About the Risk Assessment/Methodology.
Purpose: established by your University and communicated to Mikal Duilio via meetings, my consulting team would assess all possible (but reasonable) risks in various sports categories. In todays world, sensitivities in universities can be uniquely considerable; universities can be targets for lawsuits. A risk assessment audit can identify potential risks and exposures and-direct steps to minimize said risks for participants. And assumably, the risk assessment audit would- minimize potential harm & expense to the university.
Sport categories can include: Physical Education, Fitness, Club Sports, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Adventures, Aquatics and Facil
Process: our risk analysis team will operate off of a thorough checklist of all possible (but reasonable) risks per each sport category.
Analysis collection method 1- quantitative: Interviews with supervisors (of each sports category) to go over each and every risk checklist item (per each sport category). As an example using aquatics- we would examine 42 potential risks.The 5-person team visiting your campus will be Mikal Duilio along with 4 other experts (experts in the sports/risk categories above). More information about the team (experience/bios) available upon request.
Analysis collection method 2- a mix of quantitative and qualitative: Observation of participants per sport category but in three different settings: during the day time, during the night and during weekend.
Analysis collection method 3- qualitative analysis: this 3rd option is optional (the ‘optional’ part of this- best explained in discussion). If your University did choose to do the qualitative analysis, it would be to better understand the unique perspectives and experiences of the people involved (per sport category). Our consulting group would interview at least 3 people involved in the staffing (per sport) and we would interview at least 10 participants (per sport); we might find some ‘behind the scenes’ stories and/or concerns that could indicate current or future potential risks.
Key findings, conclusions & recommendations: your University would get a report with up to 42 risk possibilities for each of 7 sports categories. Each potential risk will be given a grade and notes; notes (on deficient areas)- will be in report form so that staff can make improvements in certain areas. Timeline for completion: upon signed agreement, this risk assessment can occur within 3 to 8 months. Pricing structure: after discussions with your University to refine your preferences for this assessment, our consulting company can submit a bid- to then perform the risk assessments audit. After the audit- part 1: we can do a follow up- in person visit (separate contract); this follow up- might serve the purpose of seeing that the deficient areas are being remedied (or pushing those improvements along). After the audit- part 2: every two years (after the ‘follow up’), a re-visit could occur (at significantly less cost- as it is likely your organization will have ‘kept’ most upgrades intact).
List of risk assessment items- Aquatics
1. What measures are taken to ensure clear and conspicuous signage of pool rules and regulations?
2. What standards are in place for installing and maintaining adequate lighting around outdoor pools during evening hours?
3. How are pool ladders installed, maintained, and inspected to prevent accidents and ensure secure access?
List continued
4. What protocols are in place to prevent and respond to drowning incidents, including surveillance, emergency response plans, and swimmer supervision?
5. What procedures are followed to ensure the safe handling, storage, and application of pool chemicals to prevent accidents and exposure?
6. How often are pool pH levels monitored and adjusted to ensure a safe and healthy swimming environment?
7. What measures are taken to prevent and respond to pool entrapment hazards, including proper installation and maintenance of pool equipment?
8. How are pool chemicals stored, labeled, and secured to prevent unauthorized access and exposure?
9. What safety measures are in place to prevent slips and falls on pool decks, including traction-enhancing surfaces and warning signs?
10. What precautions are taken to prevent electrical injuries and electrocution in and around the pool area?
11. How are damaged or loose tiles around the pool area identified, reported, and repaired to prevent accidents?
12. What maintenance schedules and procedures are in place to ensure proper functioning of pool draining and filtration systems?
13. What guidelines are established for safe diving board use, including minimum water depth requirements and proper supervision?
14. How are diving boards and other pool equipment inspected, maintained, and repaired or replaced when necessary?
15. What water quality monitoring and maintenance protocols are in place to ensure a safe and healthy swimming environment?
16. What guidelines are provided to participants on safe use of swimming pool toys and equipment?
17. What procedures are in place for responding to and mitigating contaminated pool water incidents, including proper cleaning and disinfection protocols?
18. How is the swimming pool area secured and restricted from unauthorized access when not in use?
19. How are participants warned about and protected from hidden pool depths and underwater hazards?
20. What safety equipment is provided and maintained around the swimming pool area, including life rings, rescue tubes, and first aid kits?
21. What rules and guidelines are in place for safe slide usage, and how are they communicated to participants?
22. Are handrails a part of the ladders?
24. What protocols are in place to ensure a dedicated lifeguard is assigned to monitor slide activity at all times?
25. Does this facility have adequate staffing requirements in place to ensure adequate supervision of slide activity, including dual lifeguard coverage?
26. What policies and procedures are in place to prevent and respond to incidents of harassment or violation against lifeguards and staff?
27. Do the lifeguards hold updated certification from aquatic organization:
28. What ongoing training programs are in place to ensure staff, supervisors, and lifeguards maintain and update their skills and knowledge?
29. Who is responsible for overseeing lifeguard operations, and what certifications or training do they possess?
31. What rotation schedules and protocols are in place to prevent lifeguard fatigue and ensure effective surveillance?
32. What standardized procedures are in place for airway clearing, and how are lifeguards trained to follow them?
33. What training programs are in place to equip staff with the skills and confidence to enforce rules and manage disruptive or intoxicated individuals?
34. Are lifeguards trained regarding the proper use and application of plastic backboards in emergency situations?
35. What training programs are in place to ensure staff are proficient in the use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) equipment?
List of risk assessment items- Fitness
1 During workouts- What qualifications, training, and certification requirements are in place for gym supervisors?
2 During workouts- Is there oversight or occasional check-ins with regard to each of the various fitness locations/classes?
3 Something goes wrong- Extreme exercise can lead to temporary and permanent damage to the heart. What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants during a cardiac event?
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4 Something goes wrong– What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of a type 2 diabetes seizure?
5 Something goes wrong– What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of shortness of breath and/or asthma flare up?
6 Something goes wrong– What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of common injuries such as muscle strains, joint trauma, and bone injuries?
7 Preventative– Incidents such as falling or being crushed by dropped weights can cause injuries. What protocols are in place to ensure someone is not lifting alone and/or are there enough supervisors to catch such a situation? And/or is this situation warned about in the waiver form?
8 Preventative– What safety measures are in place to prevent improper lifting techniques which can lead to muscle strains, joint pain, and inflammation?
9 Preventative– What appropriate cautionary signage is posted to remind patrons that spilled water, or excess sweat can cause people to trip and fall?
10 Preventative– Heavy weights or high-impact activities can cause concussions or spinal injuries. Are these potential injuries mentioned in the gym waiver?
11 Preventative– What methods are used to identify and manage pre-existing medical conditions that may impact a participant’s ability to safely participate in activities?
12 Preventative-What measures are taken to monitor participants’ physical exertion levels and prevent overexertion, particularly during intense or prolonged activities? Are the gym supervisors trained to look for this and address it in a certain manner? And/or is over-exertion warned about in the waiver form?
13 Preventative– are there water fountains available?
14 Equipment – To ensure the machines at the facility are in good working order, how frequently are the machines maintained to prevent malfunction?
15 Equipment– What safeguards are in place to prevent improper use of equipment by participants or staff and to ensure that equipment is used correctly and safely?
16 Equipment– What rules are in place to prevent entrapment (getting caught between moving fitness equipment parts or getting stuck under heavy equipment)?
17 Paperwork– Are liability waivers and informed consent forms mandatory for participants and their guardians prior to participation?
18 Paperwork– What system is in place for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records, including waivers and incident reports?
18 Calendar issue– After this risk assessment- moving forward- is there a standard time frame (every 12 months, for example) for regular maintenance, inspection, and repair of facilities and equipment to ensure safety and functionality?
News articles
List of Risk Assessments- Intramural sports
- What methods are used to identify and manage pre-existing medical conditions that may impact a participant’s ability to safely participate in activities?
- What qualifications, training, and certification requirements are in place for referees (also called- officials) and staff to ensure they possess the necessary expertise to provide a safe and positive experience for participants? What measures are taken to ensure adequate supervision of the sports that will occur?
- What approaches are used to foster a positive and supportive environment, and how is excessive competitive pressure mitigated
- What procedures are in place to guarantee that participants complete adequate warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent injuries?
List continued
5 What safeguards are in place to prevent improper use of equipment by participants or staff and to ensure that equipment is used correctly and safely?
6 What procedures are in place to ensure that participants receive adequate training, guidance, and preparation to develop the necessary skills and techniques for safe and successful participation in sports?
7 What safety measures are implemented to minimize the risk of collisions between participants, or between participants and equipment, during activities??
8 What procedures are in place to prevent, identify, and address bullying or harassment among participants or staff?
9 What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of an injury or illness?
11 Are liability waivers and informed consent forms mandatory for participants and their guardians prior to participation?
12 What system is in place for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records, including medical information, waivers, and incident reports?
3 What procedures are in place for regular maintenance, inspection, and repair of facilities and equipment to ensure safety and functionality?
15 What strategies are employed to prevent and address violent behavior among participants, and how are incidents responded to and managed?
16 What protocols are in place for identifying, managing, and responding to concussions or head injuries, and how are participants educated on concussion prevention and awareness?
List of risk assessment items- Club Sports program
1 Prior to playing- What methods are used to identify and manage pre-existing medical conditions that may impact a participant’s ability to safely participate in activities
2 Prior to playing– Are liability waivers and informed consent forms mandatory for participants and their guardians prior to participation?
3 Inclusion- Is this club fairly represented and not an ‘insiders club’? How are players from the university allowed to try out- to become a part of the team? Who determines who makes the team?
4 Inclusion- What regulations are followed pertaining to discrimination and exclusion based on ability?
List continued
5 Coaches– Who is overseeing each club sports team as the head coach and is the coach aware of keeping players safe in all aspects of playing sports?
6 Coaches- What qualifications, training, and/or possible certification requirements are in place for coaches to ensure they possess the necessary expertise to provide a safe and positive experience for participants?
7 Coaches– What procedures are in place to guarantee that participants complete adequate warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent injuries
8 Out of town trips– Who is in charge of organizing drivers to and from the away games?
9 Out of town trips– What rules and regulations do you have in place regarding sexual misconduct?
10 Out of town trips– Since club teams often travel to play other schools, how is alcohol use handled in your organization?
11 Out of town trips– Who organizes and pays for the hotel stays?
12 Treasurer– Is there an appointed Club team financial manager?
13 Culture– What measures are in place to protect athletes from being bullied or harassed?
14 Injury protocol- What protocols are in place for identifying, managing, and responding to concussions or head injuries? What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of any injury?
15 Injury protocol- What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of a cardiac event?
16 Injury protocol-– What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of a type 2 diabetes seizure?
17 Injury protocol- What is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of shortness of breath and/or asthma flare up?
List of risk assessment items- Physical Education
- Instructor- What training and educational programs are provided to ensure PE instructors have adequate knowledge of proper techniques and safety protocols– for the various sports they will be teaching?
- Instructor– What procedures are in place to guarantee that participants complete adequate warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent injuries?
- Injury- what is the protocol for providing medical attention and care to participants in the event of an injury?
- Participants safety– What methods are used to identify and manage pre-existing medical conditions that may impact a participant’s ability to safely participate in activities; where does the PE Instructor note (store) the information about pre-existing medical conditions
List continued
5 Facility- What measures are taken to prevent and mitigate slippery surfaces?
6 Culture– What approaches are used to foster a positive and supportive environment?
7 Culture– What strategies are employed to prevent and address violent behavior among participants, and how are incidents responded to and managed?
