Safety

SCA’s number one priority is the safety and well-being of our members.  While SCA maintains a remarkable safety record, we do not assume it can remain so without exceptional diligence and a high level of commitment from you as the intern’s supervisor.

SCA is proud of our safety record and risk management program.  Utilizing 49 years of experience, SCA has developed standards and guidelines that promote a strong safety culture.  SCA continually evaluates safety through hazard assessments, incident and “near-miss” analysis and integrates the lessons learned into our protocols, procedures and training.   In addition to being time and event-tested, SCA's risk management protocols and procedures are thoroughly reviewed (and revised, if necessary) annually by SCA’s Risk Management Team.

Emergency Communication with SCA

We rely on you to communicate with us in the event of an emergency or disciplinary action or any other situation that impacts the physical or emotional safety of the intern.  SCA has a wealth of experience and resources available to you in managing challenging situations.  We expect to work with you in managing any major accidents, illnesses, injuries or major events involving law enforcement, interaction with the media, etc.  If you are considering disciplining or dismissing someone, we need to be informed early in the process.

SCA’s 24 hour contact number is 800-967-6449.  This line has been set up to support our members, staff, and agency partners.  During business hours, this line rings directly in to SCA Headquarters at Charlestown, NH.  Outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays, this number will connect you with an on-call staff member.  This staff member will provide you support and/or connect you with the appropriate SCA staff member.  This line should be used for urgent communications and not for normal business use.  During normal business hours please call 603-543-1700 and alert the person answering the phone to the nature of your call.

Emergency Contact Procedure

During business hours
In the event of an injury, accident, illness or other serious incident affecting the health or well-being of a Conservation Intern, please notify SCA as soon as possible by calling our national headquarters at 603-543-1700 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.  Alert the person answering the phone to the nature of your call.

After business hours
If your emergency takes place outside regular business hours, or if you are unable to reach SCA at the main telephone number, please use our 24-hour emergency contact line: 800-967-6449.  Use this number as a last resort, as on-call responsibilities are shared by program staff who may or may not work specifically for Conservation Internships.  Do not use this number for procedural or business matters that are best handled during regular working hours.  

Please pass this information along to other members of your staff who should be aware of emergency contact procedures.

Job Hazard Assessments

There is inherent risk in what we all do, but if we anticipate, and prepare to manage this risk, we can prevent most incidents.  As our partner, we rely on your experience and expertise to evaluate risk at the worksite and in the local environment.  SCA has begun a process to work with you to more formally complete job hazard assessments for each internship position.  This will assure we are educating each other regarding potential risk areas as well as what preparation and training will be necessary for your intern in order to mitigate those risks.

There are a few areas that deserve special mention as you get ready to receive your intern:

• Prevention of Imbedded Ticks
• Permethin Info Sheet

Training and Supervision

As their direct supervisor, you have the opportunity to create a "safety first" culture through the training and supervision you provide. Training and supervision are key to a successful internship experience.  Most activities (traveling, working, hiking, swimming, etc.) have some inherent risk.  Before the intern arrives, please assess the intern's job duties and activities for hazard concerns.  Incorporate your expectations for managing these hazards into your training plan.  

Interns should receive the training they need to safely complete their assignments and it should meet your agency's highest standard.  Special attention should be given to interns utilizing mechanized equipment.  The risk potential grows exponentially when using equipment such as brush saws, chainsaws, chippers and power tools.
When it comes to assessing hazards and ensuring safety, interns should be instructed to make the conservative call at all times.  This is especially true when operating mechanized equipment

Vehicles

Most of us know someone whose life has been irrevocably altered due to an automobile accident.  Getting behind the wheel is one of the most hazardous activities we do on a daily basis.  Not surprisingly, vehicle-related accidents are one of the most common type of incident in SCA's intern program, on or off work time.  When training interns to operate vehicles, err on the side of caution. Make sure the training highlights the use of seat belts and following speed limits, as well as responding to local road and weather conditions.   

Make no assumptions about an intern's abilities or vehicle experience. Most of us drive small vehicles and are not experienced in handling 15 passenger vans, large pickups, four-wheel drive vehicles or trailers.  For those interns operating vehicles off paved roads, special training may also be required.  Consider whether your intern needs special training for any of the following road conditions: dirt, gravel, sand, mud, stream crossings, soft shoulders, or narrow or steep roads.  Be sure to train interns on other hazards specific to your area, including wildlife or unusual weather conditions.

Off-Duty Safety

We have found that a large percentage of interns' injuries occur while exploring the area during their free time.  While we understand they are responsible for themselves during their off-time, we encourage you to do whatever you can to educate your interns about the hazards of your area.  Encourage the "safety culture" to exist not only at work but during their entire SCA internship.

For further information contact:

Mark Vermeal , National Director of Risk Management    603-543-1700, x150
Marsha Towns , National Director for Conservation Internships    603-543-1700, x123