deploying to field sites.

1. Purpose

This protocol governs safety requirements for all conservation fieldwork conducted by Holon Foundation interns and staff. The protocol is tailored to the specific hazards of Texas conservation work, including extreme heat, wildlife encounters, remote terrain, tool hazards, and communication challenges in areas with limited cellular coverage. Compliance with this protocol is a condition of employment and participation in all Holon Foundation fieldwork programs.

2. Heat Illness Prevention

Heat-related illness is the leading environmental hazard in Texas fieldwork. Holon Foundation implements a rigorous heat illness prevention program based on the Water-Rest-Shade (WRS) protocol and WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) monitoring.

Water-Rest-Shade (WRS) Protocol

• Water: Interns must consume a minimum 17-20 oz of water every 20 minutes during fieldwork, regardless of perceived thirst. Hydration is mandatory, not optional.
• Rest: Active work is interrupted every 45 minutes for a minimum 10-minute rest in shade
• Shade: All rest breaks must occur in natural shade (trees) or provided shade structures (canopies, pop-up tents). Direct sun rest is prohibited.

7-Day Acclimatization Schedule

New interns or staff are subject to a mandatory 7-day acclimatization schedule before full fieldwork deployment. Work intensity increases 20% per day:

• Day 1: 20% of typical fieldwork intensity; 10-15 minute tasks with extended shade breaks
• Day 2: 40% intensity; 20-30 minute tasks
• Day 3: 60% intensity; 40-50 minute tasks
• Day 4: 80% intensity; 60-minute tasks with standard breaks
• Day 5: 100% intensity; full fieldwork schedule
• Days 6-7: Full intensity with continuous monitoring

Any intern exhibiting heat illness symptoms during acclimatization is removed from fieldwork for medical evaluation before the schedule resumes.

WBGT Monitoring & Work Restrictions

Fieldwork is managed based on Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which accounts for air temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation. Measurements are taken at the work site each morning and midday.

• WBGT 82-85°F: Normal fieldwork allowed; WRS protocol mandatory
• WBGT 85-87°F: Reduce work intensity by 25%; extend rest breaks to 15 minutes every 30 minutes of work
• WBGT 87-90°F: Reduce work intensity by 50%; maximum 20 minutes consecutive work; 10-minute shade rest mandatory
• WBGT >90°F: All fieldwork is SUSPENDED. Emergency heat response protocols activated. Move to air-conditioned space immediately.

Heat Illness Symptoms & Response

Supervisors and all fieldwork personnel must recognize early signs of heat illness:

Heat Cramps

• Symptoms: Muscle cramps, usually in legs or abdomen
• Response: Move to shade, hydrate with electrolyte drink (sports drink), gentle stretching
• Return to work only after full symptom resolution (minimum 30 minutes rest)

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Dizziness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, cool/clammy skin
• Response: Immediate removal from heat; move to shade or AC; lie flat with legs elevated; cool with water spray or wet towels; provide electrolyte drink
• Call 911 if symptoms don't improve within 30 minutes
• No return to fieldwork that day; medical clearance required before resuming

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)

• Symptoms: High body temperature (>104°F), altered mental status, lack of sweating, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures
• Response: Call 911 immediately. Cool aggressively with ice packs, cold water immersion, or cold-water spray. Do not give fluids orally if unconscious.
• Heat stroke requires immediate hospitalization
• Internship is terminated; return to work requires physician clearance

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following PPE is mandatory for all conservation fieldwork. Holon Foundation provides a comprehensive safety kit at the start of each internship.

Required PPE (All Interns)

• Closed-Toe Boots: Minimum 6-inch height with ankle support; required for protection from snakes, sharp objects, and terrain hazards. Steel-toe or composite-toe boots recommended. No sandals, open-toe shoes, or lightweight sneakers.
• Long Pants: Minimum full-length coverage; lightweight and breathable for heat management. Durable fabric (canvas, work-grade synthetic) to resist thorns and sharp vegetation. No shorts under any circumstances in field deployment.
• Wide-Brimmed Hat: Minimum 3-inch brim for sun protection and visibility. Provided by Foundation. Helps with heat regulation and protects against direct sun exposure.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30 minimum, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB). Provided in safety kit. Reapply every 2 hours and after sweating.
• Work Gloves: Nitrile or leather gloves for handling plants, tools, and potentially hazardous materials. Multiple pairs provided; replaced as needed.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles with side coverage. Required when using power tools or clearing brush. Provided by Foundation.
• Tick-Repellent Clothing: Permethrin-treated clothing or spray application (applied to clothing, not skin). Holon provides permethrin spray; clothing can be pre-treated.
• Insect Repellent: DEET-based or picaridin-based repellent for exposed skin. Foundation provides standard insect repellent; interns may bring personal preference. Apply per product instructions.

Safety Kit Contents

Each intern receives a comprehensive safety kit including:

• Work boots (sized for individual; replacements provided if needed)
• Wide-brimmed hat
• 3 pairs work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• DEET insect repellent
• Permethrin clothing treatment
• First aid kit (field-specific: blister treatment, pain relievers, antihistamines, tweezers for splinters)
• Emergency whistle
• Emergency contact cards

4. Wildlife Encounter Protocols

Texas fieldwork requires awareness and preparedness for encounters with venomous snakes, feral hogs, fire ants, ticks, and poisonous plants. All interns receive mandatory wildlife avoidance training during orientation.

Venomous Snakes

Texas Venomous Species: Rattlesnakes (Western, Western Diamond-backed, Timber), Copperheads, Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins)

Prevention

• Stay alert to surroundings; scan ground and vegetation before stepping
• Make noise (talking, footsteps) while moving; snakes typically avoid vibration
• Avoid putting hands/feet in areas without direct visibility
• Never reach into brush or holes
• Wear closed-toe boots and long pants at all times
• Stay on cleared trails when possible

Encounter Response

• If you see a snake: Stop immediately. Back away slowly while maintaining distance (6+ feet). Give the snake a clear escape route. Most snakes flee when given the option.
• If bitten: Call 911 immediately. Immobilize the affected limb. Remove jewelry/tight clothing. Do NOT cut the wound, apply tourniquets, or use suction (these worsen damage). Remain calm; panic increases heart rate and venom spread.
• Do NOT attempt to kill the snake. This increases risk of additional bites.

Feral Hogs

Characteristics

• Large (200-300+ lbs), aggressive, particularly if protecting piglets
• Unpredictable and dangerous
• May cause severe lacerations or crush injuries

Prevention & Response

• If you observe fresh hog sign (rooting, scat, wallows), avoid the area and report to supervisor
• If you encounter a hog: Back away slowly and quietly. Do not make direct eye contact or sudden movements.
• If a hog charges: Climb a tree or get behind a large rock/barrier if possible. Call 911.
• Never approach or attempt to touch a hog. Treat as dangerous wildlife.

Fire Ants

Identification & Danger

• Red/brown color, form large mounds in open areas
• Extremely aggressive; swarm and sting when mound is disturbed
• Multiple stings can cause anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals

Prevention & Response

• Scan for mounds before sitting or lying on ground
• If stung: Brush ants off immediately (don't crush). Wash area with soap and water. Apply ice and antihistamine cream.
• If experiencing swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis symptoms: Call 911 immediately. Use epinephrine auto-injector if available.
• Interns with known fire ant allergies must carry auto-injector and inform supervisor

Ticks

Risk & Prevention

• Ticks transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other diseases
• Use permethrin-treated clothing (most effective prevention)
• Apply DEET insect repellent to exposed skin
• Inspect body after fieldwork; ticks attach but take time to transmit disease (remove within 24 hours for safety)

Tick Removal

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp tick as close to skin as possible
• Pull straight out (don't twist or jerk). Discard in sealed container.
• Do NOT use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat to remove ticks
• Report tick bites to supervisor. Monitor for fever, rash, or joint pain in following weeks.

Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

Identification

• Poison ivy: Three leaflets, glossy or dull, green/red; grows as vine or shrub
• Poison oak: Three leaflets, clustered appearance, oak-like; usually shrub form
• Poison sumac: 7-13 leaflets in pairs, grows as shrub/tree; smooth white berries
• All contain urushiol oil which causes severe skin reaction on contact

Prevention & Response

• Learn to identify poisonous plants and avoid contact
• Wear long sleeves and pants; urushiol doesn't penetrate cloth
• If exposed: Wash affected skin immediately with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
• If rash develops: Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Do NOT scratch (increases infection risk).
• Severe reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing): Call 911 immediately

5. Buddy System

Mandatory Rule: No intern works alone in the field. All fieldwork is conducted in minimum 2-person teams.

Buddy Responsibilities

• Maintain visual contact or auditory range at all times
• Check on each other regularly (verbal confirmation every 5-10 minutes in dense terrain)
• Immediately alert supervisor to any injury, illness, or safety concern
• Know location of nearest emergency services and evacuation route
• Carry communication device (see Remote Area Operations section)

Supervision Requirement

• At least one supervisor must be present for fieldwork groups
• Supervisor is responsible for checking on all team members, monitoring WBGT/weather, and initiating emergency response
• Maximum group size: 8 interns per supervisor

6. Tool Safety

Power equipment and specialized tools require certification before use. Interns cannot operate equipment they haven't been trained on.

Equipment Requiring Certification

• Chainsaws: 8-hour certification course required; annual refresher recommended
• UTVs/ATVs: 4-hour certification course required; supervised operation only
• String Trimmers: 2-hour training; supervised first use
• Power Drills: 1-hour training; independent use after proficiency demonstrated
• Hand Tools (axes, machetes, shovels): Orientation training; supervised first use

General Tool Safety Rules

• Always wear appropriate PPE for the tool being used
• Never operate equipment while fatigued, medicated, or under the influence
• Inspect equipment before use (check for damage, loose parts, fuel/oil levels)
• Follow all manufacturer safety instructions
• Keep fingers, hair, loose clothing away from moving parts
• Never modify or remove safety guards
• Store equipment properly; never leave running equipment unattended

7. Remote Area Operations

Some conservation fieldwork occurs in areas with limited cellular coverage. Remote deployments require mandatory communication equipment and protocols.

