Strategies for risk assessment and accident prevention include supervising unstructured camper time; assessing games for potential dangers; examining facilities and special programs, including reviewing and evaluating safety and accident reports; and increasing staff awareness by discussing accidents at weekly staff meetings and generating ideas…

Provides checklists that can be used as risk-management tools to evaluate rock-climbing programs: developing goals, policies, and procedures; inspecting the climbing environment; maintaining and inspecting equipment; protecting participants; and managing staff (hiring, training, retraining, and evaluating) and campers (experience level, needs, and…

This paper stresses the outdoor recreation and education professionals should understand aspects of liability, negligence, and risk management. There are four elements that must be present if a person or organization is to be considered negligent: the presence of a legal duty of care, a breach of duty, proximate cause, and actual damages. When…

This booklet presents risk management strategies for organizations employing people with disabilities. First, the booklet contrasts common beliefs (such as that disabilities are obvious) with actual facts and their implications for risk management. It then discusses several risk management related exceptions in the Americans with Disabilities Act…

An expedition is different from other forms of overnight wilderness travel in that it involves extended time and distance in the field; it is beyond the reach of immediate rescue; and the party is self-contained regarding gear, provisions, and decision-making responsibilities. Successful expeditions may prove to be powerful, life-changing…

In supervising children, camp counselors should be aware of certain truths about working with campers that can affect their safety: the tendency for campers to become overstimulated, the effect campers can have on adults known as regressive pull, and the situation known as player-umpire. A counselor judgement checklist is offered that will help…

British legislation requires that Outdoor Activity Centres ensure the safety of employees and everyone who may be affected by their activities. Required risk assessments are more effective if they consider low-risk as well as high-risk activities and consider all incidents, including near misses, thus compiling a broader database from which to…

This booklet focuses on general safety conditions in the K-12 art classroom. The book is intended for use by art teachers, classroom teachers, and administrators to improve safety practices in the educational context. Local regulations and codes vary so safety professionals, environmental specialists, ventilation experts, and other specialists…

This paper discusses course structure, teaching techniques, and field exercises for enhancing winter travelers' avalanche knowledge and skills. In two class sessions, the course typically consists of a historical perspective; a section on snow physics (clouds, types of snow crystals, effects of riming, identification of precipitated snow crystals,…

Discusses Alan Hales's model of safety management in the context of caving. When two sets of hazards, human and environmental, are present together, risk occurs. Objective risk is uncontrollable and should be avoided in educational settings; subjective risk is controllable. Presents positive and negative strategies for engaging or avoiding…

Discusses a college fieldtrip experience in Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom, in which an extreme event at an oceanside blowhole nearly resulted in injury or death. Relates this to other dynamic and chaotic situations along coastlines. Recommends sensitization to potential risk factors. One of series discussing incidents in which no injury occurred…

This computer game is designed to provide awareness of misconceptions of health risks, insight into basic concepts of risk assessment and perception, and health and safety tips for everyday activities, and to encourage injury prevention. Contents include: (1) "Classroom Guide Contents," which lists resources such as teacher reference notes,…

The (British) Adventure Activities Licensing Authority ensures that adventure activities are run by competent people who follow good practices. Discusses how the technical competence of technical advisors is determined, and how their role varies in different situations. Legal responsibility remains with the provider, who must ensure that someone…

A model for creating a healthy and safe camp environment is based on modeling good health and safety practices by camp staff, creating a pattern of forethought and proactive behaviors that incorporates safety management into every activity, and fostering collective caring and shared responsibility for health and safety among members of the camp…

The playground safety movement has made great strides since the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued its "Handbook for Public Playground Safety." The movement has been helped by compliance with American Society for Testing and Materials standards. Improvements in supervision, equipment, and surfacing have significantly reduced…