Risk and provider responsibility in outdoor adventure activities

Abstract

Recent accidents to pupils, whilst involved in organised outdoor adventure activities, prompted calls for a national review of safety procedures at activity centres and sparked debate about the educational nature of outdoor activities in relation to risk. Public opinion and perception that the outdoor medium, and adventure activities in particular, are inherently hazardous and risky was largely responsible for the statutory regulation of commercial activity providers through the Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995. This article considers some of the implications and consequences of this legislation for schools. However, it also recognises that there is more to the development of a safety culture than just increased regulation. Schools as providers of outdoor adventure activities need to understand how and why accidents happen and how they can manage the safety of participants. Risk assessments provide the first step in safety management and this article identifies the key principles of risk assessment and suggests how they can be used in the management of safety in outdoor adventure activities.