Your first responsibility is to think for yourself. Most supervisors have previously undertaken most, if not all, of the activities that you will be assigned; however, each individual is much more aware of his or her own experience, skills, and limitations. Therefore, before you undertake an assignment, review the tasks required and then think about what you need to do and prepare yourself accordingly. If you have questions or concerns about your assignment and equipment, whether it is a policy or safety issue, be sure to request advice or consultation from your supervisor. For instance, if you feel that your equipment is inadequate to accomplish the assigned tasks in a safe manner, you have the right to request that adequate equipment be provided. If you are already in the field and your equipment becomes unsafe to operate, it may be appropriate to make an emergency purchase in order to outfit yourself properly.
Once you have prepared yourself and have begun your assignment, your safety is largely dependent on your attitude. You do not want to be approaching a task with the notion that you can do anything and that you can rely on your strength and ability to avoid personal injuries. Instead, think about each step that you must take to accomplish a task, think about the risks involved, and plan each step to minimize the risks. A "Job Hazard Analysis" would be most helpful. This might, for example, include taking a circuitous route to the field site to avoid backing into or turning across heavy traffic with your vehicle. Also be ready to alter your plan if you are confronted with a potential risk due to changes in situation. For example, do not go ahead with a wading measurement when the stage is too high just because you have already carried all your equipment to the normal wading section; instead, find a safe wading section or make plans for an alternative measurement. Remember, if you want to complete your assigned tasks free of personal injury, you must be thinking constantly about safety.
As a representative of the USGS, you also need to be aware of how your activities may affect the rights of others and the Division's relations with property owners, cooperators, and the general public. A flippant comment, inappropriate attire (for example, a tee shirt with a vulgar phrase), or driving a vehicle off a designated trail may seriously damage a good relationship or trust built through years of mutual respect between the affronted individual and your office. It also might jeopardize a long-term investigation and federal and cooperator funds that support you and other employees. Once again, think before you act; know why and how you are undertaking an activity, be willing to answer reasonable questions posed to you, be respectful, ask permission before entering private property, and use common sense.
Finally, you are entrusted with a considerable amount of equipment and specialized instruments that were purchased with dollars provided by yourself and other taxpayers. This equipment should be secured and properly maintained not only to minimize loss and damage, but also to reduce the risk of injuries to yourself and others. For example, if you keep a vehicle well maintained, it will have a longer useful life and be less costly to the government; however, more importantly, the vehicle will be much safer and dependable for both you and your fellow workers to operate. Proper use and care of hand and power tools will save on replacement costs, ensure that tools are available, and ensure that they are safe to use.
http://water.er.usgs.gov/pubs/ofr/ofr95777/role.html