Groups 2008
Risk Management For Schools
Perisher Blue is a purpose built Snowsports destination, which has been operating under the present ownership since 1995. Prior to that some of the present ski area was managed separately by different owners but snow activities have generally been conducted in this area since the 1950s.
Under the present ownership and management, the resort has made major improvements to safety in order to meet or exceed regulatory guidelines. The resort is at the forefront of ski industry policy making to remove or minimise risks for our guests. It is important to note that there are inherent risks in all snow sports activities that common sense, preparation and planning can reduce. Remember that RESPECT is the key at the resort – for the mountain, the environment, the supervisors and fellow students, mountain staff and other users of the resort's facilities.
With more and more emphasis being placed on Risk Management, particularly for school groups, a decision was made to publish information that assists schools in completing this task. In addition to the information provided here, we have also produced a Risk Management Planning Tool. Our intention is to create a tool that is constantly evolving and improving. To this end we would appreciate any comments or suggestions from schools or other interested parties.
Our company is serious when it comes to snow safety. In addition to the tool provided you will also find helpful information on our web site under ‘resort info'. Here you will find the Alpine Responsibility Code our Lift Usage Policy as well as links to independent organisations who are just a dedicated to providing safe snow sports.
Sometimes accidents happen
Although our goal is always to minimise injuries and promote safe snowsports, there is still the chance that an accident may occur. Risk Management is not just about reducing opportunities for injuries to happen but also about knowing what to do should you be involved in or witness an accident.
- Recognise the situation – recognise that an accident has occurred. Acting quickly and correctly can help to minimise any impact.
- Personal safety – prevent further injuries to yourself, the victim and others. The accepted signal for a skiing accident is a pair of crossed skis about 10 metres uphill from the accident site. This tells oncoming skiers and boarders to avoid the area, as well as alert mountain staff that assistance is required.
- Get help – advise resort employees or Ski Patrol as soon as possible. Always ask a fallen skier or boarder if they are OK or need help (sometimes that decision is made by yourself if they are unable to do so). Send someone to advise mountain staff or Ski Patrol immediately, ensuring they know the exact location of the accident. The best way is to inform a lift operator at the closest lift. They can then phone Ski Patrol with all relevant details.
- Don't leave yet – it may take some time for help to arrive so keep the site safe.
• The casualty should be kept warm and as long as it does not disturb the injury, an extra jacket
should be placed on their shoulders or underneath them to sit on.
• Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink, even if they ask for something. If people stop to
see the accident or there are bystanders, politely ask that they move on so that they are not creating a hazard.
• Never remove a casualty's skis or board or unfasten their boots. Other equipment that is not
attached to the casualty, such as poles or loose skis, can be moved from harm's way.
• If the accident is major, ask around for any witnesses who may be required to give a statement
to Ski Patrol. - When Ski Patrol arrives – once Ski Patrol arrive they are in charge. Ask if you can assist any further and if they require you to stay. If not, leave the scene so they can do their job.
