Risk Management It’s Our Business District Workshops 4-H Youth Development 2006

What is Risk Management? The process used to protect assets by minimizing the potential for negative outcomes. “Risk” is the uncertainty about a future event that threatens your organization’s ability to accomplish its mission. The unexpected things that can happen to the participants, spectators, the properties and reputation of Cooperative Extension.

When We Pay Attention to Risk Management Issues… It becomes an important educational component of our work, focusing on safety and prevention. Participants can focus on learning in a safe, comfortable environment.

Practicing good risk management allows us to focus on achieving our mission.

Important Risk Management Terms

Terms Liability: Liability: Legally bound or responsible. Something for which one is liable; an obligation, a responsibility, or a debt.

Forms of Liability Negligence Failure to use that degree of care which an ordinary person of reasonable prudence would use under the given or similar circumstances. Assault and battery The threat to use force upon another and the carrying out of the threat. False arrest and imprisonment False arrest is an arrest not justifiable under law. Imprisonment is to put in or as if in prison; confine. Invasion of privacy To encroach or intrude upon personal information or space of an individual that is not open to public life; violate.

Forms of Liability Defamation Defamation is a legal action based on an intentional or reckless public false statement that injures another person's reputation. Libel A written statement about someone which is personally injurious to that individual. Slander A spoken statement about someone which is personally injurious to the individual. Violation of constitutional rights To break, intentionally or unintentionally, the rights guaranteed to individuals by the United States constitution.

Risk Management Process Phase 1: Risk Analysis Risk Identification Evaluation & Measurement Phase 2: Risk Response Risk Control Financing & Communication Phase 3: Risk Review Monitor and Evaluate Risk Plans

Terms – Risk Management Strategies Reduce: Reduce: To lessen in extent, amount, number, degree, or price. To gain control of. Avoid: Avoid: Taking steps to remove a hazard, engage in an alternative activity, or otherwise end a specific exposure.

Terms – Risk Management Strategies Transfer: Transfer: Shifting all or part of a risk to another party. Insurance is the most common method of risk transfer, but there are other means, i.e. hold harmless agreements. Assume: Assume: To take upon oneself; undertake

Liability Coverage - Staff Employees have liability coverage, providing: The duties fall within the scope of your position Office weekly schedules/calendars need to be completed Supervisors are notified within a reasonable length of time of a pending action

Liability Coverage - Volunteers In most situations, the volunteer’s personal home owner’s insurance and automobile insurance is considered primary liability insurance

Liability Coverage - Volunteers A majority of Wisconsin counties are insured through one of two mutual insurance companies:  Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation  Wisconsin Mutual Municipal Insurance Corporation Both companies provide secondary volunteer liability coverage at no additional charge, provided procedures are followed.

Volunteer and Member Accident Coverage Primary accident insurance is highly recommended. It can be purchased reasonably for individual 4-H events or for a full 4-H year:  American Income Life Insurance is an example.  Note: this is accident insurance, not liability insurance

What is My Role?

Staff Role It is up to staff and volunteers planning the program or event to develop a risk management plan When concerns arise, this might include getting assistance from the county or university who have people in place to provide it.

County Government Usually a person is identified as the risk manager Ask your Department Head to identify this person Protocol will vary from county to county

UW-Extension Contact District Liaison or Assistant State Program Leader with questions Dan Malacara serves as Cooperative Extension’s contact for risk management questions  

Resources University of WI System Office of Safety and Loss Prevention/Risk Management –  Field Trip Waiver  Consent for Medical Administration and Treatment/Health History Questionnaire  General Incident Reporting Form

Resources Non - Profit Risk Management Center – and tools at  Publications, tools, resources, professional development opportunities, advice

Resources UW Extension 4-H Youth Development – sk.cfm sk.cfm  Risk Management Guidelines  Links to State Statutes  Q & A regarding risk management and insurance  Streaming audio of recent risk management and insurance Wislines  Links to other resources