Category Archives: Hot Topics

Learning to Play Nice

Posted on by
Reply

In honor of Mother’s Day I thought I’d share some of the many valuable things my mother taught me as a child. Learn to get along and play nice, if you cannot say something nice, don’t say anything and always wear clean underwear. Okay, maybe the last one doesn’t really relate to this posting, but it is good advice (chuckles).

I was recently asked to create a risk management committee for a large regional nonprofit. This is an exciting project for both the organization and me. There are no preconceived notions, no experience and a total openness in the organization when it comes to this task. This is a clean slate for us to really make a difference and establish a foundation for moving forward effectively.

The project got me thinking about what the ideal committee needs to do; regardless of task. Over the years I’ve learned some really practical tips for creating an effective workgroup. First off, size matters; no more than 8 people on a working committee. More people can be involved with projects, subcommittees and other work, but eight is enough (sounds like an old TV show). Secondly, make sure you have a clear vision of the work; create a commission for the committee that everyone understands. Nothing causes a committee to flounder or wander off course more quickly than lack of a clear purpose. Third, do not meet more often than the work requires. Why meet unless there is something to do? Fourth, set them up to succeed. Not only is a clear work plan important, but so is the authority to proceed. The committee must have the authority to carry out the responsibilities it has been assigned; this may have budget considerations. And the final tip, number five, remember to be flexible. The work plan, group make-up and timeline may change; be ready for it.

When it comes to risk management, a Board-level committee can be very effective for a nonprofit organization. There will be overlap with existing committees for a new committee and responsibilities may have to be shared or moved, but focusing on tasks from the risk perspective can add a efficient light to our adventures together.

Michael Gurtler, Safe-Wise Consulting

Information on committees is available in the Online Resource Library

Rolling Through the Stop Sign

Posted on by
Reply

Many of us have rolled through a stop sign while driving, whether inadvertently, because we’re inattentive or in a hurry. Some folks even do this on a regular basis at a familiar intersection.

We discussed this analogy last week during a series of training sessions I facilitated. The sessions were part of an organization-wide effort by a large YMCA in the New York metropolitan area. That organization was reinvigorating its youth protection efforts. After prior planning we were able to efficiently train over 1,000 staff through a week-long series of events. It was the largest concentrated effort I’ve worked with and it was very impressive to interact with all the different staff and see how the leadership of the YMCA took this topic so very seriously.

We discussed the sheer magnitude of abuse in the US today, particularly the frequency of neglect and bullying. We discussed the impact and severity of molestation and looked at how we can work to prevent all forms of abuse. The effort looked at protecting staff, the organization and most importantly the youth that are involved in programs and services. Our stop sign analogy centered on the idea that when we roll through that intersection the sign itself is no longer relevant. We compared that to how we all can sometimes forget to see the signs around us. In this case specifically that we sometimes miss the signs of abuse and more importantly the opportunity to build youth up as we look to protect them and prevent abuse. After all no matter the organization, if they work with youth, their goal is building youth. Building strong, resilient and confident youth not only serves them well in life, it helps to protect them for abuse and harm.

So after training this large group of staff over a five-day period I was heading back home. I has completed my air travel and was within a half-mile of my home when I came to an intersection. I looked at the stop sign and took a moment to briefly reflect on the week’s efforts and hope that others remembered to not roll through the signs they intersect with.

Michael Gurtler, Safe-Wise Consulting

Information on Youth Protection is available in the Online Resource Library

Background Checks

Posted on by
Reply

One question that we often get asked at Safe-Wise Consulting is “How often should we conduct background checks?” Our recommendation is that these checks should be conducted on at least an annual basis for all employees and any program volunteers. Organizations should conduct these searches in addition to meeting any screening that is required by licensing or regulation.

Many organizations have moved to screening staff prospects through a variety of resources. There are some critical things to keep in mind when selecting a background check option. First off, background checks must include a social security verification. Since this is most likely the identification that is used to find information, it is critical to verify it before conducting the search. The old axiom, “garbage in, garbage out” would apply here. It is also important to utilize a multi-state search. Do not confine your search to only your state; prospects could have spent time in other states or crossed jurisdictions. Youth staff members should have a background check conducted immediately after turning 18 in addition to any prior screening.

