Our Commitment to Risk Management
Trusted Leaders in Risk Management
Since 1941, Outward Bound has maintained strong policies and procedures to effectively manage and reduce risks across all our programs. While risk is inherent in outdoor activities, our risk management approach is designed to minimize the potential for accidents and achieve OBC’s overall risk management objectives, as outlined in our National Risk Management Policy.
Risk Management is Central to Every Program
Our programs are intentionally designed to engage students in activities with inherent and unfamiliar risks. These challenges serve as powerful teaching tools, helping students build self-confidence, resilience, and leadership skills as they step outside their comfort zones and explore their potential. From start to finish, our risk management practices are in place to reduce the chance of accidents and ensure a fun, supportive environment.
Managing risk is embedded in the training and daily practices of our organization, beginning with the expertise and qualifications of every staff member and educator who leads our programs.
Our programs are led by highly trained and experienced instructors who are well-equipped to guide students through challenging environments. We ensure:
- All instructors are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR
- For water-based courses, instructors hold Bronze Cross water safety certification
- Every instructor has technical expertise in a variety of wilderness activities
- Instructors are experienced group leaders skilled at working with individuals under stress
We apply a proactive, “what if” mindset to every aspect of our programming. This includes:
- Conducting systematic risk/benefit assessments for all activities involving potential hazards
- Implementing checks and balances through trained and involved staff at every level
- Ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of operations and activities
- Annual reviews of any incidents or accidents by management committees and external experts
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires around the world, with Canada being particularly vulnerable to this hazard. Due to spending long periods of time outdoors, Outward Bound Canada (OBC) participants and staff are increasingly impacted.
Who is At Risk?
Although nobody is immune to the effects of wildfire smoke, some people will be affected more than others due to pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, and chronic illnesses. People recovering from COVID-19 may also be more susceptible to wildfire smoke due to compromised lung function. Additionally, people who work in the outdoors and/or partake in strenuous outdoor activities are considered more vulnerable to wildfire smoke.
The following is a summary of the steps OBC takes to mitigate the risk of wildfire and wildfire smoke on our courses. Throughout the wildfire season, we actively monitor the following on a daily basis:
- NASA/FIRMS satellite imagery (for active fires and fire hazard forecasts)
- Provincial wildfire maps (for active fires and hazard forecasts)
- Wildfire smoke forecasts
- Regional short- and long-term weather forecasts (including rain, humidity, and wind)
- Provincial and Government of Canada air quality advisories
- Provincial directives, such as fire bans and Off-Road Vehicle restrictions
- Provincial directives from wildfire incident command teams regarding backcountry travel
OBC takes a conservative approach to wildfire risk. If a threat is deemed too high, we will relocate the group to a safer area. If no suitable alternative is available, we may cancel or reschedule the program in the interest of safety.
OBC uses the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and the Air Quality Index (AQI) to determine the suitability of a specific location for outdoor programs. These tools are widely used to assess the risk level of smoke generated by wildfires.
The Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by many government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air is and how polluted it may become over a 48-hour period.
Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. For each pollutant an AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to an ambient air concentration that equals the level of the short-term national ambient air quality standard for protection of public health.
The Federal Government provides public guidance in relation to outdoor activities, based on the risk level determined by the AQHI and the impacted population.
AQI values at or below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy: at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values get higher. The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. Each category also has a specific colour. The colour makes it easy for people to quickly determine whether air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities.
The Air Quality Health Index
The AQHI is calculated by determining the presence of common pollutants in the air: Ozone at the ground level, Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Dioxide.
The AQHI Scale:
The Federal Government provides public guidance in relation to outdoor activities, based on the risk level determined by the AQHI and the impacted population:
Low Risk (1-3): Enjoy outdoor activities as usual.
Moderate Risk (4-6): Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms.
High Risk (7-10): Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities
Very High Risk (10+): Avoid strenuous activities outdoors
OBC monitors the AQHI and AQI surrounding its course locations to determine the appropriate response. Please refer to the following chart for OBC’s policy on course changes based on the AQI and AQHI levels.
*The types of activities being performed and external variables such as level of exertion, elevation and weather/wind forecast may affect how OBC’s AQI/AQHI chart is used. For example, a strenuous backpacking trip in the mountains may be more affected by wildfire smoke than an ocean kayak trip. Therefore, staff should always err on the side of caution when activity type and external variables may increase risk exposure.
