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Our Risk Management policy provides a high quality framework for managing risk associated with adventure activities and business operations. Risk is an inherent aspect of all adventure activities therefore the management of these risks is integrated into all aspects of our operations.
It is impossible to eliminate all risks from adventure activities, however managing the risks is achieved with a thorough risk analysis, comprehensive risk assessment and the application of reliable and flexible risk management strategies.
We apply a strategic approach managing risks include; a "safety first" organisational culture, a reliable system for reporting, analysing and addressing risks and regular reviews of safety practices, procedure and documents.
All MAG Risk management practices and procedures are complaint with the Australian Standard - Risk management - Principles and Guidelines AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009.
Risk Management documentation includes the following for each activity;
In-The-Field Risk Analysis Report (conducted by staff in the field and kept on file at the MAG office)
Risk Management Report (contained in this document)
All Risk management strategies are drawn directly from our Standard Operating Procedures. This approach ensures a high quality of risk management by integrating safety and risk management strategies into all aspects of our operations via our SOP's.
All risk management documents are readily available via our website and via email upon request
The Risk Rating Matrix
The Risk Rating Matrix
MAG uses the 5 x 5 Risk Rating Matrix. This system is widely accepted as a simple and effective framework for assessing and documenting Risk Management information.
The system involves identifying all Risks and Hazards associated with a specific activity or area.
Risks and Hazards are rated in terms of Likelihood and Consequence as described below to define the Risk Rating of the specific risk or hazard. Risk Rating are calculated twice during the process – firstly without any Risk Management Strategies present and then with Risk Management Strategies present.
In order to calculate the risk rating = Likelihood X Consequence
Likelihood
Likelihood
XXXXX
XXXX
Very unlikely - will not happen except in extraordinary circumstances
Unlikely - will not happen except in unusual or non-routine circumstances
Likely - may happen during normal or routine and/or unusual or non-routine circumstances
Very Likely - may happen during normal or routine circumstances
Almost certain - may happen regardless of the circumstances
Consequence
Consequence
The impacts on the health and well-being of people, environment, equipment, business reputation and/or financial security.
Minor – consequences that can be managed within the constraints of the activity and/or business resources of MAG
Major - consequences that can be managed within the constraints of the activity and/or business resources of MAG but may require the support of a third party
Serious - consequences that can be managed within the constraints of the activity and/or business resources of MAG and will require the support of a third party
Significant - consequences that are beyond the scope of the activity and/or business resources of MAG, will require the support of a third party and may result in permanent loss or damage but not loss of life
Catastrophic - consequences that are beyond the scope of the activity and/or business resources of MAG, will require the support of a third party and involves a loss of life
Risk Rating Example – The Risk of Hypothermia When Canyoning
Risk Rating Example – The Risk of Hypothermia When Canyoning
A reasonable person without specific skills, equipment, training, leadership or support and is independently Canyoning is very likely (4) to succumb to hypothermia which may lead to potentially catastrophic (5) consequences.
Therefore a Risk Rating of 20 (4x5) is calculated for the Risk of Hypothermia during Canyoning without Risk Management
All MAG Policies, SOP’s and Guidelines are reviewed to identify statements, procedures and practices that directly related to the management, reduction and/or elimination of the risk of Hypothermia during Canyoning; PPE and other safety equipment is also identified. These statement (and equipment used) are then documented as Risk Management Strategies. For example “Appropriate Canyoning Wetsuits are provided to all Participants – thermal underwear may also be provided as appropriate to the current and anticipated conditions”
With these Risk Management Strategies in mind we then consider the same person who engages in a Canyoning activity whilst under the leadership of a competent, properly equipped and qualified MAG staff member who is supported by MAG’s business resources and systems.
It can now be stated that a reasonable person who is Canyoning during a MAG activity is unlikely (2) to succumb to hypothermia and if they do the consequences may be Significant (4) but not catastrophic
Therefore a Risk Rating of 8 (2x4) is calculated for the Risk of Hypothermia during Canyoning with Risk Management Strategies
Overall the Risk Rating of Hypothermia during Canyoning has been reduced by 12 points to 8 and is now below the Maximum Risk Rating Threshold of 12 and is considered to be a manageable risk.
The Maximum Risk Rating Threshold of 12 is expressed as
Where a risk is Likely (3) to lead to Significant (4) consequences and/or
Where a risk is Very Likely (4) to lead to Serious (3) consequences
Where a Risk Rating of 12 or greater is assessed, the risk is considered to be too great and therefore additional risk assessments and/or management is required before engaging in the activity.
The Context for Risk Ratings
The Context for Risk Ratings
Without Risk Management considers a reasonable person with no specific skills, equipment or training engaging independently in the specified activity without leadership, supervision or supporting resources
With Risk Management considers the same individual engaging in the specified activity where a competent, properly equipped and qualified MAG staff member provides professional leadership and/or supervision and is supported by MAG’s business resources and systems
Risks Common to all Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Risks Common to all Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Many of the identified risks are common to all adventure and outdoor activities. To avoid duplicate information these common risks are documented in the Outdoor Activities Risk Management document. Risks that are specific to each activity are documented in the activity specific document.
When reviewing and considering the Risk Management documents the Outdoor Activities Risk Management document is taken into account when considering the overall risks involved in each activity or area.
Periodic Review and Updates
Periodic Review and Updates
All Risk Management documents are reviewed by James Castrission (and other appropriate persons) on a yearly basis. Documents are updated and version control system is used to identify the most current version.
Additional reviews may be conducted following an incident where risk management strategies may have been inadequate and/or the risk or hazard that contributed to the incident is not documented in the existing risk management document
All Risk Management documents are shown in Appendix RM - Risk Management documents of this document
For each of the activities in a MAG program, the google sheet below outlines how our practices reduce the risk of our activities:
Red-> risk rating (likelihood x consequence) before risk management practices
Green-> risk rating (likelihood x consequence) after risk management practices
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