Another trend for youth serving nonprofits like YMCAs is to screen members that access facilities. Being on the sexual offender registry is usually inconsistent with the organization’s philosophy and there are also very few facilities where youth do not participate in some manner. Software and systems are readily available to conduct these searches easily and some also allow for a quick screening of guests. If an organization adds their staff to the membership database, they too will be included in this regular screening.

Remember, there is no silver bullet for preventing abuse and protecting youth. Screening is just one strategy that every organization should employ and background searches are only one form of screening.

Mike Gurtler

More information about screening practices and youth protection is available in the Safe-Wise Online Resource Library

Keeping Your Eye on the Ball

Posted on by
Reply

During a recent visit to a fitness facility the staff and I discussed the use of training balls at their location. Fitness training balls, also known as stability and exercise balls, are commonly used at fitness facilities around the country. While they are common and usually durable they can fail when not used in a proper manner and within manufacturer’s recommendations. As recently as 2009 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommended the recall of nearly 3 million exercise balls due to a number of reports of various injuries to consumers. The majority of these and continuing injuries are due to improper use rather than equipment defect.

Some of our discussion provided new ideas to the training staff, so I thought it may be appropriate to present them in this week’s Blog. In addition we’ve recently added a listing of good use practices in the Online Library under the Program section.

Most training balls are designed to withstand common use during exercise. They are usually labeled with a user weight limit; listed on the ball near the air valve. The listed weight limit is the maximum amount of weight the ball can support. This includes the user’s body weight along with any weight equipment. Training balls are also available in various sizes. These sizes follow suggested user height recommendations by manufacturers.

One of the most common causes of equipment failure and user injury is a training ball that is not properly inflated. Underinflating this piece of training equipment can cause leaks and affect a user’s stability while exercising.

In conclusion, facilities should ensure that a selection of equipment is available that suits the various sizes and skills of users. An area that has appropriate space should be designated for the use of training balls. Instruction should be offered so that users are aware of how to properly use the equipment. All equipment should be regularly inspected with the results documented. Training balls should be properly inflated and used within manufacturer’s recommendations. Equipment that has been purchased since 2010, is designed for commercial use and is properly inflated can help reduce the incidence of injuries.

Mike Gurtler

More information on use of fitness training balls is available in the Online Library

Lightning Discussions Ongoing

Posted on by
Reply

Reviewing emergency plans prior to incidents is good practice. With the prevalence of unusual weather situations around the country it makes even more good sense. A part of an organization’s weather emergency planning that frequently gets discussion is procedures for thunderstorms and lightning. From a risk management perspective all outdoor activities must have a lightning emergency plan. Safe-Wise recommends following good practices which include the 30/30 rule (see our Online Resource Library). However, my discussion this week has more to do with indoor activities.

I recently spent time discussing emergency planning for indoor pool operations with an organization. I know of few other emergency planning topics that seem to get as much passionate discussion. A simple scan of the Internet will find any number of opinions and supposed factual discussion for implementing a lightning emergency plan. Safe-Wise recommends evacuating all wet areas, pools, showers rooms, etc., during a thunderstorm storm by following the 30/30 rule. The 30/30 rule states: if thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a lightning flash, seek appropriate shelter until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. This rule helps define the proximity of lightning and prevents exposure during the most hazardous period of that exposure.

However, some organizations because of a variety of operational considerations and pressures hesitate at implementing this rule. The fact that there has never been a documented case of injury due to a lightning strike while using an indoor pool is often combined with the desire to accommodate user’s concerns of pool availability. This combination is used to justify not closing pools during weather emergencies. Other considerations used to justify this practice are grounding, bonding, other construction standards and lack of specific NCAA guidelines.

