Risk Management Pre- Area Checklist

An internal safety audit is completed at the beginning of each season prior to the commencement of any courses.  The criterion includes: a thorough assessment of communications, vehicles, activity sites, medical facilities and staffing considerations.

Staff Training

Outward Bound Australia is a Registered Training Organisation offering nationally recognised qualifications up to Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation.

The intern program utilises a holistic approach to education. Formal off-the-job training in such things as technical skills, experiential education theory and practice, and facilitation skills, is combined with on-the-job experience under the supervision of Senior Group Instructors, Coordinators, and Field Trainers.

• Wilderness First Aid - nationally recognised training
• Safe Leadership - This is an eight day residential course that focuses on risk analysis and management, incident prevention, and post-incident management, or "second aid".  It trains and assesses decision making, problem solving, and instructor judgement
• Swift Water Rescue
• Bronze Medallion (Royal Life Saving Society)
• Rafting Skills - flat water and basic moving water
• Rock climbing and Abseiling
• Bushwalking and Navigation
• Search and Rescue Caving (area specific)
• Minimum Impact Camping Skills
• Ropes Course Facilitation and Construction
• 4 Wheel Driving
• Radios/ communication
• Mobile Basecamp set-up and management skills
• Canoeing (flat water and basic moving water)
• Adventure based Learning
• Group management and leadership
• Conflict management and social/ psychological issues
• Educational history and philosophy

The Right Staff

Experience

Medical Incident Database

This database is an initiative of Outward Bound Australia that has enabled us to reach a very high level of incident reporting.  The database enables us to look at patterns occurring that may result from our operating practices.  By identifying patterns and their causes we can modify our procedures to reduce the number of injuries and incidents.

A large number of the injuries that occur on an Outward Bound course are due to pre existing medical conditions.  We have a comprehensive medical form and screening process to ensure the safety of our participants.

Best Practice

Outward Bound Australia is at the forefront of Outdoor Education in Australia and provides the benchmark within the industry.

Outward Bound Australia is part of a worldwide benchmarking process with Outward Bound International.  A recent International Safety Review confirmed Outward Bound Australia's excellent standing worldwide.

Risk Analysis Management System

This is a system to assess the level of risk attached to an activity and ultimately the program.  The system looks at the inter relationship between people, equipment and environment, and how the level of real risk can be reduced and managed to an acceptable level.  

Operational Protocols

These consist of policies, procedures and guidelines that ensure consistency in operations.

Emergency Management Procedure

This is a written procedure providing the framework for reporting and managing any incident that may arise in the field or at National Base. It guides staff efficiently and effectively to deal with an emergency situation.

Safety Network

• Communications - Our current radio network consists of both UHF (Short range) and HF (long range) radios.  These networks work together to provide us with a national communication system.  A Senior Manager is on call at National Base 24 hours a day.
• Vehicle Fleet - We have a stringent internal qualification for driving based on both theoretical and practical competencies.  Our fleet includes: trucks, 4WD land cruisers, coaster bus, vans and trailers. These are regularly maintained by our Fleet Manager.