Low Risk: The course will take place as scheduled.
Moderate Risk: The course will take place as scheduled. Additional consideration will be placed into the route to facilitate reducing physical activity if participants develop symptoms associated with smoke inhalation.
High Risk: Participants will be contacted to be made aware of the heightened risks of wildfire smoke during their course. Course logistics will be reviewed including the location of the program and the intended route. If logistically possible, the program will be relocated or the distance travelled during the course will be reduced to avoid ongoing strenuous activity.
Very High Risk: The course will be moved to a new location, rescheduled, or canceled.
Please note that, even in an area that is relatively close to wildfire, the air quality can vary considerably over the space of several days. It is common for an area to have an AQHI of 10 one day, and 3 the next day. For this reason, we monitor course areas daily, and make determinations based on multi-day trends.
For example, if the forecast is either an AQHI 10+ or AQI 301+, but most of the days on course are in the AQHI 3 to 5 range/ AQI 150, we are unlikely to cancel or reschedule that course. If, however, the forecast is for three or more days of AQHI 10+ or AQI 301+, we will strongly consider cancelling or rescheduling that course.
Each group that travels in the backcountry has 2 modes of communication: A satellite phone and an In Reach device (2-way satellite texting and tracking device). These devices allow us to track the exact location of each program and share relevant updates with them.
In the past it has been difficult to obtain accurate AQHI/AQI readings for our backcountry courses, as the measuring devices for these systems are based in urban areas. Therefore, each cohort’s experience with wildfire smoke may vary from the reported ratings. Frequent communication with cohorts allows us to adequately monitor the risk of wildfire smoke and respond quickly and effectively. If a course experiences an estimated AQHI of 10+ or AQI of 301+ for 24 hrs or longer, we will either remove that course from the field or relocate them to an area with better air quality.
In an effort to obtain more accurate air quality measurements in the field, we are running a pilot system of having instructors carry portable air quality measurement devices on our Rocky Mountain courses in 2023. Data generated from these devices will be collated and used to inform our policies moving forward.If you have any questions about OBC’s Wildfire Policy, please contact us at info@outwardbound.ca
On May 5, 2023, after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization determined that “COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)”. In that context, it is time for OBC to shift our health policies and procedures from a focus on COVID-19, to a general focus on preventing, mitigating, and treating communicable diseases on our programs and at our facilities. As there are currently several communicable diseases posing a threat to people in Canada, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), we must maintain a high level of vigilance.
The Regional Safety Officer at all locations shall regularly check the instructions from their regional public health unit regarding diseases of concern for their region. Instructions given by the regional public health unit shall supersede this document in the event of disagreement.
If a student or staff member experiences a symptom that might indicate a communicable disease, this must be reported to the appropriate supervisor immediately. The person’s symptoms should be evaluated in terms of type and severity, and the person should be monitored at regular intervals until symptom free. This does not apply to mild symptoms that are attributable to a separate, previously diagnosed condition such as seasonal allergies. The action taken will depend on the type, severity, and duration of the symptoms. If two or more people at the same location experience Symptoms of Concern (see below), the situation should be reported to the regional health unit as a possible outbreak.
Mild Symptoms
- Mild cough
- Runny nose
- Mild tiredness
- Slight headache
- Sore throat
Symptoms of Concern
- Fever or chills
- Persistent cough
- Malaise or extreme tiredness
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Any symptoms experienced by staff or students will be reported to the Regional Safety Officer immediately.
Staff or students who are experiencing mild symptoms (see above) may remain on base, providing they:
- Wear a mask
- Observe social distancing (keep 2m+ away from others)
- Do not prepare food for others
- Social distance from others when eating
Staff or students who are experiencing symptoms of concern (see above) should either return home or isolate at base, if the base has the capacity to support this. Anyone in isolation must:
- Remain in isolation until 24 hours after symptoms have resolved (48 hours for nausea, diarrhea or vomiting)
- Reside in a separate cabin or tent from others
- Eat separately from others. Precautions including the wearing of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as medical masks and gloves should be taken to avoid contamination during the transfer of food to and from the patient
If symptoms of concern worsen or persist longer than 72 hours, the patient should return home and seek medical care. They may rejoin the program once they are symptom free.
