Risk assessment is a fundamental skill for anyone leading or organising outdoor activities. A good risk assessment doesn't eliminate all risks—that would mean never going outdoors—but it ensures risks are understood, minimised, and managed appropriately.

The Risk Assessment Process

Step 1: Identify Hazards

A hazard is anything that could cause harm. For outdoor activities, consider:

• Environmental - Weather, terrain, water conditions, wildlife
• Equipment - Failure, misuse, inadequate gear
• Human factors - Fitness, experience, group dynamics, fatigue
• External - Other users, remote location, limited communication

Step 2: Assess the Risk

For each hazard, evaluate:

• Likelihood - How probable is it that harm will occur?
• Consequence - How serious would the harm be if it did occur?

Risk = Likelihood × Consequence. A common method uses a 5×5 matrix, rating each factor from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Step 3: Implement Controls

For significant risks, apply the hierarchy of controls:

1. Eliminate - Remove the hazard entirely (choose a different route)
2. Substitute - Replace with something less hazardous
3. Engineer - Physical controls (fixed ropes, barriers)
4. Administrative - Procedures, training, supervision
5. PPE - Personal protective equipment (helmets, PFDs)

Step 4: Document and Communicate

• Write down your assessment
• Share relevant information with all participants
• Brief the group on specific hazards and controls
• Ensure everyone understands emergency procedures

Common Outdoor Hazards

Weather

• Heat: Dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke
• Cold: Hypothermia, frostbite
• Wind: Balance issues, wind chill, blown objects
• Rain: Slippery surfaces, flash flooding, hypothermia
• Lightning: Direct strike, ground current

Terrain

• Steep ground: Falls, slips
• Cliffs and drop-offs: Fatal falls
• Water crossings: Drowning, swept away
• Unstable ground: Rock fall, landslides
• Dense vegetation: Getting lost, scratches, ticks

Wildlife

• Snakes: Bites, venom
• Spiders and insects: Bites, stings, allergic reactions
• Large animals: Attacks, disturbance

Dynamic Risk Assessment

A written risk assessment is prepared before the activity, but risk assessment doesn't stop there. Dynamic risk assessment is the ongoing process of evaluating conditions during the activity. Circumstances change, and you must continuously reassess and adapt your plans.

When Things Go Wrong

Despite best efforts, incidents can occur. Your risk assessment should include emergency procedures: what to do if someone is injured, how to call for help, evacuation routes, and who has first aid training. Being prepared for emergencies is part of managing risk.

Good risk assessment becomes instinctive with practice. It's not about creating paperwork—it's about thinking through what could go wrong and being prepared. This mindset keeps you and your group safe while still enjoying challenging adventures.