8 Paperwork- What procedures are in place to ensure participants provide informed consent and sign liability waivers before engaging in activities?
List of risk assessment items- Facility Operations
- Playing surface– outdoor fields: Are playing fields regularly inspected and maintained to prevent injuries from uneven/hazardous conditions? Are playing fields regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are free from debris, stones, bottles, litter, and other hazards?
- Playing surface– indoor courts: Are the floors inside the facility, including those in gym areas, locker rooms, and hallways, regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent slipping hazards?
- Indoor space court placement: Does the facility’s design, layout, and construction meet applicable building codes, safety standards, and accessibility requirements to minimize hazards? In relation to sports- more specifically- are courts, including basketball and racquetball, positioned at a safe distance from walls and other obstacles to prevent player injury?
- Emergency preparedness: is there someone in the building designated, at all times of building operation- able to be accessed for emergencies that might occur in the gym? And does that designated person know how to respond to heart attacks, asthma attacks or a type 2 diabetes seizure?
List continued
5 Emergency preparedness: are there AEDs affixed and visible and in range of the sports playing area?
6 Equal access: Are facilities, programs, and services designed to provide equal access and a safe environment for all participants including those with disabilities?
7 Waivers for any activity within the building: while the building ‘houses’ sports and each sport group typically has their own program and their own waivers, does the building have a front entrance that might be conducive to ‘getting an overall’ waiver covering participants activities in the building?
8 STAFF training: Are building staff properly trained and supervised on safe lifting and carrying techniques to prevent injuries when handling equipment?
9 STAFF training: if the building has a kitchen, are the staff properly trained in food handling, preparation, and storage practices in the facility’s cafeteria, concession stands, or other food service areas compliant with health and safety regulations to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses?
10 Building issue: in an effort to combat dark corners- bad lighting- are all of the areas in and around the facility, including parking lots, hallways, and locker rooms, adequately lit to prevent crime and security issues?
11 Building issue: Are stairs, ramps, and walkways equipped with non-slip surfaces, such as textured coatings or strips, to prevent slipping and falling?
12 Building issue: Are exercise and sports equipment, including weights, machines, and cardio equipment, regularly inspected, maintained, and used correctly to prevent accidents and injuries?
13 Building issue: Are safety hazards, chemicals, and machinery properly identified, labeled, and controlled to minimize the risk of injury or illness to employees, customers, and visitors?
14 Building issue: are there adequate opportunities for proper hydration (drinking fountains) at various points inside and outside of the building (outside meaning- all of the outdoor sports fields and the outdoor track)?
15 Building issue: Are hygiene standards, including cleaning schedules, disinfection protocols, and handwashing facilities- maintained and enforced to prevent the spread of illnesses and infections?
16 Handled by the sports participants themselves but- there should be a one time verification (by the building) of any group running activities (in the building): Are the sports groups playing in the building playing their sport correctly and safely?
17 Handled by the sports participants themselves but- there should be a one time verification (by the building) of any group running activities (in the building): Are the referees trained and/or certified to ensure they can effectively perform their duties; also are these referees (sports officials) trained in being able to respond to emergencies?
18 Handled by the sports participants themselves but- there should be a one time verification (by the building) of any group running activities (in the building): Is there adequate supervision from the sports groups coaches and staff to ensure the safety and well-being of participants? Are coaches and staff properly screened and trained to prevent abuse, harassment, and/or misconduct toward athletes or participants?
List of risk assessment items- Outdoor Adventures
HIKING/TRAILS- RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
- Are there warning signs provided to alert hikers to potential dangers like steep drop-offs, rocky terrain, and other hazards?
- Is cell service reliable for emergency calls, and if not, is this clearly indicated at the trailhead?