Satellite Communication

For deployments beyond cellular coverage, teams carry Garmin inReach satellite communicators:

• Allows two-way messaging even in areas with no cell signal
• Enables location tracking by supervisors/emergency responders
• One device per 2-person team minimum
• Device must be turned on at start of fieldwork; location confirmed every 30 minutes
• Device included in pre-deployment equipment check

GPS Requirements

• All fieldwork teams carry GPS device with pre-loaded site maps
• GPS coordinates recorded at work site and hourly during deployment
• If team becomes lost: Stay in place, activate satellite communicator, wait for rescue

Cellular Dead-Zone Protocols

• Supervisor establishes check-in times (every 2 hours minimum) via satellite communicator
• Failure to check in initiates emergency search protocol
• Teams do not explore beyond designated work area
• Emergency contact information carried by all team members

8. Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)

Every fieldwork site has a written Emergency Action Plan addressing site-specific hazards, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information.

EAP Contents

• Site map with evacuation routes and emergency rally points
• Location of nearest hospital/trauma center
• Emergency contact numbers (911, poison control, supervisor, nearest hospital)
• Radio frequencies for emergency communication
• Hazard-specific response procedures (heat stroke, snake bite, etc.)
• First aid kit location and contents

EAP Accessibility

• Physical EAP cards carried by all interns (laminated pocket-size)
• EAP posted at field site base/equipment cache
• EAP reviewed verbally at start of each workday

Evacuation Procedures

• If evacuation is needed: Supervisor initiates 911 call and provides site location
• Teams move to designated rally point
• Satellite communicator used to confirm evacuation and provide GPS location to rescue
• All personnel remain together; do not attempt self-rescue

9. First Aid Requirements

Certification Requirements

• CPR + AED Certification: Required for all supervisors; recommended for all interns
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification: Minimum requirement for field supervisors; optional for interns
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification: Recommended for extended/remote deployments

Foundation covers costs of CPR and Wilderness First Aid certification courses. Courses are conducted during paid work hours.

First Aid Kit Requirements

• First aid kit present at all field sites
• Kit includes: gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, antihistamine cream, ace bandages, tweezers, emergency blanket, CPR face shield
• Kits checked monthly for expiration and restocked as needed
• Additional kit contents for remote sites: irrigation syringes (for flushing wounds), tourniquets (for severe bleeding)

Deployed Group Composition

• Minimum 2 CPR/AED-certified staff members per fieldwork deployment of 4+ people
• If only 2 people deployed: At least 1 must be CPR/AED certified
• Lone deployments (if emergency-necessary) require supervisor on-site or within 15-minute response time

10. Incident Reporting

Any injury, illness, near-miss, or safety concern must be documented and reported. This includes minor incidents (small cuts, insect bites) and serious events.

Reporting Timeline

• Immediate: Report injuries requiring medical attention to 911 or supervisor immediately
• 24-Hour Window: All incidents must be reported in writing within 24 hours using Safety Incident Reporting Form
• Worker's Compensation Claim Initiation: For paid interns, incident report triggers claim filing (for eligible injuries)

Incident Report Contents

• Date, time, and location of incident
• Description of what happened (objective facts, not interpretation)
• Individuals involved and witnesses
• Injuries or property damage
• What was the intern doing at the time?
• Environmental conditions (temperature, weather, terrain)
• Equipment involved (if applicable)
• Immediate response taken
• Contributing factors or unsafe conditions
• Recommendations for prevention

Report Submission

• Form submitted to field supervisor and Program Coordinator
• For serious injuries: Incident reported to Executive Director within 24 hours
• For worker's compensation eligible injuries (paid interns): Claim filed within 48 hours
• Incident tracked and analyzed for patterns/trends

Safety Incident Reporting Policy

Incident reports are not disciplinary documents; they are learning tools. Honest reporting is encouraged. Retaliation against interns who report safety concerns is strictly prohibited and grounds for dismissal of responsible personnel.

Policy Questions & Contact Information

Appendices

Appendix A: Wildlife Avoidance Training Checklist

• Snake identification and avoidance (slideshow, field photos)
• Fire ant mound identification
• Tick prevention and removal
• Poison plant identification
• Wildlife response procedures
• Certification quiz (passing score 80%+ required)

Appendix B: Heat Illness Recognition Checklist

• Heat cramps identification and response
• Heat exhaustion identification and response
• Heat stroke identification and emergency response
• WBGT monitoring and work restriction procedures

Policy Modifications & Updates

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect lessons learned from incidents, new research on heat illness prevention, or changes in wildlife populations. All updates will be communicated to active interns and staff.