INCIDENT TRENDS
assessments help ensure that guides adhere to protocols and reinforce the importance of clear communication in preventing accidents. 5. Furthermore, reinforcing commu- nication signals and their significance during monthly staff meetings fosters a culture of safety awareness. Providing regular reminders and opportunities for discussion allows guides to share ex- periences and reinforce best practices, further mitigating collision risks. By implementing these solutions and maintaining a proactive approach to communication and oversight, opera- tors can minimize the risk of collisions. (For more on zip line communications, read “Successful Sending,” p. 58) Passenger Transportation While the industry maintains standards and protocols for individual zip line rides, protocols for transporting groups of six to 12 people in vans or UTVs along steep, winding gravel roads are lacking—but passenger transportation can pose higher risks than the activity itself. To ensure optimal safety for employees and guests during ATV, UTV, and van transportation, we recommend oper- ators establish an approved driver list, with approved drivers completing the following steps: 1. Submit a motor vehicle report (MVR) and ensure its acceptability. The MVR provides an overview of an employee’s traffic violations over the past five years.
2. Develop company driving rules and procedures that approved drivers must review and adhere to. 3. Conduct vehicle training for each driver with an experienced operator, covering: • An overview of the vehicle and its functionalities. • A ride-along with a trainer to identify common blind spots and offer tips. • A review of driving rules and proce- dures with the employee. • A review of the operation’s expecta- tions of the employee as a profes- sional driver. • The completion and documentation of a daily vehicle checklist. 4. Require approved drivers to pass both a written test and a practical (drive) test. These steps should be internally documented for each approved driver, including the dates of completion for each step, and signed by both the employee and the trainer. Repeat these steps annually for all drivers and docu- ment accordingly. For more information on proper ATV, UTV, or van safety, refer to Granite’s resources page. Preventable Incidents These incidents encompass operational mishaps stemming from non-compli- ance with procedures, errors made during operations, or overlooking exist- ing risks covering a broad spectrum of occurrences including, but not limited to, falls from height and slips, trips, and falls. The primary cause of these
It’s also important to recognize that incident severity rises as arrival speeds increase, and that most claims occur on zip lines with automatic braking, as these systems are most common when participants arrive at speeds that have the most potential for injury.
Some crucial steps to consider:
1. Employ distinctly contrasting termi- nologies for commands. Clear and un- mistakable phrases such as “Send ‘em on down, Sally!” and “Hold, hold, hold, hold!” ensure participants and guides understand when to proceed and when to hold, minimizing the likelihood of collisions. 2. Incorporate backup communication systems to address potential failures in primary communication devices. Estab- lish alternative signals to ensure guides can effectively convey commands even if radios malfunction. 3. To further enhance communication clarity, implement visual signaling mechanisms, such as red and green lights akin to those used in waterparks. These lights provide a clear indication of when it is safe to proceed (“Green”) and when to hold (“Red”), offering an additional layer of safety and reducing the reliance on verbal commands. 4. Regularly audit guides and their communication practices to maintain consistency and effectiveness. Monthly
2023 INCIDENT AND CLAIMS TRENDS
CAUSATION DESCRIPTION
% OF CLAIMS AVERAGE CLAIM COST
Collision
Injury due to a collision with another person or object while on the zip line/aerial course Injury that occurred while being transported in a vehicle such as a van, ATV, or UTV Injury resulting from a fall from a height greater than 3 feet
15%
$283,000
Passenger Transportation Fall from Height
10%
$400,000
6%
$128,998
Slip, Trip, Fall
Ground-level slip, trip, or fall
31%
$1,568
Inherent Risk
Injury that occurred due to the inherent risk of the activity (e.g., trolley ran over fingers, legs swung and hit the brake)
38%
$7,613
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