For more information on areas of Risk Management please contact:
Ralph Estep 716-592-3995 (h)
Overview
Risk management is not a new concept and comprises three parts: identification, evaluation, and mitigation. First, you have to be able to identify, recognize, and anticipate problems or potential risks. Then you have to evaluate the risks. Look at all the angles and strategies that could lessen the risks. Can the risks be avoided? No matter what, the goal is to mitigate the risk. This should be our primary concern. To do this, eliminate unsafe procedures or scenarios and stay within your own ability and expertise.
Risk is exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance (Random House Dictionary of the English Language). Risks may be considered voluntary or involuntary. Generally, voluntary risk takers are seeking benefit or gain and are aware of the risks involved. Involuntary risk takers do not have the knowledge or experience to assess the result of their actions. The distinction becomes important when considering the acceptability of the risk.
An accident is a sequence of events that usually produces unintended injury, death, or property damage (National Safety Council).
A hazard is a condition that may cause injury, death, or property damage. Hazards are normally latent and only become dangerous when humans interact with them.
Risk management is the process by which we identify risk in our education programs and determine the probability of harm and the acceptability of the risk. We then analyze and select the techniques that are most appropriate to deal with that risk, implement those techniques, and monitor the results. Techniques are selected based upon the importance of the program to the mission of the NSP as well as the loss history associated with risk. In evaluating risk, NSP examines the loss history of the activity both within the NSP and generally across the country. Our risk management philosophy considers human behavior so that both education programs and course implementation are examined in assessing risk.
National Ski Patrol Links to Risk Management Topics:
POB #01-06 September 2001 Personal Risk Management for NSP Members
POB #99-13 September 1999 - Ski Area–Ski Patrol Understandings
POB #99-19 September 1999 - NSP Patrol Responsibilities
POB #99-20 September 1999 - Personal Risk Management For NSP Members
Risk Management and Safety For All NSP Education Programs
Introduction to Ski Patrolling, Module 1 Lesson Guide - Risk Management
"Personal Risk Management for the Volunteer" in the Spring 1992 issue of Ski Patrol Magazine.
"Understanding the NSP from an Insurance Perspective" in the Winter 1999 issue of Ski Patrol Magazine, p. 32.
"Volunteer Protection Makes Legislative Headway" in the Winter 1999 issue of Ski Patrol Magazine, p. 34.
"Legal, Insurance Considerations Weigh Big for NSP Members" in the Spring/Summer 1999 issue of Ski Patrol Magazine, p. 20.
OSHA Links:
OSHA Regulations - bloodborne pathogens
Rope tying links:
