Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
‘She’ll be right’. Or will she? Practitioner perspectives on risk assessment for led outdoor activities in Australia
Australian outdoor practitioners reported confusion and uncertainty about risk assessment, along with little policy guidance or formal training.
What's new
Inadequate risk assessment has been implicated as a contributing factor in deaths and injuries on led outdoor activity programmes in Australia and overseas. This survey of Australian practitioners examined which risk assessment methods and policy guidance they use, how useful they find risk assessments, and the barriers they face. Results showed confusion and uncertainty about carrying out risk assessments, and a lack of policy guidance and formal training. The authors argue that new risk assessment methods better suited to led outdoor activities are needed.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Risk assessment is central to EOTC safety management in Aotearoa. Similar confusion could exist here, so it is worth checking that staff understand and are trained in the risk assessment methods they are asked to use.
Putting it into practice
Review whether staff who complete risk assessments for EOTC have been trained in the method used, and provide training or clearer guidance where gaps show up.
How strong is the evidence
This is a survey of practitioners' views and practices in Australia. The abstract does not give the sample size, and the findings describe current practice without evaluating any particular method.
What to read
The results on practitioner challenges and barriers.