Forum: Outdoor adventure education methods and processes continually reviewed to ensure safety
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We thank Mr Hong Geok Hua for his letter “ Don’t rely only on human checks for outdoor adventure activities
The Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) Council agrees that there needs to be a holistic approach to managing safety and risks in OAE activities. The council, which comprises industrial safety experts, specialists in outdoor adventure education from institutes of higher learning, and OAE providers and practitioners, continually reviews the methodology, process and management of OAE activities. This includes the design of risk mitigation systems and activity infrastructure.
The national standard on OAE activities and operations being developed will cover the installation, operation and maintenance of OAE facilities. It also includes the design of activity safety systems and standards for personal protection equipment. Activity safety systems that are well-designed would incorporate features such as cables, gates and barriers to restrict movements within safe zones on the structure, and help mitigate risks that may arise from human error.
The draft standard will be open for public feedback in the second half of 2024, and the national standard is expected to be rolled out in 2025.
Meanwhile, measures have been put in place to ensure safety and risk management. At present, OAE providers and instructors offering height-based activities to students under the Ministry of Education must adopt its enhanced safety measures published in November 2022.
The council will continue our work to further uplift competencies and improve the safety culture of the OAE sector. We welcome and value views and contributions at OAE_Council@mccy.gov.sg
Goh Yang Miang (Dr)
OAE Council member (Safety, Compliance and Promotion)
