Inherent Risks
Mr. Taylor and Mr. Aeckersberg work diligently to keep students safe at all times during course activities, however, students are exposed to 'controlled risks' at times during course activities. Falling during OE8 hikes/activities is a real risk. Injuries sustained could be scrapes, bruises, sprains, strains, broken bones, concussions, lacerations. Hiking in the outdoors (backcountry) presents itself with the possibility of encounters with wildlife. Such human-wildlife encounters/confrontations could result in serious injury or fatal injuries. The Manning Park overnight trip, as well as local hiking trips are in both black bear and grizzly bear territory. When hiking in maintained trail systems there is still the risk of falling great vertical distances which could result in serious or fatal injuries. Some of our hikes are far enough away that cell phone coverage is not possible. In case of emergency situations, time for emergency personal to assist could be a problem. Both instructors have first response first-aid. Students are, therefore, in potential perilous situations away from acute medical aid. Skating, wall-climbing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, activities we plan to do during the winter, all could result in injuries associated with hitting hard surfaces and falling resulting in many injuries (noted above). Our bike trip(s) present risks related to those mentioned above as well as issues with bike accidents and vehicle-bike encounters. Before we get on our bikes we will be making a concentrated effort to promote safety with our students. All trip transportation will be on SD23 school bus. Vehicle accidents and related potential injuries are a possibility. |