A systematic plan to identify particular hazards of an activity and devise strategies to neutralise or minimise their potential to cause injury or death. (Ewert 1983, p. 40) Risk is:... the potential to lose something of value, or simply a potential accident. Risk = (Probability x magnitude) + public outrage…….(Brown, 1999, p. 274)
Contributing circumstances to fatalities in Australia 1960 – 2002 Brookes (2004) Outdoor environments have contributed to most outdoor education fatalities (p. 45). - Drowning in lakes or pools (12) - Drowning in moving water (18) - Falls (8) - Falling objects (24) - Fire/lightning (4) - Hypothermia (5) - Motor vehicle related (23)
RISK DEFINITION The Potential to lose something of value. The loss may be physical, mental, social or financial. The presence of risk creates uncertainty. WHY? It appears therefore that risk relates to consequences and has a measure of probability or uncertainty associated with it. The motivation for risking is gaining something of value. Apart from preventing real risk to the lives or well being of the people there are many other kinds of risks for leaders to be aware of: Emotional Risk Physical Risk
Risk adrenalin (coin toss game!) relationship – riskiest thing you have ever done?
Step 1: Establish the Context Step 2: Identify the Risks Step 4: Treat Risks Step 5: Monitor and Review Step 3: Evaluate the Risks Program Aims & Objectives Program Outline Determine sources of risk Determine what is at risk and effect Consider likelihood of each risk Consider consequences Accept Avoid Reduce Transfer Finance
Know what context you are operating in? What is the activity? Where is it being undertaken What equipment is needed and is it maintained to an acceptable level – including a log of its use and incident and failure reports Is there operating procedures in place? – including technical documentation and OH&S and environmental standards Risk criteria including management policies and plans are available and understood
Identify Risks Sources of Risk (list activity specific ones): natural events (weather, rock fall), commercial and legal, economic, human behaviour of those both in the group and others, political circumstances including legislative changes and other influence such as technology, management activities individual activities.
Identify Risks Areas of impact: Assets and resources base Revenue and entitlements Cost of activities – direct and indirect People and Community Performance Timing and schedule of activities Environment Organisation behaviour Reputation, good will and quality of life – these cant be measured
Identify Risk Look at all causes of risk – human and environmental Clearly and concisely document what the sources of risk are and the impact of the risk is
PERCEIVED RISK vs. REAL RISK