Risk Management - Zip Lining With Knowledge, Liability ...ZIP LINE COMPANIES Unlike other adventure sports, like rafting, or amusement parks, most zip line companies are self-regulated.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON ZIP LINE COMPANIES

Unlike other adventure sports, like rafting, or amusement parks, most zip line companies are self-regulated. That places more burden on your school to research their safety record and reduce your liability.

Approach zip lining with knowledge and liability protection.Your school may want to attract students by providing an exciting and fun environment with activities that include zip lining. However, such activities are not free of risk. Since, in most areas, the industry is considered self-regulating, zip lining lacks the regulatory oversight you might expect for such an activity.

To keep the safety of students a top priority, here are best practices associated with zip lining.

CONTRACT WITH A RESPONSIBLE THIRD-PARTY

Ideally, you should contract with a third party that offers certified instructors to operate and fully supervise the zip lining activity. The instructors should be available to articulate safety protocols to the participants, and appropriate safety equipment and helmets should be used.

Criteria for selecting a zip lining company. The more you understand how a prospective company operates the activity, the better you can manage potential risks and safety protocols. Ask these questions:

• Is the zip lining company a member of a credible, recognized national organization?

~ If so, this may indicate a higher level of safety awareness and training.

•What does the company’s annual safety report reveal about potential past problems?

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•Can the company share statistics on accidents, incidents or near misses on their courses?

~ If there are any, ask if they have made any changes to reduce similar incidents going forward.

•Do they have a shock absorbing landing zone?

•Does the tower or platform have hand rails?

•How do they ensure that a participant will not collide with a tree or other structure during or at the end of the course?

• Is the course constructed of poles, trees or steel structures?

~ If trees, an arborist should confirm that the trees can support the activity.

~ If another structure, the course should be confirmed structurally sound by an engineer.

• Is there a lightning protection system?

• Is the equipment inspected and maintained before each use?

•What kind of harness is used?

•How many cables are used and can these potentially get tangled?

•What about the safety record of the company’s own workers?

If answers to any of these questions raise a red flag, you should reconsider the company or the activity altogether.

PROTECT YOUR SCHOOL AGAINST UNNECESSARY LIABILITIES

A fully third-party operated zip lining activity will typically increase the safety level of the students while at the same time reduce the liability on the part of your school.

If your school chooses to operate the zip lining activity itself, the liability on the part of the school is typically heightened. All of the protocols mentioned remain crucial. In addition, the member or members of the school operating the activity should be fully trained, experienced and certified.

There is always a risk of injury to participants, even if you follow all safety protocols. For that reason, you need to protect your school from liability as much as possible. Following are two guidelines.

Require your third-party contractor to have liability insurance. Obtain proof of their general liability insurance with additional insured status for the school. The school should also be held harmless by the third party via written contract. All contracts should be reviewed by legal counsel.

Obtain signed waivers. This is necessary whether contracting with a third party or operating your own zip lining activity.

Ideally, waivers are signed by the students. If your students are minors, the waivers will need to be signed by a parent.

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What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately, serious mishaps and even tragedies can occur with zip lining. Here are some examples.

• In April of 2015, a woman at a camp in Michigan was injured when she allegedly did not stop at the landing block. At the present time, there is no known reason as to why this happened.

• In June of 2015, a 12-year-old girl fatally fell from a zip line at a camp in North Carolina. The accident was thought to be the result of the dual zip lines getting tangled.

• In July of 2015, on the second day of his job, a zip line worker fell to his death while jumping to assist a participant. While all of the factors leading to this particular tragedy may not be apparent, perhaps lack of experience was the cause.

MAKE KNOWLEDGE YOUR SAFETY NET

Zip lining activities and similar activities pose a substantial risk to all of those involved. Properly educating yourself regarding the safety practices utilized during the activity will help you better understand these risks and the safety protocols used to reduce these risks. The ultimate goal is to create a fun activity without injury.

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