Managing the risks of challenge courses

Take the time before next summer to do a complete evaluation of your ropes/challenge course facility and practices.

More than 25 years have passed since Project Adventure began its model program for a school district in Massachusetts. Today, ropes/challenge courses are a firmly established multidimensional teaching tool for schools, hospitals, camps, and corporate training programs throughout the United States.

When ropes/challenge courses were first introduced at camps, everyone received an education. New terms like perceived risk, baseline risk, and belay suddenly became part of our vocabulary. The focus on safety systems, especially for high elements, helped most. As the activity grew in popularity, most insurance companies and agents became comfortable underwriting the activity.

Evidence from Project Adventure safety studies conducted 10, 15, and 20 years after it introduced the program confirmed the perception that these courses are safe. Injury rates are very low compared to other recreational and business activities. The studies did acknowledge the potential for serious injuries and stated that if given enough hours on the activities, serious injuries are inevitable. Their comments were general and were not specifically directed at camps.

However, since the publication of Project Adventure's 20-year study, there have been a number of incidents involving serious injuries at camp ropes/challenge courses. The injuries include broken bones and resulting disability, quadriplegia, and paraplegia. These incidents raise real safety concerns among risk managers, camp professionals, ropes/challenge course builders and facilitators, and insurance professionals alike. If the incidents continue with their recent intensity, the credibility of the program's safety record could be seriously impaired.

The details of the incidents are not available for publication. Markel Insurance Company experienced some incidents, and it is aware of incidents involving other insurers. In general, the serious incidents most often involve the zip line. The causes of injury include bad designs; exposure to injuries from other objects close to the zip line, such as trees and other elements; and unsafe systems for stopping participants at the end of the activity. Poor site selection is also an issue, especially if equipment failure causes the participant to fall from the zip line. Another major contributor to injuries on the zip line is the lack of redundant safety devices. Equipment failure usually seems to involve human error: putting carabiners on upside down or putting a harness on backwards. Using equipment not designed or intended for the ropes/challenge courses is another problem. Equipment failure may also be attributed to a lack of an aggressive replacement policy for equipment that is stressed during the activity. Another factor involves inattentive staff who may have contributed to some injuries to participants while getting on and off the activity.

All of this evidence suggests that camps must focus quality risk management time on the ropes/challenge course to minimize the potential for a serious injury to a camper or staff person. It is not just a zip line issue. While events of the last few years suggest this activity may be riskier than perceived, the potential exists for a serious injury to occur on any element, high or low, at any time. Managing the risks of the ropes/challenge course requires a proactive attitude.

Challenge course standards

Have a qualified professional inspect your courses each year. The technology and safety systems used today are quite different from those that were used even a few years ago. Most challenge course builders agree that course construction has evolved over time as builders have seen what works and what does not.

The Association for Challenge Course Technology has established some installation standards, although they are not universally accepted. If your course does not comply with the latest standards recommended by the Association for Challenge Course Technology, get specific recommendations from your inspector to bring it into compliance. Your inspector should give you a written report that you should keep for documentation. If you do not have a copy of the Association for Challenge Course Technology Challenge Course Installation Standards, published in 1994, you can obtain one by writing ACCT at P.O. Box 970, Purcellville, VA 22132, or by calling 540-668-6634.

Renovations

If renovation of your course is likely to involve extensive work, you will have to decide upon priorities. Your inspector can help you with this process. Address the major issues first to ensure the safety of all participants. Minimize and reduce risk wherever possible. Putting a layer of wood chips down around all the activities is an example of risk reduction that is very inexpensive. Consider avoiding risk by closing certain elements if your analysis reveals safety concerns. Have repairs done by qualified professionals to maintain the integrity of your plan. Deviations from the ACCT guidelines should be documented and stamped by a professional engineer. Your insurance company may require a copy of your documentation.

Training and equipment

Other priorities for managing the ropes/challenge course include providing appropriate staff training. Unless you really have the professional qualifications to teach the activity, it is best to hire a qualified professional. You should also buy equipment designed for the uses and stresses in a ropes/challenge course. You should also replace equipment regularly and document the dates.

Take the time before next summer to do a complete evaluation of your ropes/challenge course facility and practices. Familiarize yourself with ACCT and its standards for courses. Schedule an inspection and plan to make any recommended changes. Your thoughtful, proactive approach to your ropes/challenge course facility and operation will help ensure that campers and staff have a positive and enjoyable experience for many years to come.

Ed Schirick is senior vice president of the Markel Insurance Company camp and youth recreation division. He is a charted property casualty underwriter and a certified insurance counselor. Send your risk management inquiries to: Ed Schirick, c/o Markel Insurance Company, 4600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

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