- What procedures are in place to restrict trail access during severe weather events, such as lightning or fire?
- How are hikers warned about potential encounters with hazardous plants or wildlife along the trail?
- What resources are provided to hikers for preventing and responding to insect bites, snake bites, and tick-borne illnesses?
- Are warning signs and educational materials provided to hikers about the risks of heatstroke, and how to prevent and treat it?
- Are hikers provided with resources and guidance to prevent getting lost, such as maps, GPS, and trail markers?
- How do groups access essential trail information, such as route details, difficulty ratings, and weather forecasts to plan their hike?
- What measures are in place to ensure hiker safety at night, including lighting, signage, and closures?
- What emergency procedures are in place for lost hikers, including search and rescue operations and communication strategies?
- Are participants encouraged to self-monitor and report their physical exertion levels, and are leaders trained to recognize signs of overexertion and take preventive measures?
- What is the protocol for providing medical attention, including first aid, emergency response, and transportation to medical facilities, in the event of an injury or illness?
ULTIMATE FRISBEE - RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
- How are staff and participants trained to respond to various types of injuries, including musculoskeletal injuries, head injuries, and collisions, to ensure prompt and proper care
- Are there protocols in place for monitoring weather conditions and shutting down access to Ultimate Frisbee fields in the event of severe weather, or environmental conditions
- Does the Ultimate Frisbee field have uneven terrain, such as hills, holes, or rough surfaces, that warrants a warning to participants about potential tripping hazards and difficulties for running?
- Are water stations in place, encouraging regular drinking, and monitoring weather conditions to prevent dehydration?
STANDUP PADDLE BOARD - RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
- What protocols are in place to prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses, sun damage, and severe weather conditions during outdoor activities?
- Are participants warned about potential hazards from motorized boat traffic?
- Are safety protocols established to alert participants to the risks of shallow, rocky waters, including submerged rocks, strong currents, and limited visibility?
- Are participants informed about potential marine animal threats, such as jellyfish, sharks, or sea urchins?
- Are liability waivers and informed consent forms required for participants (and guardians, if applicable) before engaging in activities?
- Do participants and their guardians sign mandatory liability waivers and informed consent forms, acknowledging potential risks and responsibilities?
- Is completion of liability waivers and informed consent forms a prerequisite before participation in this water sport?
CANOEING/KAYAKING - RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
- Are life jackets provided and required for participants who cannot swim and are staff trained in water safety?
- Are comprehensive safety protocols established to address heat-related illnesses, weather monitoring, and water safety, including emergency response plans for getting trapped in a current?
- Are liability waivers and informed consent forms required for participants (and guardians, if applicable) before engaging in activities?
CAMPING - RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
- Are participants educated on how to safely interact with or avoid wildlife?
- How are participants and staff informed about potential environmental hazards, such as wildfires, poor air quality, or extreme weather conditions?
- Are participants warned and educated on how to deal with potential insect risks, such as mosquito-borne illnesses, tick-borne diseases, and spider bites, as well as poisonous plants?
- Are reliable communication methods established for emergency situations, including alternatives to cell phones in case of out-of-range areas or dead batteries?
- Is completion of liability waivers and informed consent forms a prerequisite for participation, ensuring participants and guardians understand potential hazards and risks?
MOUNTAIN BIKING - RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
- Are first aid kits and medical supplies readily available to treat injuries from collisions/crashes, and are staff trained in basic life support and injury response?
- Are measures in place to ensure riders are matched with trails suitable for their skill level, with clear explanations of terrain difficulties?
- What measures are taken to ensure bikes are properly maintained and helmets are worn, reducing the risk of equipment failure or injury?
- Do participants and their guardians provide signed liability waivers and informed consent forms, acknowledging potential risks and responsibilities?
- What protocols ensure participants have access to adequate hydration on the trail?
- How do staff and leaders monitor participants’ physical condition and exertion levels to prevent fatigue and injury?