WHAT?
(As told by Virginia Tech's Director of Risk Management, Fred Weaver). A Cloverbud club went to a farm to learn about horses, there were several volunteers, and snacks following the program. The kids were able to look into stalls to see and identify several different types of farm animals. The parents each had a few kids with each of them in order to be safe. The program was PERFECT. After the snacks the kids were getting antsy and the parents were cleaning up, so the farmer/owner agreed to take the kids out of the barn. There was a horse treadmill outside which the farmer let the kids get on. While they were walking on it (getting rid of the energy and having fun) one child tripped and her arm got pulled in by the conveyor belt...
SO WHAT?
It is imperative that as volunteer managers that we understand the importance of risk management ourselves and that we ensure that ALL of our volunteers understand the importance of risk management and are trained and are suitable for the role. Whether it is done in a face to face training or written policies, or both, this screening and training must to be covered. Everyone involved must be aware of the program and the risks that exists. Proactive preparation is an important measure to reduce the risks.
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NOW WHAT?
Being prepared for everything and having the perfect program is great, however, accidents occur. Preparing for them before they happen is key. All volunteers who have a direct contact with youth for a long term or a short term needs to have risk management training. Even the great ideas have flaws and volunteers need to be prepared to react to these flaws and nip it in the bud before they even occur. And as a volunteer manager, it ultimately begins with you and follows with constant communication.
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