By Kaelan Young
Annie Linhart discussing risk management instruments at the AEE Conference. Kaelan Young
In November 2024, Viristar’s Program Manager, Annie Linhart, delivered two workshops on Risk Domains in Outdoor Programs, aimed at preparing administrators and program leaders with tools to enhance safety in outdoor, experiential, and adventure programming.
The workshops were presented at two industry events in the USA: the 2024 Association for Experiential Education (AEE) International Conference in Estes Park, Colorado and the AORE Outdoor Professional Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
With over 100 participants in attendance across the two events, the workshops fostered engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing among outdoor professionals dedicated to improving safety practices.
Over 85 people attended the Risk Domains in Outdoor Programs workshop at the AORE Conference. Annie Linhart
The sessions began with participants sharing real-life risk management stories from their own organizations, grounding the discussions in practical experience. These personal accounts highlighted diverse challenges and successes, sparking dynamic conversations and setting the stage for collaborative learning.
Annie then guided the group through an exploration of safety thinking, emphasizing the importance of applying a structured, evidence-based framework for understanding incident causation and managing risks.
A key focus was examining the Risk Domains model, which adapts pan-industry safety practices grounded in systems theory to the contexts of adventure tourism, experiential learning, and outdoor education such as school excursions and trips. The model provides a systematic approach for assessing and mitigating risks across multiple risk domains.
Risk Domains in the Risk Domains model
The Risk Domains model classifies risks into eight direct domains and four underlying domains:
Direct Risk Domains
Safety Culture
Activities & Program Areas
Staff
Equipment
Participants
Subcontractors (Vendors/Suppliers/Providers)
Transportation
Business Administration
Underlying Risk Domains
Government
Society
Outdoor Industry
Business
Risk managers using the model should identify risks that exist for their program in these risk domains, and institute policies, procedures, values and systems to reduce these risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and to socially acceptable levels.
The model illustrates that risks in one risk domain can combine with risks in other domains, leading to an incident, reminding risk managers that risks must be addressed not individually in isolation, but in the context of the complex sociotechnical system in which they reside.
The Risk Domains model also identifies broad-based tools, or Risk Management Instruments, which can reduce risks across many or all risk domains:
Viristar’s workshops included interactive elements such as group discussions, scenario-based exercises, and collaborative problem-solving tasks. Participants applied the Risk Domains model to real or hypothetical situations, enabling them to identify and understand how to systematically address risks relevant to their own organization.
These activities provided opportunities for participants to share experiences and exchange best practices with peers. The format supported a practical understanding of the model, and encouraged connections among professionals with a focus on improving risk management practice.
Additional Resources for Risk Management
Further learning opportunities are available for outdoor, adventure, and experiential professionals seeking to enhance safety.
Viristar proudly supports professional associations like AEE and AORE, which offer webinars and resources to support the continuing professional development of adventure educators, outdoor leaders and program administrators.
The textbook Risk Management for Outdoor Programs: A Guide to Safety in Outdoor Education, Recreation, and Adventure provides essential safety information for outdoor and adventure professionals. Program managers, executives, volunteers and group leaders can learn about general approaches and detailed systems for successfully anticipating and addressing outdoor program risks.
For those interested in in-depth training, the Risk Management for Outdoor Programs 40-hour online course provides comprehensive training on risk management for adventure tourism, travel, experiential, and outdoor learning programs. Participants develop a systems-informed safety improvement plan tailored to their specific programs while learning about good practice standards in risk management.
For more information on these resources, visit Viristar’s website.
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