I’ve been in the chair of the director running facilities that comes under criticism for closings during a number of different weather emergencies and I know it can be a very tough thing. I also know that I simply cannot use any excuse to expose people to the risk of swimming during a nearby thunderstorm. It can be a very uncomfortable discussion to have and a very unpopular policy to implement. Finances, member satisfaction and even Board or political pressure can influence these discussions. Even with all these influences I do not believe there is any other practice that makes sense aside from following the 30/30 rule. I’ve done quite a bit of research on the subject and have considered both sides (and others) to this issue. While I respect other’s opinions and in many cases can find common ground for similar issues; this is not one of those times.

Your organization needs to thoughtfully consider the information available around this issue without emotion and develop a plan that can be easily implemented in at any time of operation. Your plan needs to be written, rehearsed, regularly evaluated and clearly communicated to staff and users.

Mike Gurtler

More information about lightning safety can be found at the Lightning Safety Institute Website or the Safe-Wise Online Resource Library.

Stop Bullying Now

Posted on by
Reply

I spent some time updating my knowledge of the scope of bullying in the US this week as I prepared to provide a workshop on the subject for a group of YMCAs. I also was reminded of the impact of this issue while reading an article in USA Today (Wednesday, January 25th, “Bullying in USA: Are we defenseless?”). Over half, about 56 percent, of all students are exposed to bullying on a regular basis at school (National Crime Prevention Council). This is a very big problem for our youth today.

So why aren’t more youth organizations embracing this issue? Most YMCAs and other youth-serving organizations work diligently to address and prevent the sexual abuse of children. Organizations regularly employ a variety of strategies to screen, train, educate and supervise staff in order to prevent abuse. And while these efforts are needed and laudable, some focus more on how to protect the organization than how to protect youth. It is understandable and logical… but.

It may seem odd that a risk manager would suggest something other than the understandable and logical. I am not. The sexual molestation of children needs to be prevented and organizations must work to protect themselves. They also need to protect staff and, most importantly, protect youth. My suggestion is that we utilize the opportunity as we work with youth to help them cope with the problems they are facing on a much greater scale. Obviously the impact of molestation is huge; however the frequency of other forms of abuse makes them a priority as well.

Working to build resilient, confident youth in our organizations is a great way to help prevent all forms of abuse. Focusing on the strategies that primarily prevent one form over another may not be the most effective way to help the kids in our programs. Building on core values, a welcoming/accepting environment and providing education on coping strategies will go a long way in helping youth deal with all forms of abuse.

I encourage our organization leaders to look at a broad approach to protecting youth, staff and the organization from abuse.

More information about youth protection is available at the Safe-Wise Consulting Online Resource Library. Resources on preventing bullying are available at www.stopbullying.gov

Mike Gurtler

Welcome to the New Year

Posted on by
1

Welcome to the New Year… welcome to our new Blog. Safe-Wise will be posting regularly to this with the goal of sharing first-person comments on the risk issues facing our nonprofit colleagues on a daily basis. Staff will present ideas each week, reference pertinent resources and allow for thoughtful comments from our readers.

So as I sit down to write our first posting on this chilly winter day I pause to reflect on some issues we’ve seen come to the forefront of nonprofit risk management in the last year. Changes in weather patterns have caused organizations to look at emergency planning in new ways. Youth protection has been a topic thrust to the attention of the media and public because of several high-profile incidents. Our digital world is ever evolving and because of this new challenges around theft-prevention and social media management (among others) present themselves on a regular basis. The aquatics world continues to deal with changes in regulations on the local, state and national level. These are just a few of the newer items added to our already lengthy laundry list of regular duties such as slips and falls, supervision, facility management and staff safety.

Fear not dear reader. This is indeed a daunting list, however with thoughtful planning and strategy development these risks (and others) can be managed in a responsible manner. We will all walk through the woods together and find paths that will bring us to the green grassy pastures on the other side. Okay, well maybe that is a bit of an idealistic vision, but you get my meaning.

So join us on our quest to manage risks and protect staff, youth, families, facilities and our organizations from harm. Together we will find effective practices that help your organization serve its mission in an effective and responsible manner.

Mike Gurtler