Policies & Procedures - Risk & Safety Management Module - Executive Summary - How to Develop and Implement Risk and Safety Management Practices

Sep 11, 2026

Uploaded by Angel

Risk & Safety Management Module within a Policies & Procedures guide for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) outlines practical risk management factors for volunteer programs. It serves program management staff and leaders overseeing risk, safety procedures, and insurance policies. The module provides step-by-step guidance to assess risks before projects start, coordinate with land management partners, conduct on-site risk assessments, select and train for tools, ensure qualified leadership with first aid/CPR, deliver comprehensive safety talks, and maintain safe leader-to-volunteer ratios. It also covers emergency action planning, emergency response components, and legal waivers to streamline volunteer experiences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time6 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

About Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC)

How to Develop and Implement Risk and Safety Management Practices

Key Takeaways

Legal Waivers

POLICIES & PROCEDURES Risk & Safety Management Module Subject to the License Agreement you accepted, you agree in part to not copy, modify, adapt, translate into any language, distribute, or create derivative works based on the content of this guide and supplemental materials without the prior written consent of VOC. You also agree to take all reasonable steps to protect the content from unauthorized copying or use by others. This content is provided "as is" and with all faults, and the entire risk as to your use of this content is with you. About Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is the oldest and largest outdoor stewardship organization in the state. We work to connect people to Colorado’s outdoors in ways that inspire them to be caretakers of the state’s natural resources. This is especially important because the demands on our outdoor resources are extensive and Colorado’s stewardship needs are reaching a near-crisis level. VOC is playing a leading role in addressing these challenges in three ways. First, we’re fostering statewide collaboration on issues and solutions. We’realso expanding stewardship efforts by helping others build and grow successful volunteer programs. Finally, we’re continuing to engage 5,000 volunteers each year in on-the-ground, hands-on stewardship work. Policies & Procedures Guide [SteppingUpStewardship.org](SteppingUpStewardship.org) [Risk & Safety Management Module Copyright 2018 Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado](Risk & Safety Management Module Copyright 2018 Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado) (VOC) Executive Summary Rismaynfcseaittyhmeaenagemenvent of anteclipdseavntirai nndgma viilantteeel irabpol ijth reaThisyoguirrowiullphoeorpasnseizasstkioeny risk management factors in volunteer programs. It is a tool for program management staff, as well as those who oversee the organization’s risk and safety procedures and insurance policies. u How to Develop and Implement Risk and Safety Management Practices: } Assess potential risk and safety concerns before the project begins. g Scout the project with the land management partner, discuss whether potential on-the-ground work will be appropriate for volunteers to undertake, and how your organization and the land manager can effectively mitigate the identified risks. g Identify and record detailed information during an on-site risk assessment. The detailed information you collect will be important for everyone working on the project to understand and follow (see Step 1 of this guide for a detailed list of what to consider in your Project Risk Assessment). g Identify which tools will be used during the project and possible risk factors associated with the type of work being done and the tools being used; for example, to operate some tools, such as chainsaws, you will need to appropriately train your volunteers. } Ensure volunteer leaders possess skills, experience, and temperament needed to successfully manage risk. g Staff must be well-organized, understand the potential hazards associated withoutdoor stewardship projects, possess good communication skills and, at a minimum, be certified in First Aid/CPR. g Once crews are established, ensure that all volunteers listen to a comprehensive safety talk that explains the type of work they will be undertaking and how to safely handle the various tools. g Inform volunteers of the challenges before assigning them to work crews so that they can self-select and avoid undertaking work they are not prepared to complete. g Maintain a safe leaders-to-volunteers ratio by ensuring that an adequate number of volunteer leaders are on the team. } Develop an emergency action plan. g Orient Crew Leaders to an emergency response plan during the crew leader training. Share the overall process with project teams during a risk management talk at the beginning of the work day. g An emergency response plan will include the following components at a mini

FAQs

Who is the Risk & Safety Management Module intended for?

It is a tool for program management staff and for those who oversee an organization’s risk and safety procedures and related insurance policies.

What key steps are recommended before a volunteer project begins?

Assess potential risks and safety concerns up front, scout the project with the land management partner, and determine whether on-the-ground volunteer work is appropriate and how risks will be mitigated.

What should an emergency response plan include at minimum?

It should include communication, medical response, evacuation, follow-up, and a chain of command, with crew leaders oriented to the plan during training.

Sep 11, 2026

Uploaded by Angel