CPRP Risk Management Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first step in the risk management process?
- Risk identification (Correct answer)
- Risk assessment
- Risk treatment
- Risk monitoring
Correct answer: Risk identification
Risk identification is the first step, systematically identifying all potential hazards and loss exposures that could affect the organization.
Risk identification uses techniques such as site inspections, accident record review, checklists, brainstorming, and incident analysis to discover all potential sources of loss.
Question 2: Which risk treatment strategy eliminates the activity that creates the risk?
- Risk avoidance (Correct answer)
- Risk reduction
- Risk transfer
- Risk retention
Correct answer: Risk avoidance
Risk avoidance eliminates the risk entirely by not engaging in the activity or situation that creates it.
While avoidance completely eliminates a risk, it also eliminates the benefits of the activity. It is typically reserved for high-severity risks that cannot be adequately managed through other means.
Question 3: What does a participant waiver (release of liability) accomplish for a recreation agency?
- Transfers the risk of injury to the participant by obtaining their consent (Correct answer)
- Guarantees the agency will not be sued
- Reduces insurance premiums
- Satisfies all safety inspection requirements
Correct answer: Transfers the risk of injury to the participant by obtaining their consent
A waiver is a document where a participant voluntarily gives up their right to sue for injuries resulting from risks inherent to an activity.
While waivers provide some protection, they do not shield agencies from claims of gross negligence or recklessness, and enforcement varies by state. They are one part of a comprehensive risk management program, not a complete solution.
Question 4: What is the standard of care for a recreation professional?
- The level of conduct expected of a similarly situated reasonable recreation professional (Correct answer)
- The highest possible safety precautions
- The legal minimum required by law
- The industry average for similar programs
Correct answer: The level of conduct expected of a similarly situated reasonable recreation professional
Standard of care is the benchmark of conduct expected of a qualified recreation professional under similar circumstances, against which negligence is judged.
To prove negligence, a plaintiff must show the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty (failed to meet the standard of care), causation, and actual damages. Recreation professionals must know and meet professional standards.
Question 5: Which document should be completed immediately following an accident or injury at a recreation facility?
- Incident report (Correct answer)
- Insurance claim
- Legal notification
- Maintenance work order
Correct answer: Incident report
An incident report documents the facts of an accident or injury while details are fresh, creating an official record used for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and safety improvements.
Accurate, timely incident reports are critical for legal protection and risk management. They should be factual, objective, completed before the end of the shift, and stored securely. Never speculate about fault in incident reports.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an emergency action plan (EAP) for recreation facilities?
- To define procedures staff must follow during medical emergencies and crises (Correct answer)
- To plan for facility evacuation during fires only
- To document insurance coverage for emergencies
- To train lifeguards in CPR
Correct answer: To define procedures staff must follow during medical emergencies and crises
An EAP provides step-by-step protocols for responding to medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises to ensure a coordinated, effective response.
EAPs should be specific to each facility, rehearsed regularly, and accessible to all staff. They define who does what in an emergency, including calling 911, providing first aid, managing crowds, and communicating with families.
What is the first step in the risk management process?