13. What are ways that risk can be mitigated particularly for those high risk volunteer positions and tasks? DISCUSSION
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Notas del editor
People—accidents/injury, discrimination. Property—damage, loss, theft. Income—law suits, theft, lost revenue, costs. Goodwill—public perception, consistency with mission.
Volunteer liability—mitigaged by the volunteer protection act and Good Samaritan Act, Organization’s liability—breach of confidentiality, fraud, exploitation, creation of unsafe environment, discrimination, harassment, etc. Volunteer liability—unsafe working conditions, discriminatory practices,
Phase 1: Identify the potential areas of risk Evaluate and rank the top 2 to 5 areas to work with Phase 2: Risk Control: Reduce, Avoid, Transfer or Assume Consider the financing issues including time, money and other resources Communicate the information to those who need to know Phase 3: Monitor your plan, evaluate and make changes to reduce future risks
Note: Forms are no guarantee or even certain protection against litigation. Waiver Forms may include Informed Risk or Liability (example provided in resource packet), Confidentiality form, Acceptable Use Policies, Press Release forms, Acceptable Use Policies (internet), Youth Parent Permission Slips, Criminal Background Release Form, etc. See Volunteer Background Checks Fact Sheet.
This is looking at risk to organization as well as volunteers.
Discuss appropriate policies and procedures. In example, mentors should have training regarding confidentiality and appropriate vs. inappropriate behaviors such as hugging, time alone, etc. Even painting lower risks such as painting should discuss ladder safety, good ventilation, etc.
Additional benefits to youth such as the connections that are made between learning and real life, increased sense of community, etc. As a rule, the greater the degree of control you maintain over the activities of young people, the greater your duty to protect them from harm. This duty encompasses your need to provide a safe environment and safe materials. You must also select the correct tasks, conduct proper training, and designate adequate and appropriate adult supervisory personnel. The Fact Sheet provides a number of other resources for information and tips.
Often individuals are worried about their potential liability. Laws such as the Good Samaritan Act, the Volunteer protection Act of 1997, and individual state laws provide protection to those individuals.
When assessing potential volunteer positions, there are 4 major considerations with risk management being one. However, others apply to other liability issues even if just goodwill.
Provide examples as appropriate for your community and participants. Some examples may include: The volunteer leading & teaching a summer camp session Volunteers painting a mural at a school Volunteers doing home repairs for senior citizens Volunteers serving at a park clean up as a part of a National Day of Service