Risk Management

risk

Probability that something will happen. A situation involving exposure to danger. involves emotional as well as physical danger

high risk

may result in the high costly loss for the organization; risks that significantly violate, harm, or impede operations; or risks that cause human death or serious injury

medium risk

may result in the costly loss for the organization; risks that violate, harm, or impede operations; or risks that may cause human injury 

low risk

may results in some loss for the organization or may noticeable affect operations. no physical injury to humans. possibility for emotional risks (self-esteem, embarrassment, not feeling successful)

high probability

greater than 70% probability of occurrence

medium probability

between 30% and 70% probability of occurrence

low probability

below 30% probability of occurrence

goal of risk management

• Deliver safe and high quality services

• Empower and educate staff so they make good decisions. (Also educate volunteers, interns, family members, etc. Volunteers & Interns are subject to legal actions.)

3 major risk factors

staff, programming, participant management

risk factors: staffing

job descriptions and ongoing education

risk factors: programming

safe and quality programs

• Activity Analysis & Selection – select appropriate activities

• Proper facilities & equipment

• Waivers, medical releases, injury precautions, participation agreements

• Inform participants of risks so they can make informed decisions

• NCTRC Standards of Practice / Scope of Care

risk factors: participant management

paperwork. Assessment guidelines, documentation, charting, policies and procedures, rules

why do risk management

• Human Error

• Maintain high quality programs

• Expectations of employees for safe working environments

• Protect against: Death or injury or job; Faulty equipment & machinery; Poorly maintained supplies / equipment; Poor supervision

• Required by regulations

• Help reduce costs of liability insurance

• Prevent lawsuits (shouldn’t be the #1 reason)

ways to manage risks

eliminate, accept, transfer, reduce

eliminate the risk

cancel the program

accept the risk

inform clients on risks and let them decide if they want to participate

transfer the risk

usually insurance or waiver

reduce the risk

as much as possible without compromising the benefits and characteristics of the program 

risk management decision making process

1) risk identification (physical, emotional, financial loss)

2) risk evaluation (risk rating and probability) 

3) risk management (accept, transfer, reduce, or eliminate) 

4) risk implementation

negligence

When someone does not act in a way that a reasonable or prudent person (someone who knows what they need to do to keep themselves and others safe) would act.

in court, the plaintiff (one suing) has to prove

duty owed, breach of duty (the act), proximate cause, damages

negligence: duty owed

defendant had legal responsibility towards plaintiff.

negligence: Breach of Duty or Act/Standard of Care

defendant did not act in a way that a reasonable person would act

negligence: proximate cause

Breach of Duty was the proximate cause of injury

negligence: damages

Plaintiff must prove actual physical injury, mental anguish or financial loss.

negligence in TR

• High risk activities

• Poor safety instructions

• Failure to communicate inappropriate activities (step in when a participant is doing something unsafe and document it)

• Defects in equipment

• Not properly preventing an injury or accident

program planning and risk management

Select Appropriate activities for setting, agency, and clientele

• Make sure your facility and equipment are in good working order (routine safety checks)

• Staff the program appropriately (training, confidence, skill level, staff to client ratio, etc.)

• Forms, Forms, Forms

*Refer to Handout for more examples

incident reports

• You will fill them out because incidents happen!

• Examples: Injuries, accidents, incidents that may lead to harm

• Refer to agency rules and timelines

• Fill out with great care

• Incident reports are confidential

• Be aware – some people fear reporting accidents or incidents.

• Educate staff, volunteers, interns