A systematic plan to identify particularhazards of an activity and devise strategiesto neutralise or minimise their potential tocause 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) + publicoutrage…….(Brown, 1999, p. 274)

Contributing circumstances to fatalities in Australia 1960 – 2002 ‘Brookes (2004)’

‘Outdoor environments have contributed tomost 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 DEFINITIONThe 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 can’t

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. PERCEIVED RISK vs. REAL RISKREAL RISK