How can you assess risk?

It is important to take the time to identify and evaluate risks in a logical manner and plan for how to best manage and mitigate them. The Worksheet "How to Identify and Assess Program Risks" is a tool to help you think through and address potential risks in your guardian program. Take a look at some examples shared by Nations running guardian and field programs: Risk Management Plan Example and Miawpukek First Nation Guardians Risk Assessment form.

A well-rounded approach to risk management includes the following elements:

Clear roles and responsibilities for management, office staff, field staff and guests.
Well prepared guardians who demonstrate ongoing or ‘continuous competence’ in administering first aid, using a satellite radio on the water or land, safely operating a truck or ATV, and following safety procedures.
Regular safety policy reviews and a run through of scenarios of what might come up in the field. Read the Story "Scenarios Help Indigenous Guardians Prepare for Eventualities and Reduce Risks" for ideas.
Mandatory health and safety briefings for all guests.
Safety gear re-stocked and in good working order.

Here are some tips for assessing and managing risk:

Involve guardians, other field staff, and experienced land and water users in risk management planning. They will have much to contribute toward identifying and planning for risks, and providing detailed local information (i.e. tides, terrain, weather, hazards, etc.).
Make ‘continuous competence’ the foundation of your program - ensure that all staff are up to date with their safety and first aid certificates and knowledge and know how to use safety equipment (such as inflatables and first aid equipment, and SPOT devices).
Ensure that staff understand the risks involved in their work and that everyone on the crew is prepared to lead under emergency conditions. All crew members must have a minimum level of competency in boat or vehicle operations and a base knowledge of how to deal with local hazards or risks on the territory.

Worksheet

How to Identify and Assess Program Risks

As guardian work often happens in remote locations far from emergency assistance, it is important to assess potential risks and put in place procedures to minimize the potential damage of accidents if or when they occur.

This worksheet provides a framework (an easy to fill in table) for identifying and assessing risks associated with your Indigenous Guardian program activities. The worksheet also includes real-life examples of risks identified for different scenarios to give you an idea of what the end product of a risk assessment process looks like. Download it now

Scenarios Help Indigenous Guardians Prepare for Eventualities and Reduce Risks

You’ve just returned from being out on patrol when a community member approaches you to say there is a fisherman in trouble around the point. You know how quickly the weather turns because you just battled strong winds all the way home. The Coast Guard has been called but you know that by the time they reach the scene, the boat could be on the bottom of the ocean.

Risk Management Plan Example

The 'Risk Management Plan Example' was shared by Tim McGrady and the Spirit Bear Lodge and used by Guardian Watchmen, research and tourism crews. Use it for ideas about how to develop and what to include in your own program risk management plan.

Something I've learned from the Kitasoo/Xaixais elders in Klemtu is the importance of traveling on the ocean with humility. The sea changes moods quickly and with little warning. And doing the little things right is important in keeping you safe on the water: do you have the required safety equipment, spare parts, a tool kit, emergency communication devices, flares? Do you check the oil every day and do you check your belts and coolant? These small things need to become a habit and they might just save your life one day.

Tim McGrady, General Manager, Farewell Harbour Lodge

Miawpukek First Nation Guardians Risk Assessment

The 'Guardians Risk Assessment' form shared by the Miawpukek First Nation provides a template that can be used to identify and assess risks inherent on the job and consider controls that can be put in place to mitigate them.

Something I've learned from the Kitasoo/Xaixais elders in Klemtu is the importance of travelling on the ocean with humility..."

How can you assess risk?

Assessing and Managing Risks

How to Identify and Assess Program Risks

Scenarios Help Indigenous Guardians Prepare for Eventualities and Reduce Risks

Risk Management Plan Example

Miawpukek First Nation Guardians Risk Assessment

Assessing and Managing Risks

How to Identify and Assess Program Risks

Scenarios Help Indigenous Guardians Prepare for Eventualities and Reduce Risks

Risk Management Plan Example

Miawpukek First Nation Guardians Risk Assessment