RISK MANAGEMENT

Health and safety is our number one priority. The Odyssey Institute works diligently to maintain the highest industry standards. Our first task in producing comprehensive risk assessments for our activities is to gain an understanding of the environments we will be working in (both physically and culturally), and from this to reduce risk to health and safety as far as is possible. The statements and documents listed here explain our approach to health and safety and risk management.

DOWNLOADS :: Additional documents

Risk Management Policy: A detailed break down of our policies and procedures regarding identified risks. pdf

Medical and Non-medical Evacuation Procedures: A detailed overview of our policies and procedures for managing evacuations. pdf

Boat Safety Strategy: A detailed plan for management of all risks associated with small boat use. Contact us for a copy.

Home Stay Risk Management Strategy: A detailed plan for management of risks associated with facilitation of home stay experiences. Contact us for a copy.

BS8848 compliance document: A statement of our compliance with British Standards Institute’s BS8848 Specification for the Provision of Visits, Fieldwork, Expeditions and Adventurous Activities outside the United Kingdom (2007). pdf

Leadership Standards Document: This document outlines the minimum standards of competency to which we hold all staff at the Odyssey Institute accountable. It is a vision of how to be and an integral part of our internal professional development strategy. Contact us for a copy.

Code of Conduct: A series of regulations for Odyssey Institute staff outlining what is not acceptable during program facilitation and the subsequent consequences for rule violations. A Code of Conduct for participants is included in the Terms and Conditions. Contact us for a copy.

Health and Safety Report Form: A daily report form for recording activities and observations, etc. pdf

Incident Report Form: A template for recording incidents, accidents and near misses. pdf

First Aid Kit: The full inventory for our expedition medical supply kits. pdf

Terms and Conditions: A description of our rules governing participation and financial transactions. pdf

Assumption of Risk & Release and Indemnity Agreement (a.k.a. waiver): Signed by all participants (including teachers), this document includes a comprehensive list of all potential risks to client health and safety posed by participation in Odyssey Institute Learning Adventures. pdf

OVERVIEW :: Odyssey Institute’s Approach to Health & Safety

The Odyssey Institute has a seven point health and safety policy which is reproduced below together with notes on how each of these policy points are implemented:

1. Provision of relevant health and safety information to all clients (students, parents, teachers) before their program begins in Bali.

• - All clients are provided with information on the immunizations and prophylactic medications required before they join the program.

• - Information is also provided on necessary equipment for activities such as trekking and living in tropical wilderness environments, as well as details of required fitness levels.

• - Information is provided in our waiver regarding the full scope of risks associated with travel adventure-type programs.

2. Ensuring that appropriate qualified and experienced staff are employed on the project and that all field staff and group leaders are trained in the safe operating procedures.

• - All staff have to go through an on site induction course which includes training in the relevant safety  policies and procedures.

• - Auditing of operating procedures on a regular basis at each camp/location followed by meetings of all relevant staff to identify corrective actions needed.

3. Identification of the risks associated with activities and locations, as well as the development of measures to minimize these risks.

• - Risk assessments are produced by qualified staff for each location visited  and activity undertaken.

• - Staff are required to consult these reports before visiting a new site, undertaking a new activity or participating in a new project.

• - The risk assessments are continually evaluated and updated.

4. Development and implementation of safe operating procedures for each of the activities undertaken.

• - The risk assessments identify the main safety measures to reduce the risk to clients at the various camps and locations and on different activities.

• - There is regular on site auditing to check that the risk reduction measures identified in the risk assessments are being implemented in full.

5. Ensuring there are adequate communication, medical and evacuation procedures in position.

• - The main bases, the transport boats and buses to and from field sites all have radio and/or handphone contact with Odyssey Institute head quarters and other emergency medical facilities and resources.

• - All boats leaving the Odyssey base have VHF radios and a check in check out procedure for each journey.

• - Staff can communicate with the Odyssey Institute head quarters at all times in the event of an emergency.

• - All groups trekking in the mountain rain forest area use VHF radios to check in and out and communicate.

• - Each Odyssey Institute program is facilitated by qualified professionals who have appropriate medical training and extensive medical supplies.

• - All teams have to carry a First Aid kit with them at all times.

• - The Senior Program Facilitator is responsible for ensuring that all the medical kits are replenished as necessary.

• - There are hospitals with excellent facilities for stabilizing patients with most possible injuries (eg broken bones, dehydration, snake bites, tropical diseases) in Bali.

• - Evacuation plans for Medium, High and Emergency Priority evacuations have been developed for each Odyssey Institute field sites.

• - Medical and evacuation insurance is purchased by all participants.

6. Training of all staff in the safe operating procedures, and acquainting them with the medical facilities available.

• - All staff are given a general health and safety briefing and carry minimum certification of Wilderness First Aid (most are Wilderness First Responders).

• - Additional briefings are given by Odyssey Institute management as and when staff join new projects, take on new responsibilities and visit new areas.

7. Recording all illnesses, accidents, near-misses or incidents which may have a bearing on health and safety and using this information as part of an ongoing refinement of the operating procedures.

• - The Odyssey Institute keeps detailed confidential medical records on all staff or clients that are injured and/or require medical treatment.