Focus on Agricultural Risk Management
Designing and Conducting Agricultural Extension Education Programs with Risk Management in Mind
Heather Neikirk
neikirk.2@osu.edu
Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources
Co-Leader, Local Foods Signature Program
Nanette “Gigi” Neal
neal.331@osu.edu
Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources
Co-Coordinator, Ohio Annie’s Project
Extension Risk Management Association
Women In Agriculture Educators Conference
April 2-3, 2014 Indianapolis, IN
What is ‘risk’ ?
The chance of:
Injury
Damage
Loss
To:
Person
Property
Reputation
as a result of participation
in an activity.
What is risk management?
“Risk management is a discipline
for dealing with the possibility that
some future event will cause harm
to people, property, income, or
organizational goodwill.”
Nonprofit Risk Management Center, 1997
How do we deal with risk?
Policies, procedures and practices involved in:
Recognize
Manage
Resource: Equine Risk Management Group, LLC
Identify
Analyze
Assess
Control
Avoid
Minimize
Eliminate
Share
Evaluate & Prioritize the Risks – Various Events
Low Frequency
Low
Risk
Retain
High
Risk
High Frequency
Reduce
Eliminate
Share
Controlling Risk
• Permission forms
• Supervision
• Behavior management
• Child abuse & neglect
• Volunteer standards
–Standards of Behavior
Avoid Risk
• No one, ever in a one-on-one situation with a
minor or other vulnerable population
member
• Plan well-prepared activities, avoid unsafe
locations, unsafe activities
• Address challenges and concerns early
before problems or issues get out of control.
Minimize Risk
• Secure appropriate approvals for activities,
events and programs.
• Obtain required trainings, and certifications
• Evaluate activities, locations, other features in
advance.
• Insist on proper education, training &
equipment/attire
• Follow established rules, policies and
procedures.
Eliminate Risk
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Unsafe locations
Unsafe situations
Unsafe activities
Unsafe persons
Sharing risk through permissions
and liability insurance
• Insurance companies share liability for approved
activities
• For minors utilize parental permissions
• Participation and Travel
Share Liability/Educate & Transfer
Insurance
• Volunteer Liability
Insurance
• AIL Accident Insurance
•Participants
•Event
Operate within Organizational
Parameters
Our Mission
Engaging people to strengthen
their lives and communities
through research-based
educational programming.
Our Vision
OSU Extension is a dynamic
educational entity that partners
with individuals, families,
communities, business and
industry, and organizations to
strengthen the lives of Ohioans.
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Code of Conduct
Job Description
Rule books
All rules and policies
Organizational mission
& vision
Risk Management Emergency Plan
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Health forms
Permission forms
Phone contacts
First Aid Kit and training
Pen and paper
If transportation is involved, used specific travel
permission form.
Weather
Farmers are famous for tempting fate –
and Mother Nature. Everybody has
pushed to finish up field operations ahead
of incoming storms; however, the National
Weather Service reminds us that it’s your
behavior when thunderstorms are rolling in
that determines your personal risk of being
struck by lightning. If you hear thunder,
lightning is close enough to strike you.
Posted: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 5:45 pm
Farmers warned against flirting with
lightning
By Jane Fyksen, Agri-View Minnesota
Farm Guide
“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
The United States averages more than 23
million cloud-to-ground flashes of lightning every
year.
When you hear thunder immediately move to
safe shelter, which according to the National
Weather Service is a “substantial building with
electricity or plumbing, or an enclosed, metaltopped vehicle with windows up.”
Too many people wait far too long to get to a
safe place when thunderstorms approach;
sometimes tragically, their delay has resulted in
lightning injury or death. Many also do not wait
long enough after the heaviest portion of the
storm has passed to return outdoors. The best
way to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid
the threat.
If/When something goes wrong
Develop a response plan
– Deal with any emergencies
– Document the facts
– Who, when, where, what,
how
– Do not admit liability
Establish ‘Crisis
Communication Plan’
– Notify all appropriate
“supervisors”
Resources & Acknowledgements
RESOURCES:
• Additional Tools and Resources for
Extension Professionals Hand
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
PHOTOS courtesy of:
• RGB Photo Stock @
http://rgbstock.com
• OSU Communications and
Technology Photo Library
• Heather Neikirk, Extension Educator,
Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Danae Wolfe, Extension Educator,
Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Ohio State University
Extension/AEDE Agricultural Safety
and Health Program