| Risk Management Planning Tool - Perisher Blue Ski Resort | ||
| People | Hazards/Dangers/Risks | Risk Management Controls |
| * Instructors | * Lack of organisation | * All Instructors trained to APSI (Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors) guidelines. apsi@apsi.net.au |
| * Untrained staff | ||
| * Inadequate attention to safety standards | * Safety standards regularly reviewed | |
| * Lack of attention to regulation, eg: Child Protection | * Child protection strategy in place & in accordance with government regulations | |
| * Poor supervision | * Perisher Blue promotes and enforces a Code Of Conduct for all staff (condition of employment) | |
| * Poor/Outdated procedures | * Procedures reviewed annually | |
| * Workers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol | * Perisher Blue has Drug & Alcohol policy with zero tolerance to breaches and mandatory & random testing | |
 |
||
| * Lift Operators | * Inadequate attention to safety standards | * Safety standards mandated by government regulation |
| * Untrained staff | * Lift operators trained in safe operation of all types of lifts. Available for advice in recommended techniques. | |
| * Perisher Blue promotes and enforces a Code Of Conduct for all staff (condition of employment) | ||
| * Workers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol | * Perisher Blue has Drug & Alcohol policy with zero tolerance to breaches and mandatory & random testing | |
|
||
| * Ski Patrol | * Untrained staff | * Ski patrol personnel are trained in first aid & retrieval of injured & distressed skiers & boarders. Trained to the standards of ASPA (Australian Ski Patrol Association) www.skipatrol.org.au |
| * Perisher Blue promotes and enforces a Code Of Conduct for all staff (condition of employment) | ||
| * Poor/Outdated procedures | * Procedures regularly reviewed by ASPA | |
| * Workers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol | * Perisher Blue has Drug & Alcohol policy with zero tolerance to breaches and mandatory & random testing | |
| * Inadequate attention to safety standards | * Safety standards regularly reviewed | |
|
||
| * Medical Staff | * Inadequate access to medical care and facilities | * Privately operated Medical centre on site & operational 7 days per week during snow season ph 02 6457 5266. Operated by experienced medical staff |
| * Ambulance service on site if transport to hospital required | ||
|
||
| * Ski/Board Technicians | * Poor knowledge of fitting skis and boards | * Hire technicians required to undertake independent training run by ski/binding and board suppliers and demonstrate appropriate knowledge and competency |
| * Workers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol | * Perisher Blue has Drug & Alcohol policy with zero tolerance to breaches and mandatory & random testing | |
| * Perisher Blue promotes and enforces a Code Of Conduct for all staff (condition of employment) | ||
|
||
| * Train operations staff | * Lack of attention to regulation, eg:Rail Maintenance/Safety | * Train drivers undertake comprehensive training & maintain currency in accordance with government regulation |
| * Untrained or unfit staff | * Train operations highly regulated. Regulator audits operations staff periodically | |
| * Workers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol | * Perisher Blue has Drug & Alcohol policy with zero tolerance to breaches. Mandatory & random testing is a requirement by law for rail safety workers | |
| * Perisher Blue promotes and enforces a Code Of Conduct for all staff (condition of employment) | ||
|
||
| * Machinery operators | * Untrained staff | * All machinery is operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and relevant regulations. Written procedures are maintained with regard to machinery operation. Operator can not use machinery until competency has been demonstrated |
| * Inadequate attention to safety standards | * Relevant licence must be held for operation of heavy machinery | |
| * Workers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol | * Perisher Blue has Drug & Alcohol policy with zero tolerance to breaches and mandatory & random testing | |
| * Perisher Blue promotes and enforces a Code Of Conduct for all staff (condition of employment) | ||
|
||
| * Maintenance/Cleaning personnel | * Inadequate attention to cleanliness and hygiene | * Private contractors who are obligated to implement high standards of cleanliness and hygiene |
| * Inadequate attention to safety standards | * Contractors record when cleaning is completed and report abnormalities | |
|
||
| * Health Safety & Environment Personnel | * Lack of policy and implementation of safety issues | * Perisher Blue employs Safety Managers to manage compliance with regulations & implementation of risk reduction strategies |
| Equipment | Hazards/Dangers/Risks | Risk Management Controls |
