Risk Management Reviews (also called Safety Audits or Risk Management Assessments) provided by external specialists provide valuable guidance and recommendations to help your outdoor program demonstrate excellence in risk management.

 

Each Risk Management Review consists of three elements:

 

1. Written self-assessment.  This is based off Viristar’s questionnaire.  The self-assessment provides an opportunity to document the baseline risk management status, and provide an initial review of strengths and opportunities for growth.

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2. External review.  Expert Viristar staff review the self-assessment, interview key staff, and evaluate the culture, policies, staffing, physical plant and other elements of the organization’s risk management infrastructure.  An on-site evaluation, either in-person or through virtual telepresence, is part of some of these reviews (see below).

 

​3. Report and recommendations.  Immediately following the conclusion of the external review component, Viristar staff provide an oral report to program management regarding initial findings.  A written report is then provided, generally within two weeks of the initial oral report.  The written report enumerates observations, findings, and recommendations.

 

Risk Management reviews are available in different degrees of depth, from a review of select essentials to a more intensive and comprehensive option.

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Each review includes an evaluation of both standard risk management elements and COVID-19 practices. Recommendations are provided regarding both standard risk management components and coronavirus risk management considerations.

 

1. Express Check-up

 

The Express assessment is designed to provide a time-limited scan of selected key areas of risk management.  The Express option is suitable for organizations with significantly reduced inherent risk or limited budgets.  No on-site visit by Viristar, either in-person or virtually, is included.

 

The process generally includes:

• Client organization fills out brief questionnaire on current risk management practices

• Client organization provides access to current written risk management materials, including policies, manuals, and emergency plans

• Viristar conducts approximately three to five interviews of key individuals, such as program director, safety committee members, field instructor, and logistics manager

• Viristar provides oral and written report summarizing findings and recommendations

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2. Standard Review

 

The Standard review provides an in-depth look into the organization’s practices, culture, documentation, and risk management performance.  This option is recommended for organizations with an established risk management program that want a thorough review of their systems, strengths and potential growth areas.  A review of programming, facilities and infrastructure is conducted virtually through video link and videorecording, while distancing requirements due to COVID-19 are in effect. As travel permits, a site visit, typically of one to two days, is performed by Viristar staff. 

 

The process generally includes:

• Client organization fills out a comprehensive questionnaire on current risk management practices and systems

• Client organization provides access to the organization’s existing written risk management materials, including policies, manuals, emergency plans, proof of insurance, incident reports, and Risk Management/Safety Committee meeting minutes or reports

• Viristar conducts approximately five to eight interviews of key individuals, such as Program Director, Executive Director, Safety Committee Chair, logistics manager or program coordinator, field instructor(s), Board members, and program management staff

• Viristar provides oral and written report summarizing findings and recommendations

 

3. Extended Review

 

The Extended review is the most comprehensive and intensive option available.  The Extended option provides the most in-depth review of the organization’s risk management strengths and growth areas.  This option is recommended for organizations with high-risk activities, with complex risk management situations, or with an acknowledged need to build up systems to meet industry standards.  A review of programming, facilities and infrastructure is conducted virtually through video link and videorecording, while distancing requirements due to COVID-19 are in effect. As travel permits, a site visit, typically of two to three days, is performed by Viristar staff. Unlike with Express and Standard options, customized document templates, emergency plans, incident management forms, and sample emergency and safety procedures are provided to the client in the Extended Risk Management Review.

 

The process generally includes:

• Client organization fills out a comprehensive questionnaire on current risk management practices and systems

• Client organization provides access to the organization’s existing written risk management materials, including policies, manuals, emergency plans, proof of insurance, incident reports, and Risk Management/Safety Committee meeting minutes or reports

• Viristar conducts approximately five to ten interviews of key individuals, such as Program Director, Executive Director, Safety Committee Chair, logistics manager or program coordinator, field instructor(s), Board members, and program management staff

• Viristar provides oral and written report summarizing findings and recommendations

• Customized risk management infrastructure, which may include document templates, emergency plans, incident management forms, and/or sample emergency and safety procedures, is provided

• Within approximately 90 days of initial assessment, Viristar provides one follow-up consultation, including new questionnaire, telephone consultation, written report, and additional written resources