Risk Management

Risk is present in all activities, yet schools and their staff sometimes are unaware of these risks or the significance of the financial consequences associate with accidental losses. Risk management is an important process used to identify these risks and help your school mitigate its impact.

SAFETY CHATS

Safety Chats is a monthly safety topic intended for short staff meetings and worksite postings to promote safety in the working environment.

How to Use Safety Chats…

• Circulate to your staff on a regular basis
• Communicate safety at staff meetings
• Post in a common area where it is convenient for staff to read and sign

Safety Chats in PDF format are available to CharterSAFE members only. Please login to see the links below.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Let CharterSAFE’s Risk Management team keep you informed of important changes in the California legislative landscape that can directly impact our member schools. We encourage members to read each piece of legislation in its entirety and to contact legal counsel with questions regarding interpretation of the law.

Legislative Updates in PDF format are available to CharterSAFE members only. Please login to see the links below.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES & COVERAGE LIMITATIONS

School sponsored activities require evaluation of the perceived educational, cultural, and social benefits versus the potential risks. Certain activities are considered higher-risk because they are more dangerous and may jeopardize the safety of your students. When planning an event that may be considered unique or high-risk, please contact the CharterSAFE Risk Management Team to discuss. The following list of high hazard activities have a deductible of $500 per occurrence: 

• Rafting
• Ziplining
• High Ropes Courses
• Trampolines (except mini-trampolines used for Special Education Programs)
• Horseback Riding (except when part of Special Education Programs)
• Dunk Tanks
• Scuba Diving & other underwater activities
• Rock Climbing
• Airsoft or Paintball Activities
• Bungee Jumping
• Inflatable Devices (including, but not limited to, bounce houses, hamster balls, zorb balls, slides, mazes, and obstacle courses)
• Shooting Ranges
• Fireworks

INFLATABLES

Inflatable amusement devices, sometimes known as "bounce houses", are commonly provided at fundraisers and other school events. Unfortunately, where bounce houses are concerned, not everyone is having a good time.

CharterSAFE sees a trend of serious injuries associated with these devices. This includes a dislocated knee and a broken femur. The same problem is being reported across the country, where several deaths have occurred.

It should be a clue that few companies renting bounce houses will provide evidence of liability insurance. Instead, they ask the school to sign a waiver of liability, causing the school to be responsible for potential claims and litigation.

LIQUOR LIABILITY

In the past, CharterSAFE has required schools to obtain separate liquor liability insurance. Under the current year's liability coverage, there is no exclusion. While this is not an exposure that we welcome, there is coverage. That said, we do expect risk management techniques to be utilized: 

• Organizers must follow applicable laws relating to age verification. No one under the legal age - or who doesn't have an ID on their person - should be served.
• A method of limiting consumption should be instituted, e.g. maximum of two drink coupons per person, or (less preferable) charging a substantial amount that will naturally inhibit sales.
• Hire a qualified bartender from a vendor (caterer, etc.) that carries its own liability insurance.
• No alcohol on campus at any time.
• There should be a placard or some other form of notice that is readily visible that reminds attendees to drink responsibly and reminds them there is a two-drink limit.
• Attendees should be informed that the event organizers or bartenders will call a cab for them if they feel they should not drive after the event. This could be done by the Master of Ceremonies, or it could be posted at tables or the bar.

The JPA understands the importance of fundraising events to its members. However, the serving and sale of alcohol places a serious financial and moral responsibility upon the member organizations. Courts have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to DUI, and the penalties are severe.