Behaviour Policy

Policy Statement

It is a major priority to maintain a level of particpant behaviour that:-
Is comensurate with providing a safe and enjoyable working environment for all participants.
Promotes the correct use and care of equipment.
Fascilitates the achievemnet of the Program aims and objectives.
Is consistent with requirements of other Wild Side Outdoors Policy Statements.

The following procedures will be employed to assist with teh implementation of the Behaviour Policy:-
Participants to be given an outline and educated about accepted behaviour.
Camp and Activity rules to be clearly outlined.

School Groups (or similar):-
The teacher/s and/or adults in charge will be ultimately responsible for student behaviour druing the activity or camp.
Wild Side Outdoors staff will actot o control behaviour that is inconsistent with guidelines set out in this policy by imposition of instantaneous disciplinary action. If necessary teh incient will then be referred onto the teacher/s and/or adults in charge.
Wild Side Outdoors staff are not responsible for the actions of participants during overnight periods. Supervision of participants at this time is the responsibility of the teacher/s and/or adults in charge.
Wild Side Outdoors staff are not responsible for the supervision of participants during periods involving toileting, showering and/or changing of clothes. Supervision of participants at this time is the responsibility of the teacher/s and/or adults in charge.
Wild Side Outdoors staff will not be responsible for supervision of behaviour that is inconsistent with school rules and policies and outside of teh terms of reference of this policy. Supervision of this type of behaviour is the responsibility of the teacher/s and/or adults in charge. If requested, Wild Side Outdoors staff will report any such incidents to the teacher/s and/or adults in charge, but will not be responsibli for imposing disciplinary action.

Information - For more information relating to our Behaviour Policy, contact Wild Side Outdoors.

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Cancellations Policy

Policy Statement - Adventure Programs.

Wild Side Outdoors reserve the right to cancel or postpone an activity or to exclude an individual or members of the group from participating if, in their assessment the risks associated with continuation of the activity or continued participation would endanger the well being of staff and participants or compromise the objectives of the activity.
Factors that could result in such action being taken include:-
Weather predicted or prevailing weather conditions.
Fire.
Flood.
Behaviour of an individual and/or members of the group.
Clothing and/or equipment supplied by individuals and/or members of the group.
Physical condition of an individual and/or members of the group.
Damage top or loss of essential resources (including food and water) and/or equipment.

Financial Considerations

For actions taken by Wild Side Outdoors staff. If an activity is:-
Cancelled prior to starting then the client will not be libel for any payments other than the agreed deposit.
Cancelled after it has begun, the client will be libel for full payment of agreed fees and charges for the planned duration of that activity.
Postponed prior to starting then all set fees and charges will still be applied plus additional costs associated with a rescheduling of the activity.
Postponed after it has begun, the client will be libel for all fees and charges for the duration of the planned activity plus additional costs associated with a rescheduling of the activity and it's subsequent completion.

For actions taken by Clients. If a program or activity is:-
Cancelled at the Client's request less than 7 days prior to the sceduled start the Client will be libel for payment of 50% of the estimated fees and charges for the activity where the reasons for cancellation are due to factors not associated with the operations of Wild Side Outdoors (Exceptional circumastances do apply*).
Postponed at the Client's request less than 7 days prior to the sceduled start the Client will be libel for payment of 50% of the estimated fees and charges for the planned activity and for the costs assoiated with rescheduling where the reasons for postponement are due to factors not associated with the operations of Wild Side Outdoors (Exceptional circumastances do apply*).
Cancelled at the Client's request less than 1 day prior to the scheduled start the Client will be libel for full payment of the estimated fees and charges for the activity where the reasons for cancellation are due to factors not associated with the operations of Wild Side Outdoors (Exceptional circumastances do apply*).
Postponement at the Client's request less than 1 day prior to the scheduled start the Client will be libel for full payment of the estimated fees and charges for the activity and for the costs assoiated with rescheduling where the reasons for postponement are due to factors not associated with the operations of Wild Side Outdoors (Exceptional circumastances do apply*).

*Exceptional circumstances - Wild Side Outdoors reserve the right to waive or adjust the fees and charges if, in their assessment, reasons for cancellation or postponment were beyond the control of the group.

Implementation Strategies.

Deposit - For activities booked in advance a $200.00 deposit is to be paid at least 14 days prior to commencement of the activity or program.
Information - For programs and activities, information supplied to Clients will explain the minimum requirements for participation. Wild Side Outdoors staff will also liaiase with teh group to ensure that they are clear about the activity/program requirements.

