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ECOCLUB, Issue 94
their company so that their personal liability is minimized. This harms the industry as a whole as consumers are not properly
protected. Operators playing by the rules are at a disadvantage when pricing their product aginast someone who is not carrying
the same level of insurance.
STEPS FOR A SAFE ECOTOURISM OPERATION
Some things you can incorporate into the safety management program of your ecotourism company are:
· Planning - Select alternate trip routes and activities that can be used in inclement weather or if the energy level of the group is
waning.
· Policies - Set policies on how many guides will accompany a trip. (In some sports and states, minimum guide numbers may be
already set by governing agencies.) Develop safety policies that provide direction for bad
weather, approaching wildlife,
communicating with the base location, and other items that are relevant to your operation.
· Hiring - Look for personal attributes like judgment, leadership, and communication skills, as well as appropriate certification
when hiring guides. Check references from previous employers to assess the guide’s performance under difficult conditions.
· Training - Provide training in leadership skills so that guides can maintain control over a group under stress. If bad weather is
encountered and disagreements arise over the best way to continue the trip, your guide must be able to prevent part of a group
from trying to find their own way back to the trail head.
· Qualifying clients - Ensure that all clients have completed a questionnaire and in cases where physical condition is critical or a
person has had medical problems, insist on a doctor’s examination before the trip departs. Match
the customers abilities and
interests to activities and tour itineraries. Help the customer select a tour that is a good choice for them. Resist the temptation to
add them to a trip that is beyond their capabilities because you need the extra people in order to run the trip.
· Equipment - Mechanical failure from equipment can significantly increase the potential of accidents.
Make it a priority to
examine all equipment and restore it to good working order. Where equipment is
nearing the end of its life, budget funds to
replace it.
· Practice - Give your staff the chance to practice their safety skills, especially those that are used only in times of crisis, such as
first aid or rescue drills.
· Waivers - Prepare waivers for customers to sign advising them of the risks of the activity they are about to undertake and
absolve you of responsibility in the event of an accident, injury or illness. While waivers
may not prevent lawsuits, they can
reduce the likelihood that someone would win a claim against your business as you will have made them aware of the potential
risks and dangers beforehand.
