Safety in Ecotourism Products

17 million holidaymakers 17 million holidaymakers 70% of UK package holidaymakers70% of UK package holidaymakers

EC Package Travel Directive 1993

The marketing, sale and performance of package holidays sold or offered for sale in the United Kingdom are regulated by The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 (SI 1992 No 3288). The Regulations apply to anyone who organises packages whether they are for profit or not, and whether they are for business or club purposes.

Acts and Omissions of Suppliers

e.g. Hoteliers, Transport & Excursion Providers

MANSLAUGHTER (CORPORATE)

Directors or staff of individual Tour Operators can face imprisonment

(not just fines!)

Why Is Safety Important ?Why Is Safety Important ?

Safety

Provider

Customer

Suppliers

You have a great idea ………now what?

• What is your organisations Health & safety policy

• Do you need a licence to operate? - UK- Destination

• What is the licensing criteria?

• How do you apply?

You have a great idea …………now what?

• Is it a requirement that you need a destination partner (Agent)?

• Public Liability Insurance – do you have it what does it cover 3rd parties?

Fact finding

• What elements are included in your idea e.g.: – Accommodation– Food– Swimming– Transportation– Sporting activity – Trekking, white water

rafting etc

Safety Assessment

• For each element a assessment of safety & health risks should be conducted

- External Specialist appointed by you

- An appropriately qualified person from your organisation

What is a Risk Assessment?

• A process to identify hazards

• assess both the probability and seriousness of them occurring and

• to take actions to mitigate them

Risk Assessment• 7 Step Process

– Identify Hazards

– Decide who might be harmed and how

– Evaluate the probability of occurrence

– Evaluate the seriousness of occurrence

– Record your findings

– Take actions to mitigate the risk

– Review progress

Risk Assessment

• When conducting a risk assessment, what standards should you measure against?

– Local Law

– UK Law– EU Law

Preferred Codes of Practice

• Fire safety

• Food Hygiene

• Pool Safety

• General Safety

• Beach Safety

• Children’s Clubs

• Villa Safety

• Incident Investigation

• Natural Disasters

• Communicable Diseases

Recognised in 190 destinations

Customers Safety

• Safety literature, advice & training for customers

Pre departure & in resort

Health advice

Safety equipment

Rules of engagement

Training• Signing of a Disclaimer not a viable option will

not stand up in court

Things do go wrong…

CoachSafeTM

Have a documented incident management plan

- Actions to take • Record the details• Obtain witness

statements• Take photographs• Report incident to

Head Office • Offer support and

assistance to guest

Conclusion

– You need clear Authority – do not accept the Responsibility for Health & Safety without the Authority to manage it

– Be focussed – Prioritise

– Be practical – Supplier management of change

– Be positive – sell the benefits of reduced adverse PR, complaints, claims and costs

– Don’t try to do everything in one go

– Get help and advice

Get trained

Resources• Federation of Tour Operators www.fto.co.uk• British Standards Agency www.BSIgroup.com• Food Standards Agency www.food.gov.uk• Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk

• Trade Associations• ABTA• FTO • AITO• ABTOF• STF• Adventure Activities Licensing Authority

– Solicitors Specialist InsurersHealth & Safety Executive Local Authority coursesConsultants