This article will highlight the details of Colombo et al. v. Bombadier Recreational Products, Inc. et al. in the context of how the three defendants could have better managed the safety and risks to their customers and their own liability. These recommendations will illustrate issues around negligence, product liability, employee training,…

In August 2012, Barbara Fakhouri visited Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort located in eastern Tennessee to vacation with her family. Ms. Fakhouri used a wheelchair to ambulate. Despite the absence of snow on the ground, the resort operated year-round with many amenities such as an amusement park, restaurant, lounge, and shopping center to captivate…

In December 2009, Janette Ferguson traveled to Corpus Christi, Texas, to participate in the Harbor Lights Festival boat parade. The day prior to the festival, Ferguson spent the night on her family's sailboat that was kept in a slip on the city marina's C pier. Upon waking the following morning, Ferguson walked to the marina's bathroom facility to…

Physical education teachers are often focused on the many benefits of physical education to students, but there must also be a consideration of risk. How can the risks in physical education be minimized to maximize the benefits? One way to accomplish this goal is to increase physical educators' understanding of the legal risks related to…

Sport is an increasingly important area of society both inside and outside of the school environment although this has not always been the case. Greater interest in sports policy is also emerging at both a European and International level with the prospective of a "Rights" based approach developing. The safety of those playing sport is…

The pole vault was considered the ultimate test of physical ability and daring before the advent of modern extreme sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and mountain biking. The inherent risks of the pole vault have been well documented. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research reported in 2007 that the catastrophic injury…

The author presents 11 basic techniques, procedures, and safety practices to form the nucleus of a professional standard of care for the safety of students, spectators, and recreationists in schools, sport complexes, schoolgrounds, community buildings, and parks. (MT)

This book aims to inform science teachers of their legal rights and responsibilities. The roles of various federal, state and local authorities in educational legislation are described. The teacher's liability for student safety and for implementing the curriculum as prescribed by state and local regulation is defined, and suggestions are made for…

Seven ways to avoid litigation are offered for the shop teacher's legal protection. (MU)

Liability suits involving accidents in park and recreation areas are expensive and intangible costs are incalculable. Risk management practices related to park planning, personnel, and administrative practices are discussed. (MT)

Of the 32,000 school-related accidents that occur annually, 5,000 are directly related to science classes. This article acquaints high school principals with their specific legal responsibilities for science laboratories. Areas of concern include laboratory security, appropriately furnished facilities, proper instruction, and protective gear.…

Camp riding programs should be examined regularly for liability and risk management issues. Elements of a basic safety assessment include requiring proper safety apparel, removing obstructions from riding rings, ensuring doors and gates are closed, requiring use of lead ropes, securing equine medications, banning smoking, posting written…

The issues of accident and injury prevention, and safety in physical education programs are discussed in terms of hazard identification and reduction, compensation for unavoidable risks, and avoidance of unnecessary hazards. (JMF)

A risk management plan for outdoor education programs should include procedures for regular program implementation, as well as rescue, first aid, and accident follow-up procedures. Stresses understanding legal and ethical responsibilities and the importance of sufficient insurance protection. Includes suggestions for dealing with conflicts in…

Following the guidelines of the "Handbook for Public Playground Safety," published in 1981 and currently being reevaluated, is only a first step in an overall playground safety program of planning, purchasing, installation, maintaining, and supervision. Includes playground safety checklists and ways to make playgrounds safer. (MLF)