Policy Staement - Fitness Programs.

By signing the Client Participation Agreement, you agree to the conditions of this policy with regard to cancellations of scheduled Wild Side Outdoors Fitness Management Sessions.

Wild Side Outdoors Fitness Management Sessions will be set to take place at a place, time and day agreed to by both the Wild Side Outdoors Staff and the Client or set out in Program information issued prior to the start of a program.
It is the responsibility of the Wild Side Outdoors staff to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the session starting time to prepare.
It is the responsibility of the Client to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the session to warm up and prepare.
If the Wild Side Outdoors Staff:-
Arrives after the scheduled start time the Client/s will be given a complimentary session.
Does not arrive without having called the Client/s to cancel the session at least 12 hours in advance, then the Client/s will be given a complimentary session.
Is unable to run the session, Wild Side Outdoors Staff will call the Client/s to reschedule the session OR organise an alternative Wild Side Outdoors Staff member to run the session, OR both.
If the Client/s:-
Arrive/s late, the session will still finish at the scheduled time.
Do/es not show up at a scheduled Personal Training session without having called at least 12 hours in advance, they will be charged for a full session.
Miss/es a group training session, no refunds or replacement sessions will be offered.
Wild Side Outdoors Fitness Management Sessions scheduled for an outdoor location will take place provided the weather conditions do not present any risk of safety to the Client or the staff involved.
The Wild Side Outdoors Staff will make a safety assessment of the conditions prior to the start of a session.
The Wild Side Outdoors Staff may call a stop to the session should conditions deteriorate to the extent that safety may be compromised. In such circumstances, no refunds or complimentary sessions will be given.
Please Note: All “Packaged Sessions” are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Information - For more information relating to our Behaviour Policy, contact Wild Side Outdoors.

Fires Policy.

Policy Statement.

An open fire will only be lit:-
In accordance with Fire Regulations.
If it is deemed absolutely necessary.
It is safe to do so.
If there is an over supply of fuel.
Only one fire per group will be allowed.

Implementation Strategies

Entry Skills:-
In order for groups to consider having an open fire, the participants MUST be familiar with Fire Regulations.

General:-
Consider putting on more clothing or getting into bed (if cold) in preference to lightning a fire.
Lighting the fire will be delayed to as late as possible to minimise impact around the fire site.
Logs larger than 15cm diameter will not be burnt to ensure that fuel will be completely burnt down.
Use fire places provided or if unavailable, a previously used fire site.
A time will be designated when no further fuel will be added to the fire to allow for complete burn down before extinguishment.
In general fires will be extinguished at night and then not relit in the morning.
Fire sites will be returned to as close to their natural state as possible.
Use fuel stoves for cooking – carry out unused fuel.
If lightning a fire, use an existing fireplace and keep the fire as small as possible.
Food waste, paper and cardboard may be burnt, but all other waste is to be carried out.
Only use dead and fallen wood (that does not contain hollows) and disperse (do not burn unused wood.
Do not light fires in alpine areas above the tree and/or snow line.

Regulations:-
Fires CANNOT be lit on total fire ban days.
Use fireplaces if provided.
If there are no fireplaces provided:-
Only dead and fallen timber maybe used for fuel.
The fire site MUST be clear of litter around and above to a distance of 3 metres.
The fire site MUST be 7.5 metres from any tree, stumps or logs.
The fire MUST be in a 30cm deep pit, no larger than 1 metre square.
The wind speed MUST be less than 10kph (Enough to feel a breeze on the face and to rustle leaves.
The fire CANNOT be left unattended at any time. Emergency water MUST be available to extinguish the fire in an emergency.
The fire MUST be out cold and extinguished using water and covering with soil.

Information:- For more information relating to our Fires Policy, contact Wild Side Outdoors.

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First Aid Policy.

Policy Statement.

Incidents requiring First Aid will be dealt with according to accepted practice.

Implementation Strategies.

The following procedures will be employed to assist with implementation of the First Aid Policy:-
Group leaders will carry a detailed first aid kit.
Clients on overnight or extended activities will be required to carry a personal first aid kit to deal with minor incidents.
They may also be required to complete a Medical Assessment and a Medical Form outlining any pre-existing conditions as required.
For private groups, Wild Side Outdoors staff will be responsible for issuing and collating medical information about clients.
Clients are to inform Wild Side Outdoors staff about any medical conditions that could influence safe participation.
Clients will be required to take responsibility for the storage and administration of medicines required for treatment of conditions and/or illnesses suffered prior to the activity.
Wild Side Outdoors Leaders will have a minimum of Work Place Level 2 First Aid Certification.
Clients requiring ongoing medical treatment for conditions and/or illnesses suffered prior to the activity will be required to:-
Declare their condition and the treatment they are undergoing.
Administer their own treatment (or in the case of school groups or similar have the treatment administered by the teacher/adult in charge).
In general and where it is practical, patients requiring after care will be evacuated at the earliest convenience and in accordance with accepted practise. The patient or the patient’s parents/guardians will be required to cover any costs incurred in the event of such an evacuation.
School Groups (or similar):-
Wild Side Outdoors staff will only administer first aid in situations where immediate action is required. Other incidents will be referred onto supervising teachers/adults in charge.
Group to identify a appropriately qualified First Aid Officer.
Groups to have a detailed first aid kit.
Supervising teachers/adults in charge will be required to administer and manage aftercare and/or evacuation of patients. Wild Side Outdoors staff will assist with this process under direction from the teacher/adult in charge.
Supervising teachers/adults in charge will be required to take responsibility for the storage and administration of medicines to participants requiring treatments for conditions and/or illnesses suffered prior to the activity.
For school or similar groups, supervising teachers/adults will be responsible for issuing, collating and having available medical forms for participants.
Wild Side Outdoors staff are to be informed about any medical conditions that could influence safe participation.

Information:- For more information relating to our First Aid Policy, contact Wild Side Outdoors.

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Grievance Policy.

Policy statement.

Wild Side Outdoors Programs are designed with the Client/s satisfaction as a priority.

Implementation Strategies.

Whilst we cannot guarantee results we can guarantee quality service to our Client/s.
If a Client is not happy with the service they have been provided, the quality of a program/activity or session or a decision made by Wild Side Outdoors staff, they are advised to forward the details of their complaint in writing to:- The Manager,
Wild Side Outdoors
10 Tecoma Street
Red Cliffs
3496.

The complaint should include the following details:-
Client’s name, address and contact phone number.
The date, time and location of the program/activity or session.
The type of program (ie: Tour, Hire, Outdoor Education, Personal Training, BC Max etc.)
Full details of the basis for the complaint.
The complaint must be signed and dated.
All complaints will be taken seriously and if valid, followed up with action to ensure that the quality of our service is maintained.

Information:- For more information relating to our Grievance Policy, contact Wild Side Outdoors.

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Risk Policy.

Policy Statement.

It is our policy to identify, manage and control as many risks as is possible within the bounds of recognised practise and procedures in order to provide a safe and enjoyable activity experience for staff and clients. That being said, this policy identifies that there is always the potential for unexpected circumstances and situations that cannot be avoided to arise and present situations that expose staff and clients to unacceptable levels of Risk that are beyond their levels of skill and competence to manage and that may or may not lead to some form of loss. Also, it is beyond the capacity of this policy to account for any accidental loss that may occur despite the extent of planning, preparation and care taken in the lead up to and in the completion of any activity.

Implementation Strategy.

