Documentation is time consuming, why do AAS expect documentation?
The introduction to each AAS states that: “Having suitable risk management programs and strategies in place, and ensuring the AAS are met, will minimise the likelihood of injury or loss. However, evidence of compliance with such programs and the AAS will also assist in the legal defence of claims and in proving that a provider and its leaders have acted reasonably in the circumstances (i.e. were not negligent). ” Some documentation is for safety reasons such as an emergency strategy that enables the leader to act in a defined manner and enables dependant participants to act appropriately if the leader is injured. Other documentation is intended to protect the organisation and leader conducting the activities from legal liability. In the absence of documentation, it can be very difficult for an organisation to demonstrate that an activity was conducted appropriately if an incident should occur. Bearing in mind the fact that a legal action may take many years before being made, it is in
