Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy
The fundamental premise of this Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy is that from the initial stages of planning, off-campus activities must be evaluated from a safety perspective. The Policy recognizes that most off-campus activities entail risks that are no greater than the participants would face in every day life and can be safely carried out with minimal planning and preparation. However, in the case of a an activity that entails risks higher than this, appropriate advance planning, preparation, and training must be carried out so that the foreseeable risks are appropriately managed, and an activity safety plan must be approved before the activity takes place. In circumstances where it is concluded that the risks are unmanageable, the activity should not be carried out.
The Policy recognizes that planning and preparation, including risk assessment, for an off-campus activity should be carried out by the organizer(s) - normally at the Unit/Department level - who, it is understood, will have specific relevant knowledge. When hazards falling outside local expertise are identified, the Policy requires that planners/organizers consult appropriate experts for advice. As part of the preparations for for an activity, participants must be provided with appropriate training and briefing delivered by persons with the requisite expertise.
The Policy clearly defines the responsibilities of participants and those in the chain of responsibility with respect to safety in off-campus activities. Additional information about resources that will assist planners in meeting the requirements of the Policy is provided in the Supporting Information. See: Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy