A good Risk Management Plan will address specific situations that might be encountered during the program. These include:
- RATIONALE and GOALS - Simply, what you want to do, why you want to do it, and where you intend to go with the program, write it down.
- PERSONNEL POLICIES - How you select individuals to assist the program should be spelled out.
- If your state has a volunteer application and selection program, include that in your plan.
- Establish and document required training for your personnel.
- Establish and document procedures of conduct for your personnel. i.e.: There are never to be less than two instructors present at all times youth are present. Ex.: At no time will an instructor be alone with a student. i.e.: No instructor is allowed to provide transportation for a youth unless on a planned and authorized travel event.
- JOB DESCRIPTION - Include a written job description for each of your trainers.
- RECORDS - Keep accurate, thorough, up-to-date records of your training activities. (See the activities log.)
- SUPERVISION - Establish in your written plan what levels of supervision are required, who’s responsibility it is, and the extent of authority assigned to each supervising trainer.
- INSPECTIONS - All equipment and sites should be inspected according to a written procedure (a check list) on an established schedule.
- LESSON PLAN - A written emergency plan should be included, outlining specific duties and actions to be taken in the event of an emergency or injury. This would include the required youth and adult health forms.
- FIRST AID - First aid kits and trained personnel should be on site at every activity.
- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY - A written policy statement should be drafted and included in your plan indicating your adherence to the established equal opportunity policy of your State’s 4-H program.
Well, a beginning! You can have a safe learning environment that minimizes the risk both to the student (youth) and adult trainers involved, it just takes a plan.