| * Skis, boots, poles. Board & boots |
* Runaway skis and boards causing injury | * Perisher Blue requires that retention devices are used on skis & boards to prevent runaway equipment |
| * Lift operators check for retention devices and will not allow a person to ride a lift without it | ||
| * Equipment failing | * Perisher Blue's equipment is tested & maintained by trained technicians | |
| * Do not overstate ability level on equipment hire forms | ||
| * Equipment breakages | * If unsure on how to use equipment, ask first | |
|
||
| * Wrist Guards & Helmets | * Most common injury to boarders is to the wrist | * Wristguards recommended for beginner boarders. Can be hired from the resort. |
| * Poor quality protective devices | * Consider helmets for students. Should meet current recognised standard for snow sport helmets. Can be hired from resort. More information on helmets at www.lidsonkids.org or www.asaa.org.au | |
| * Falling over or collisions can cause head injury | * Always purchase or hire equipment designed for snow sports. | |
|
||
| * Parka, Pants | * Poor quality clothing | * Parka & pants should be water proof & warm. Suitable outer garments can be hired or purchased at the resort |
| * Inappropriate clothing | * Avoid heavy and bulky items. Use insulating layers on the inside and water proof layer on the outside | |
| * Always purchase or hire clothing designed for snow sports | ||
|
||
| * Goggles/sunglasses | * Poor quality protection for eyes | * Highly quality sunglasses and or goggles prevent 'snow blindness' |
| * Inappropriate protection for eyes | * Recommend that goggles are worn during snowy and windy conditions. Sunglasses are of little use in bad conditions. Available for purchase at resort | |
|
||
| * Toboggans | * No brakes or directional control on Toboggans | * Use only moulded plastic toboggans. Discourage use of any items not specifically designed for this purpose |
| * Toboggan only in area designated by NPWS & outside of Perisher Blue Slopes. All participants to toboggan in areas absent of obstacles | ||
| * NOTE: Tobogganing specifically banned by NSW Department of Education | ||
| * Tubing park to be available at resort in winter 2006. Inherently safer than toboggans | ||
| Location | Hazards/Dangers/Risks | Risk Management Controls |
| * Snowy Mountains NSW, Within National Park, Purpose built ski resort | * Operator needs licence/lease to conduct business within National Park | * Perisher Blue holds legal right to conduct business within the National Park. Terms are confined within its lease agreement |
| * Isolation & absence of appropriate facilities | * Perisher Blue is a purpose built snow sports facility. Facilities are maintained to the highest standard & in accordance with industry best practice | |
| * Unsuitable for all standards & both sexes | * Facilities & terrain cater for all standards, including disabled persons. Trail maps produced which indicate which runs are suited to ability level | |
| Activities | Hazards/Dangers/Risks | Risk Management Controls |
| * Skiing & Boarding including lessons | * Injury to self or others by falling or collisions | * Perisher Blue highly recommends the use of protective devices such as wristguards for beginner boarders & helmets for all skiers/boarders which can be hired from the resort |
| * All students should have an Identification Card with group name, teachers names, mobile phone nos., accommodation details | ||
| * Injury resulting from inexperience | * Ski/Board according to ability. All participants should be aware of and abide by the Alpine Responsibility Code | |
| * Seek tuition only from qualified instructors (highly recommended) | ||
| * Medical Release/Waiver forms should be collected in advance & given to the Medical Centre at the commencement of activity | ||
| * Inadequate Liability Insurance | * Public Liability Insurance current and sufficient. Copy of Certificate of Currency available on request | |
| * Highly recommend that all participants have Ambulance cover | ||
| * Injury whilst using lift system | * Obey safety signage and instructions from resort staff | |
| * Abide by the company ski lift use policy. If unsure of operation ask the lift operator | ||
|
||
| * Crosscountry Skiing | * Being lost or disoriented if going cross country | * The resort has access to trained & experienced providers of nordic activities. Visit www.wildernesssports.com.au |
| * Injury to self or others by falling or collisions | * Ski according to ability. All participants should be aware and abide by the Alpine Responsibility Code | |
| * Perisher Valley has marked trails designed for cross country use | ||
|
||
| * Tobogganing | * Injury to self or others by falling or collisions | * ONLY toboggan in the designated NPWS toboggan slope. Tobogganing is not permitted on Perisher Blue Ski Slopes. Read and obey all signage |