Planning:-
Each activity will have a detailed plan that will include an emergency strategy for the management of incidents.
For each activity a Risk Assessment will be completed to identify risks and to determine strategies for their avoidance, elimination or reduction.
Maximum group sizes and leader / client ratios will be set in accordance with recognised safe practise procedures and minimal impact codes for each activity and situation.
Activities:-
Risks associated with an activity will be identified and managed in accordance with recognised safe practise procedures.
All activities will be subjected to an “on site” risk assessment that will be completed on the scheduled day and time of the activity.
Observations are to be recorded into the Log Book and may provide the basis for changes to the session/trip plan. The level of difficulty of an activity will be matched to the competence and experience of the staff, the clients and to the objectives of the activity.
Equipment:-
All equipment is to be cleaned and checked for damage/wear and tear prior to and after use.
All equipment is to be used in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
All equipment is to be used as per its intended use.
It is a duty of Wild Side Outdoors staff to inform and educate clients about the correct use of equipment and to ensure that they use it in accordance with guidelines.
It is a duty of Wild Side Outdoors staff to ensure that safety equipment is checked and in good working order and (where applicable) that it is worn and fitted correctly.
Equipment Hire contracts are to be signed off prior to use with full details of the hirer to be completed.
For Programs, coordinators are to sign off an Equipment Use Agreement that covers unnecessary damage to equipment through misuse.
Locations:-
Locations are to be selected according to their suitability for the objectives of the activity and the competence and skill levels of staff and clients.
All locations are to be checked prior to the activity to assess their suitability for a planned activity.
Food:-
All food will be managed according to guidelines set for the safe handling of food for human consumption.
Staff will not handle food unless necessary. In most cases clients will be required to handle their own food. Adequate provision will be made for the safe storage of food where required.
Planning for activities where food is provided will include the use of non-perishable foods where possible. Environment:-
Continual assessment of the environment is a duty of Wild Side Outdoors staff. An activity maybe cancelled or postponed at any time if conditions threaten the safety of participants or impact of the safe completion of the activity.
Soil, mud and seeds are to be removed from all vehicles, equipment and clothing prior to and after completion of activities.
Fires will not be used unless deemed absolutely necessary and if it is safe to do so.
Use of fires will be in accordance with the Wild Side Outdoors Fires Policy.
An activity may be postponed or cancelled if it threatens to cause unnecessary and avoidable damage to the environment.
Activities will be completed in accordance with the Wild Side Outdoors Environment Policy and the Wild Side Outdoors Water Policy.
Weather:-
Wild Side Outdoors staff reserve the right to postpone or cancel a planned activity if it is deemed, in their mind that the conditions:-
Threaten the well being of the staff and/or participants.
Are beyond the skill level and competence of the staff and/or participants.
Threaten to test the capacity limits or to damage equipment.
Threaten to cause unnecessary and avoidable damage to the environment.
This includes situations that arise from changes to the weather encountered during the completion of an activity. Details of impending weather conditions are to be obtained on the day of an activity and (in the case of extended activities) extended forecasts are to be obtained for the duration of the activity.
Staff:-
It is a duty of Wild Side Outdoors staff to identify and familiarise themselves with the risk factors associated with an activity.
Staff will pursue recognised levels of qualifications and training for each of the activities they are required to control. The well being of staff is of utmost importance.
Staff are not to expose themselves to any unnecessary risks above and beyond those required for the safe completion of the activity or for the management of an incident. This includes adequate protection from environmental factors.
Staff should always work within their levels of skill, knowledge and competence.
Staff are not permitted to participate in any activity if under the influence of any behaviour altering drugs whether they be legal, illegal, prescribed or non-prescribed (including alcohol).
It is a designated duty for Wild Side Outdoors Staff to inform and educate clients about Risks and to eliminate or minimse the potential impact of Risks.
Clients:-
Clients will be prevented from participating if they are deemed to be under the influence of any behaviour altering drugs wether they be legal, illegal, prescribed or non-prescribed (including alcohol).
Clients maybe prevented from participating (or in some cases the activity postponed or cancelled) if it is deemed by Wild Side Outdoors staff that their behaviour:-
Threatens the well being of the staff and/or other participants.
Prevents the safe execution of skills by the client/s involved or the staff and/or other participants.
Threatens to test the capacity limits or to damage equipment.
Threatens to cause unnecessary and avoidable damage to the environment.
Clients are to be informed about the identified risks associated with an activity and the procedures and measures that have been put in place to avoid, eliminate or reduce the identified risks.
For all activities excepting tours, Clients will be issued with “Activity Guidelines” that outline aspects related to safe participation.
Clients are to sign an “Assumption of Risk” waiver prior to participation in an activity.
Assistants:-
Assistants are to be fully briefed on the emergency strategies to be employed in the case of an incident and have their roles clearly defined.
Assistants may only be in independently in control of an activity if it has been demonstrated (in writing) that they have the required minimum levels of qualifications and experience.

Information:- For more information relating to our Risk Policy, contact Wild Side Outdoors.

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Water Policy.

Policy Statement.

Preservation of the integrity of all water sources and water quality is a major priority however it is our policy not to recommend drinking direct from natural water sources.

Implementation Strategies.

The following procedures will be employed to assist with implementation of the Water Policy:-
It is a designated duty for Wild Side Outdoors Staff to educate clients about the care and use of water sources and to police the care and use of water sources during activities.
Avoid drinking direct from natural water sources.
If natural water sources are to be used for drinking, it is recommended that the water be treated either by boiling for at least 5 minutes (up to 10 minutes in some areas) or by filtration through a designated water filter.
Where water quality is questionable, Wild Side Outdoors will provide alternative drinking water.
Camp at least 30 metres from water sources.
Toilet at least 100 metres from water sources.
Detergent use is to be minimal and if used disposed of at least 50 metres from water sources.
Transport water using large containers to reduce trips to the water source.

Information:- For more information relating to our Water Policy, contact Wild Side Outdoors.

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