Any symptoms experienced by staff or students will be reported to the Regional Safety Officer immediately.
Staff or students who are experiencing mild symptoms (see above) may remain on the course, providing they:
- Wear a mask
- Observe social distancing (keep 2m+ away from others)
- Do not prepare food for others
- Eat separately from others
Consider evacuation for staff or students who are experiencing symptoms of concern (see above). In some circumstances, with the approval of the Regional Safety Officer, it may be possible to isolate a symptomatic patient in the field. Anyone in isolation must:
- Remain in isolation until 24 hours after symptoms have resolved (48 hours for nausea, diarrhea or vomiting)
- Sleep in a separate tent or shelter from others
- Maintain strict physical distancing
- Eat separately from others. Precautions including the wearing of appropriate PPE should be taken to avoid contamination during the transfer of food to and from the patient
If symptoms of concern worsen or persist longer than 72 hours, the patient should be evacuated to medical care. Those who wish to re-join the program must be symptom-free.
All field courses should bring sufficient PPE. At a minimum, this means:
- One medical mask per person
- Two N95 or KN95 masks
- Five pairs medical gloves
Staff who are examining a symptomatic patient or administering first aid to a symptomatic patient will wear medical masks and gloves. Staff are strongly encouraged to wear appropriate PPE during other first aid situations.
All backcountry courses should have a tent plan that allows for isolation if necessary; eg: if using a group shelter or multiple person tent plan, consider packing one solo tent in addition, for isolation needs.
Vaccinations
As of January 11, 2023, we no longer require students or staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
We strongly recommend that all students and staff get vaccinated against COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and other diseases as recommended by their regional health authority.
Testing
As of May 5, 2023, we no longer require COVID-19 testing for our programs or facilities.
Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and youth in its care. We are committed to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and we recognize our responsibility to promote spaces where people can be their authentic selves: where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. For more information, please read our full Child & Youth Protection Policy.
Accountability Through External Oversight
To ensure we remain at the forefront of risk management in outdoor education, our policies and practices are regularly reviewed and benchmarked:
- Every two years, our programs are reviewed by an External Safety Committee composed of international experts
- Outward Bound is often looked to as a standard for risk management in outdoor education and is frequently consulted by other organizations
- Our staff have led seminars and training on risk management for camp directors, outdoor education students, and national associations
Have Questions? Please contact us at info@outwardbound.ca if you have further questions or concerns about risk management at Outward Bound Canada.
What is OBC’s Policy Regarding Wildfire Risk?
We take a conservative approach to wildfire risk. The well-being of our participants is our top priority in all program planning. If wildfire or smoke risk in a course area is deemed too high, we will relocate the group to a safer location whenever possible.
If a course is located in an area affected by fire or smoke risk, we will notify the participants’ parents or guardians directly. If no suitable alternative location is available, the program may be rescheduled or cancelled.
We monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) throughout each program to assess wildfire smoke risk. Since 2023, our instructors have also carried portable air quality monitoring devices in areas where wildfire smoke is a concern.
If the AQHI is forecasted to reach 10 or higher (very high risk) for three consecutive days, we will consider canceling or rescheduling the program to protect participant safety.
We strongly recommend that prospective participants with pre-existing respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, cardiovascular conditions, or lung damage from COVID-19) consult with their doctor before enrolling.
Each backcountry group is equipped with two communication tools: a satellite phone and an InReach device (a two-way satellite texting and GPS tracking device).
These devices allow our support staff to monitor the group’s exact location and share important updates as needed. The instructors check in with our in-town support staff at least twice a day using these systems.
With the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events due to climate change, OBC has adapted its practices to protect the health and well-being of its students and staff.
The normal human body temperature range is 36°C to 38°C. Maintaining this range is critical to prevent heat-related illnesses. In preparation for hot weather, OBC considers factors such as access to drinking water, proximity to cool water sources, and availability of shade when planning courses. All groups carry a thermometer to monitor conditions in the field.
OBC uses the following shaded air temperature guidelines to assess and respond to heat risk:
- Below 24°C – Regular activity can proceed
- 25°C to 34°C – Considered hot weather; activities are modified accordingly
- 35°C and above – Classified as extreme heat; all physical activity stops, and efforts shift to keeping the group cool and stable
All OBC instructors receive training on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses as part of their wilderness first aid certification.