| * Injury by using inappropriate devices | * Use only moulded plastic toboggans. Do not use of any items not specifically designed for this purpose | |
| * NOTE: Tobogganing specifically banned by NSW Department of Education | ||
|
||
| * Snowtube Park | * Injury to self or others by falling or collisions | * Use Snowtubes only in area designated by Perisher Blue. |
| * Injury whilst using lift system | * Obey safety signage and instructions from resort staff | |
| * Abide by the company ski lift use policy | ||
| * Injury by using inappropriate devices | * Use only Snowtubes provided by the resort. Use of any other items is specifically banned | |
| * Inadequate Liability Insurance | * Public Liability Insurance current and sufficient. Copy of Certificate of Currency available on request | |
| * Highly recommend that all participants have Ambulance cover | ||
|
||
| * Chairlift Ride | * Falling from lift causing injury | * Read and obey all sigange at lift load and unload stations |
| * If unsure about operation of lift ask the lift operator | ||
| * Chair falling off cable | * Inspections and maintenance carried out according to government regulation and documented procedures | |
| * Cable detaching or breaking | ||
| * Getting stuck on chairlift if there is a breakdown | * Emergency evacuation plan in place if breakdown can not be fixed with a reasonable amount of time | |
| * Clothing getting stuck in the chair | * Ensure loose clothing is not attached to the chair before off loading | |
|
||
| * Skitube - Alpine Railway | * Participants falling onto train track | * Concourse staff (platform workers) employed to maintain safety within train terminals & platforms. Includes limiting access by public to certain areas |
| * Injury due to train stopping suddenly | * Train carriages fitted with barriers to minimise passenger movement in the event of train stopping suddenly | |
| * Injury getting on or off train | * Listen & abide by announcements made on train about securing self & possessions | |
| * Injury from unsecured equipment in train | ||
| * Train malfunction - derailment, fire, collision | * Skitube operations required to submit safety reports to ITSRR (Independent Transport Safety & Reliability Regulator) | |
| * All trains & carriages fitted with emergency exits | ||
| * Safety messages provided and safety signage in place | ||
| * Evacuation plan in place in case of train emergency | ||
| * All train carriages fitted with automatic sprinklers as well as fire extinguishers | ||
| * Trains fitted with emergency use phones | ||
| * Loose rock fall in train tunnel | * Track & tunnel inspections conducted weekly during snow season | |
| Environment | Hazards/Dangers/Risks | Risk Management Controls |
| * Variable weather, high terrain, snow covered | * Exposure to cold, wind, snow, wet conditions | * Purchase good quality beanies, ski/board socks & gloves. These items can not be hired due to health regulations |
| * Wear appropriate clothing; windproof & waterproof outer jacket & pants can be hired | ||
| * Consult Perisher Blue's web site for forecast and actual weather, recommendations on protective clothing/equipment. | ||
| * Eat well and drink fluids regularly. Avoid alcohol | ||
| * Sun exposure | * Carry & use very high SPF factor sunscreen, peak brim hat & good quality sunglasses & goggles | |
| * Varied terrain | * Consult www.snowsafe.org.au for safety tips whilst in the snow | |
| * Slippery surfaces | * Perisher Blue Ski Patrol conducts daily and periodic patrols of ski slopes | |
| * Obstacles both marked and unmarked | * Read and obey all signage | |
| * Visibility variations | * Keep activity flexible in case of sudden weather changes. Seek out sheltered areas | |
| * Check forecast conditions | ||
| * Variable snow cover | * Slopes are groomed with machinery overnight to prepare a smooth surface in general traffic areas. | |
| Accommodation | Hazards/Dangers/Risks | Risk Management Controls |
| * The Station Resort in Jindabyne | * Exposure to alcohol at Happy Jack's Bar | * Students are only allowed in bar area when accompanied by a teacher until 10pm. Photo ID is mandatory to enter licensed premises and are checked by Security at every entrance. The Station promotes and abides by regulations set out under RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gaming). Separate meeting areas can be provided to schools. |
| * The Station Resort is located 5km outside of Jindabyne. Students are not exposed to other bar or night clubs besides those on the property. Security patrols the grounds regularly. | ||
| * Exposure to entertainment in nightclub | * No entrance to nightclub for persons under 18 years. Photo ID is required and is checked at every entrance by security. | |
| * Property is spread out and students are hard to control | * Groups are kept together in one area. Teacher rooms are allocated in between student rooms so that room checks can be easily performed. | |
