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Outdoor Risk Management Worksheet

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Outdoor Risk Management Worksheet

You are part of a student team on a two-day dinosaur fossil survey in a remote New Zealand valley. Use the scenario, site sketch and forecast to assess risks and make defensible decisions. For written responses, explain your reasoning and identify who should act.

Scenario and site sketch

Aisha, Charlotte and Keira are in a supervised group of six students. The group plans to walk from the road-end camp to a fossil survey area, spend the day recording finds and return by 16:00. Their field leader has the final authority to change the plan. The sketch is a planning aid, not a scale map.

Steep, loose slope

Survey area

Exposed ridge

Marked track

Stream crossing

Low cloud may reduce visibility

Road-end camp

Stream

Alternative return: marked track

Factor

Morning

Afternoon

Rain

Showers

Heavy rain possible

Wind

40 km/h gusts

60 km/h gusts

Temperature

8 °C

5 °C; wind chill likely

Stream

Normally knee-deep

Rising after rain upstream

Group note

One student has little experience walking on rough terrain

A satellite messenger is carried by the field leader

Assess and decide

Use the information provided. Risk ratings depend on context; justify your decisions rather than relying on a rating alone.

1.Select two hazards from the site sketch or forecast. For each, state who or what could be harmed and one plausible consequence.

2.By afternoon, rain upstream may raise the stream. Which is the most defensible initial decision about the planned crossing?

Cross as planned because it is normally knee-deep.
Wait until the group arrives, then reassess current conditions and use the field leader's crossing criteria; do not cross if conditions are unsafe.
Send the least experienced student across first to test the depth.
Cross quickly in a line regardless of water level.

3.Explain why the group should not use a single likelihood-and-consequence score as the only basis for deciding whether to cross. Include at least two changing or uncertain factors from this scenario.

4.The group is nearing the exposed ridge as wind gusts rise to 60 km/h and visibility worsens. Which response best follows the hierarchy of controls and safe trip planning?

Continue quickly so the group spends less time exposed.
Use a buddy system and continue without changing the route.
Avoid the exposed ridge; retreat or use a pre-assessed safer route, with the field leader deciding whether to stop or turn back.
Ask the least experienced student to walk behind the group.

5.Give three practical controls for reducing the risk of a slip or fall on the wet marked track. Include one planning control and one action for the group while walking.

6.Write one clear, observable trigger that would make the team change or stop the plan. Explain why a trigger is more useful when agreed before departure.

Prepare and respond

Good risk management includes communication, equipment readiness, monitoring and learning after an event.

7.Match each measure to its main risk-management purpose.

Leave the route plan and expected return time with a trusted contact
Check forecast and stream conditions before setting out
Carry a satellite messenger and check it is charged and usable
Keep the group together and regularly check energy and warmth

Identify hazards and support a go/no-go decision
Monitor exposure and reduce separation
Emergency communication
Emergency response readiness

8.A student slips on the track, strikes their head and is confused. Outline the first actions the group should take, including how to get help and what information to communicate.

9.Name four pre-trip checks or items to record that are especially relevant to this scenario. Include at least one communication check and one check related to the group's needs.

10.After a near miss at the stream, propose two useful steps for reporting and reviewing the event so future trips are safer.