What could possibly go wrong?

Managing volunteers accident and liability risks

Catholic Charities USA February 22, 2013

What well learn

How to recognize common risks arising out of volunteer involvement How to identify risks specific to the organization How to develop practical ways to minimize risk, and respond when incidents occur How to implement a risk management system that allows everyone in the organization to know what to do, and not have to improvise

A risk management system

Protects the organizations own insurance limits, claims experience, client relations, staff and volunteer relations, and public reputation. Safe operation supports the mission. Helps attract and retain the best volunteers by demonstrating commitment to safe operation. Volunteers know they have risks.

Immunity laws protection is limited

1997 federal law does not protect volunteers against charges of gross negligence or civil rights violations, or for vehicle-related liability. State laws have similar limitations. Even when lawsuits are frivolous, volunteers must pay for legal defense, which can be very expensive.

Most common risks

Injuries to the volunteer Liability (injuring someone or damaging their property) Automobile liability Dishonesty

Common accidents can be expensive

Tripped over clients oxygen-supply cord fractured wrist, eye damage, head injury -- $18,659 Retrieving boxes from shelf knee ligament and tendon damage -- $19,316 Fall on steps Broken hip -- $21,087 Laceration of the leg, using power saw -- $19,042 Moving trash torn bicep -- $25,000 Helping erect light pole crushed hand -- $19,222 Standing too close to heater clothes caught fire, third degree burns suffered -- $50,000 Tripped and fell in classroom broken hip -- $23,222 Fell from truck while moving furniture injuries to back, arm and hand -- $16,080
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Resource: Fall prevention

MetLife Mature Market Institute www.metlife.com/mmi The Essentials: Falls and Fall Prevention

Most common risks

Injuries to the volunteer Liability (injuring someone or damaging their property) Automobile liability Dishonesty

Resource: Preventer Papers

One-page and two-page documents on how to prevent common accidents Included in handouts for this Webinar Contact William Henry at CIMA Volunteers Insurance 800.222.8920, or whenry@cimaworld.com, any time. We will email you any Preventer Papers you select.

Most common risks

Injuries to the volunteer Liability (injuring someone or damaging their property) Automobile liability Dishonesty

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Resource: Vehicle safety and older drivers

Hartford Insurance Life Ahead series http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com/Safe-Driving

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The risk management process

Identify risks Evaluate in terms of frequency and severity Reduce or eliminate the most serious risks Transfer the remainder to insurance companies Maintain a culture of risk awareness

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Risk management of the position

What are we asking volunteers to do? Analyze tasks, and work environment, for risk scenarios What can we do to eliminate or reduce hazards?

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Start with this question

What could possibly go wrong?

Dig deep, for answers. Deeper!

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Risk management of the position

What are we asking volunteers to do? Analyze tasks, and work environment, for risk scenariosGrade A, B, C or D for severity and frequency. What can we do to eliminate or reduce hazards?

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Risk management of the volunteer

Selection Orientation Training Volunteer and supervisor responsibilities Accountability

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When incidents happen

Reporting responsibilities The importance of timely action

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The insurance piece

Insurance protecting the organization Insurance protecting volunteers

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More resources: Handouts for todays presentation

Questions to help you determine where you are now, in managing volunteer risks Guidance on selection, orientation, training and accountability of volunteers Sample risk management policy Sample agreement for volunteers driving their personal vehicles Safeguards to prevent dishonest acts Preventer Papers on injury prevention and auto safety (Tables of contentscall or email for any individual papers shown that you wish to have)
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William Henry
whenry@cimaworld.com 800.222.8920 www.cimaworld.com