Product Overview

Summary: This Geological Assessment Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, defensible approach to planning and conducting geological surveys and investigations in Australian workplaces. It integrates technical assessment requirements with robust WHS controls, ensuring field teams collect high‑quality data while managing geotechnical, environmental and remote‑area safety risks.

Geological assessments underpin critical decisions in mining, civil construction, infrastructure development and environmental management across Australia. From outcrop mapping and core logging to geotechnical site investigations and sampling programs, these activities often occur in remote, dynamic and high‑risk environments. This Geological Assessment SOP sets out a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning, executing and documenting geological work while systematically identifying and controlling hazards such as unstable ground, working near heavy plant, exposure to extreme weather, and operating in remote or culturally sensitive areas.

The procedure helps organisations align technical excellence with WHS obligations by embedding risk assessment, communication protocols and verification checks into every stage of the assessment. It supports compliance with Australian WHS legislation, resources sector standards and environmental approval conditions, while also improving the consistency and defensibility of geological data. By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce incident potential in the field, avoid costly re‑work due to poor data quality, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and joint‑venture partners.

Whether you are conducting greenfield exploration in outback Australia, undertaking geotechnical assessments for road or rail projects, or completing baseline studies for major infrastructure, this SOP provides a practical, ready‑to‑use framework. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, standardises documentation and embeds safety considerations into day‑to‑day geological practice, making it easier to train new staff, manage contractors and maintain a consistent, high standard of work across multiple sites and projects.

Key Benefits

• Ensure geological assessments are planned and executed in line with Australian WHS legislation and industry best practice.
• Reduce the risk of field incidents related to unstable ground, remote work, vehicle use and environmental exposure.
• Standardise geological data collection, logging and sampling methods to improve reliability and comparability across projects.
• Streamline onboarding and training for geologists, field technicians and contractors with a clear, repeatable process.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and auditors through structured documentation and traceable decision‑making.

Who is this for?

• Exploration Geologists
• Geotechnical Engineers
• Mining Engineers
• Environmental Scientists
• Drilling Supervisors
• Field Technicians and Field Assistants
• Project Geologists
• WHS Managers in Resources and Construction
• Site Supervisors and Superintendents
• Consulting Engineers and Geoscience Consultants

Hazards Addressed

• Ground instability, rockfall and landslip during outcrop mapping, trenching and geotechnical logging
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, steep or loose terrain
• Vehicle incidents during off‑road and remote‑area travel
• Heat stress, dehydration and exposure to extreme weather conditions
• Fatigue associated with long field days and remote rosters
• Interaction with mobile plant, drilling rigs and earthmoving equipment
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and moving samples, core trays and equipment
• Exposure to dust, noise and vibration during drilling and sampling activities
• Working alone or in isolation in remote locations
• Exposure to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. snakes, insects, dense vegetation)
• Environmental hazards such as unstable creek banks, flood events and bushfire risk
• Cultural heritage or environmentally sensitive area disturbance risks if sites are not properly assessed and managed

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and References
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Pre‑Planning and Desktop Study Requirements
• 6.0 Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for Geological Activities
• 7.0 Site Access, Induction and Permit Requirements
• 8.0 Fieldwork Planning, Communications and Journey Management
• 9.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Required Field Equipment
• 10.0 Geological Mapping and Outcrop Assessment Procedure
• 11.0 Drilling, Core Logging and Sampling Procedures
• 12.0 Geotechnical Data Collection and Ground Stability Assessment
• 13.0 Environmental and Cultural Heritage Considerations During Assessments
• 14.0 Working in Remote or Isolated Locations
• 15.0 Interaction with Mobile Plant, Contractors and Other Workgroups
• 16.0 Manual Handling and Sample Management
• 17.0 Data Recording, QA/QC and Chain‑of‑Custody Documentation
• 18.0 Incident, Hazard and Near‑Miss Reporting
• 19.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (Field Medical, Rescue and Evacuation)
• 20.0 Post‑Assessment Review, Debrief and Continuous Improvement
• 21.0 Document Control, Training and Review Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and relevant state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Remote or Isolated Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Excavation Work (relevant for trenches and test pits)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 1726:2017 Geotechnical site investigations
• AS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many organisations)
• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• Relevant state and territory mining and petroleum safety legislation and guidelines (e.g. NSW Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation, Qld Coal Mining Safety and Health Act)