“Risky” Business
is
Everybody’s Business
Fundamentals for 4-H Youth Development Work
What is Risk Management?
• The process used to protect assets by
minimizing the potential for negative
outcomes.
• “Risk” is the uncertainty about a future
event that threatens your organization’s
ability to accomplish its mission.
• The unexpected things that can happen
to the participants, spectators, the
properties and reputation of Cooperative
Extension.
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What is Risk Management?
It means the 4-H
club, group or
planning committee
anticipates potential
risks as the activity
is planned and
decides ways to
manage these risks.
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When We Pay Attention to
Risk Management Issues…
• It becomes an important
educational component of
our programs, focusing on
safety and prevention.
• Participants can focus on
learning in a safe,
comfortable environment.
• Volunteers limit their
liability exposure.
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Important Risk Management
Terms
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Liability
Legally bound or responsible. Something for
which one is liable; an obligation, a
responsibility, or a debt.
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Forms of Liability
• Negligence
Failure to use that degree of care which an ordinary
person of reasonable prudence would use under the
given or similar circumstances.
•
•
•
•
•
Assault and battery
False arrest and imprisonment
Invasion of privacy
Defamation (libel and slander)
Violation of constitutional rights
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Risk Management Process
Phase 3:
Risk Review
Monitor and
Evaluate Risk
Plans
Phase 1:
Risk Analysis
Risk
Identification
Evaluation &
Measurement
Phase 2:
Risk Response
Risk Control
Financing &
Communication
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Risk Management Strategies
Reduce
To lessen in extent,
amount, number,
degree, or price.
To gain control of.
Modify the program or
facility, such as adding a
fence to separate the
public from animals in a
show ring
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Risk Management Strategies
Transfer
Shifting all or part
of a risk to another
party. Insurance is
the most common
method of risk
transfer, but there
are other means.
 Charter a bus instead
of using personal
vehicles
 Hold meeting in a
public place instead
of your home
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Risk Management Strategies
Avoid
Taking steps to
remove a hazard,
engage in an
alternative activity,
or otherwise end a
specific exposure.
 Replace night hike
with day time
activity
 Discontinue high
risk event
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Risk Management Strategies
Assume
To take upon oneself;
undertake.
Decide all necessary
precautions have been
taken and conduct the
event
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Volunteer Liability
Protection
• Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997
• Wisconsin state statutes limit volunteer liability
− Volunteers, State Statute 181.0670 - Limited liability for
volunteers of a non-stock corporation.
− Directors and Officers, State Statute 181.0855 - Limited liability
of directors and officers.
− Equine Activities, State Statute 895.481- Civil liability exemption
for equine activities.
• County or organization may purchase insurance
• Personal insurance
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Volunteer Liability Protection
Insurance
In most situations, the
volunteer’s personal
homeowners insurance
and automobile
insurance is considered
primary liability
insurance.
Volunteer Liability Protection
Insurance
• A majority of Wisconsin counties are insured
through one of two mutual insurance companies:
 Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation
 Wisconsin Mutual Municipal Insurance Corporation
• Both companies provide secondary volunteer
liability coverage at no additional charge,
provided procedures are followed.
Accident Coverage
• Primary accident insurance is highly
recommended.
• It can be purchased reasonably for members
and leaders events for a full year or by
event.
− American Income Life Insurance is an example.
− Note: this is accident insurance, not liability
insurance.
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Staff Role
• It is up to staff and volunteers planning the
program or event to develop a risk
management plan.
• When concerns arise, this might include
getting assistance from the county or
university who have people in place to help.
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Have a Risk Management Plan!
• Use a risk management
checklist.
• Involve adults and youth in
developing the risk
management plan so everyone
is thinking about safety.
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Special Areas for
Consideration
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Proper Forms
• When appropriate, have participant health and
waiver forms in place before the event starts.
• The required health form:
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/resources/mgt
/risk.cfm
• Recommended waiver forms are at:
http://www.uwsa.edu/oslp/rm/forms/index.h
tm
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Chaperones
• 1 adult for every 10 youth is recommended …
required for overnight events. Lower ratio for
younger children.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Adults and youth should not stay in the same
room.
• Chaperones must complete the Youth Protection
process.
• All adults for overnight events must complete the
Youth Protection process.
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Emergency Procedures
• In case of emergency:
 The first priority is to provide medical
attention to the injured.
 Contact the parent/guardian or emergency
contact.
 Contact the appropriate County and
Extension Supervisors.
 Prepare and file an incident report.
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Finances
• Federal regulations govern the use of the 4-H
name and emblem which require annual
financial reporting and accountability.
• 4-H Money = Public Funds
All money received by a 4-H entity is public
money since 4-H is a public organization.
Money must be deposited in a public financial
institution in an account bearing the 4-H
name.
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Best Money Handling Practices
• Write a receipt for all monies received.
• Follow proper County, Extension and organizational
guidelines in promptly depositing money.
• Members need to approve payments.
• Two signatures should be required on checks.
• A payment approval form should be used and the
receipt from the purchase should be attached.
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Fund Raising
• Fund raising should only
be conducted to meet an
organizational goal and
fit the organization’s
mission.
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Transportation
• Drivers transporting youth should be at least
18 years of age with 2 years of successful
driving experience (must be 21 if arranged by
Extension staff).
• Avoid transportation of only one youth.
• Use of 12/15 passenger vans is highly
discouraged (Extension staff are prohibited
from driving these vans).
Working With Youth
• Supervise youth at all times.
• Always encourage
parents/mentors to attend.
• Have at least two adults
present when possible.
• Post and communicate safety
rules.
• Provide written guidelines
and rules.
• Work in open places.
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Working with Youth
• Respect privacy of youth.
• Never use physical punishment or
deny basic needs.
• When physical contact is needed to
demonstrate a skill or technique
first ask for permission from the
child.
• Be alert to physical/emotional
needs.
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Resources for Staff
• Risk management contacts
• Professional development resources
• Educational resources to use in planning
and teaching concepts to members and
volunteers
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County Government
• Usually a person is identified as the risk
manager
•
Ask your Department Head to identify this
person
• Protocol will vary from county to county
UW-Extension
• Contact Region Liaison or Associate State
Program Director with questions
• Dan Malacara serves as Cooperative
Extension’s contact for risk management
questions
 daniel.malacara@ces.uwex.edu
 608-263-7941
Resources
• University of WI System Office of Safety
and Loss Prevention/Risk Management http://www.uwsa.edu/oslp/rm/forms/index.htm
 Field Trip Waiver
 Consent for Medical Administration and
Treatment/Health History Questionnaire
 General Incident Reporting Form
Resources
• Region Liaison
• The County person with risk management
responsibilities
• Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development – Risk Management
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/resources/mgt/risk.cfm
• Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development – Money Matters
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/clubs/money.cfm
For volunteer training tools:
Treasurer’s Handbook
Financial Handbook for Leaders
Financial Accountability and 4-H handout
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Resources
• Nonprofit Risk Management Center
− www.nonprofitrisk.org
• On-line tutorials and resources
• Books
• Consulting
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Thank-you!
Kandi O’Neil
Associate Program Director 4-H Youth Development/Volunteer Specialist
kandi.oneil@ces.uwex.edu
Originally developed by Donna Menart and Sue Pleskac
An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides
equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title
IX and Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. © 2012 by
the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.
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