OSI sees a strong trend in performance and safety among organizations, which clearly define roles among all of its employees.  It seems especially important within organizations with frequent staff turnover, seasonal employees, and employees newer to the workforce.

This must-read guest article by attorney Reb Gregg addresses claims that industry standards increase the potential for legal liability. Reb tackles both legal and ethical concerns surrounding industry standards for the oudoor education and outdoor recreation fields.

Climbing equipment inspection & retirement resources. We review extensive free resources provided by Petzl that are useful for institutional climbing programs.

What is the primary emergency communication device for your program?  See what the Outdoor Safety Institute recommend. One of your participants is in a "life or limb" emergency situation, you or your field staff stabilize the situation as best as possible but know that this person needs to get to the hospital.  Do you have an emergency communication device?  What is it?

The ongoing discussion about requiring climbers in various locations to carry specific communication devices and climbers paying for rescue is discussed in a great article put out by the NorthWest Mountaineering Journal.  Details after the link.

 If your program operates in bear habitat, you probably have bear camping & travel practices. Are they documented? How do your leaders implement these? Details after the link.

Transporting clients and staff in program or contracted vehicles poses one of the most significant risk concerns for many organizations.  As we move quickly into the peak season for many organizations we want to offer some instigating questions and common industry practices to prepare and potentially integrate into your upcoming field season.  It's an ongoing issue with no simple answer.  Let us know if you have any thoughts or questions on this.