Risk Management In A PE Setting
Chris Presley
Risk Management Project
PES 394
Risk management is something we do every day of our lives, whether we are aware of it or not. Risks and the consequences associated with them are all around us. Every day that we get up and drive to work or school we are a taking the many risks associated with the activity but consciously manage those risks by going the speed limit, stopping for red lights, and signaling to others our intents on the road. By doing these things we are implementing our own form of risk management. We do this in order to lower our chances of having an accident, which, if caused by us is within our liability. Risk management in a physical education setting is equally important for us as educators to not only keep our children safe, but to insure we have done the best job possible to decrease our risk and liability.
The importance of risk management in a physical education setting is evident due to the nature of the ingredients in these settings. Few would argue that one has a better chance of being injured when being physically active than setting in a chair. The combination of many children, physical activity, balls; bats, etc increase the chances of an injury. Implementing an ongoing protocol in risk management in the physical education setting is an important step in reducing injury, and therefore protecting the instructor against negligence and other liability issues.
Many of you who have had courses with me at EOU know that I am going back to school after obtaining my business degree in order to pursue education. Business among other aspects has embraced risk management as being extremely important to success. Using what I learned regarding this topic in my previous academic endeavors, in addition to my current research involving risk management in a physical education setting, I have compiled this project of a suggested outline of the topic.
The first step in the process should include an overall assessment. This assessment should include anything and everything including children, equipment, instructors, and the venue itself. Your goal is to asses each category of the possible risks and hazards involved with each. After the general assessment is complete, the task focuses on planning and adjusting according to the findings on how to reduce risks for all categories and as a whole. In my research I located several websites with general outlines and templates for such assessments and have included their links for others to view. Below I have included a mock check list I created for assessing and reducing possible risks in a physical education setting.
The Following Categories Should be Assessed
- People who could be at risk- Included should be children, teachers, and any visitors or spectators that may be present.
- Equipment- Are there any hazards associated with equipment? Examples: Old and outdated equipment, broken equipment, otherwise faulty equipment.
- Facility- Is the participation area free of hazards? If not, are there signs or other warnings about hazards to warn others? Examples: Wet floor, uneven floor, etc.
- Properly Trained Instructors- Are instructors properly trained and certified in all areas they will be teaching? Are any miscellaneous certifications required such as CPR or AED training?
- Miscellaneous- Are class sizes and teacher/student ratios in compliance? Are teachers and students aware of emergency procedures? Are all exits and emergency equipment clearly marked and easily visible?
This is an abbreviated checklist of some of the major factors that should be included in assessing total risk. I used this as an example and would highly suggest a more in depth assessment such as the ones included with the links I have provided. The final part of developing a risk management system is evaluating all the information obtained through the assessment and implementing actions to correct or further reduce the risks associated with your findings. By reducing possible hazards and risks in the physical education setting you are not only protecting the children you are teaching but also yourself as an educator.
Links to example Risk Management Assessments:
http://www.professionalunderwriters.com/risk/AthleticRiskMmgntSlfEvalPDF.pdf
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Comments
Like the sources and check list. THere are many similarities in the athletic training classes I am taking. Nice information.