HINTERLAND FUNGI TOURS Risk Assessment 2024 Description of activity: Educational guided bushwalking tours, photography, field mycology (mushroom identification, making scientific observations/records) 1. Environmental Risks: Hazards Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing to control the risks? What further action do you need to take to control the risks? Who needs to carry out the action? When is the action needed by? Adverse Weather Conditions Participants may face exposure to heavy rain or thunderstorms. Regularly assess weather forecasts; reschedule or cancel tours in extreme conditions. Continuously monitor weather conditions and provide updated forecasts to participants before and during the tour Tour Guide Ongoing Presence of Stinging Trees / Stinging Nettles (Dendrocnide excelsa, D. moroides, D. photinophylla; Urtica incisa, U. dioica, U. urens) Participants may come into contact with stinging plants. Monitor trails for the presence of Dendrocnide and stinging nettles; educate participants to avoid contact. Regularly inspect and clear trails; provide clear signage and explicit warnings about stinging plants and nettles; carry first aid kit with liquid skin Rangers, Tour Guide, Prior to and during the tour Presence of Venomous Snakes Participants may encounter venomous snakes in the area. Educate participants about snake awareness; carry a snake bite kit. Include detailed information about venomous snakes in pre-tour communication and waivers. Tour Guide Prior to and during the tour Ticks in the rainforest environment (paralysis ticks, dog ticks, cattle ticks) Participants may experience discomfort and potential transmission of diseases from tick bites. Participants informed about ticks in pre-tour briefing. Participants encouraged to check for ticks post. - Provide information and access to effective tick repellents; Encourage regular tick checks during and after the tour; Instruct participants on proper tick removal; Emphasize seeking medical attention if necessary. Tour guide Prior to and during the tour Leeches (subclass Hirudinea Participants may experience discomfort and potential allergic reactions from leech bites. Participants informed about leeches in pre-tour briefing. - Provide information on effective leech repellents; Encourage regular leech checks during and after the tour; Instruct on proper leech removal; Emphasize seeking medical attention if necessary. Tour guide Prior to and during the tour Presence of spiders in the natural environment; Participants may be Participants informed about the presence of spiders in pre-tour briefing. Participants informed about spiders in pre-tour briefing. Provide information on common spiders and potential risks; Encourage vigilance and avoidance of Tour guide Prior to and during the tour Hazards Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing to control the risks? What further action do you need to take to control the risks? Who needs to carry out the action? When is the action needed by? bitten by spiders, potentially leading to discomfort and adverse reactions. spiders; Apply proper first aid for spider bites; Emphasize seeking medical attention if necessary. 2. Participant Risks: Hazards Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing to control the risks? What further action do you need to take to control the risks? Who needs to carry out the action? When is the action needed by? Physical Health Concerns Participants may face physical strain or discomfort. Advise participants on the physical demands of the activity in pre-tour communication. Send maps, trail information prior to activity. Include a disclaimer in participant documentation about the physical demands. Tour Guide Ongoing Allergies to Fungi or Other Allergens Participants may have allergic reactions to fungi or other allergens. Collect information on participants' allergies; highlight potential allergens. Emphasise the presence of allergens during the information session and in waivers. Tour Guide Before each tour Dehydration and Lack of Drinking Water Participants may experience dehydration due to insufficient water intake. Carry sufficient water during walks; start walks from locations with drinking water. Continuously remind participants to stay hydrated; monitor water availability on routes. Tour Guides or Hydration Coordinators Ongoing Smartphone Use and Trail Safety Participants may be distracted while using smartphones. Guide participants on responsible smartphone use; emphasise staying on marked trails. Continuously educate participants on responsible technology use and trail safety. Tour Guides or Technology Instructors Ongoing 3. Emergency Response: Hazards Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing to control the risks? What further action do you need to take to control the risks? Who needs to carry out the action? When is the action needed by? Missing persons Participant goes missing; Participants may face danger and harm if they go missing during the tour. Participants can be accounted for through regular checks and group awareness; Provide trail maps and check for understanding; Ensure participants do not leave designated track Immediately initiate a search party; Contact SES and park rangers for assistance if participant cannot be located; Provide clear instructions to participants on what to do if lost; Regularly update all participants on the situation. Tour guides and Tour Operator Immediately and throughout the tour Injuries and Medical Events Accidents, injuries, or significant medical events during the tour; Participants may experience physical injuries from falls, slips, or other accidents and require medical attention. Tour operator is first aid trained in the administration of basic first aid; Call emergency services for significant medical events; Have a well-equipped first aid kit available. Regularly assess participants' well-being; Document and report all incidents. Tour Operator Throughout the tour and as needed 4. Accessibility: Hazards Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing to control the risks? What further action do you need to take to control the risks? Who needs to carry out the action? When is the action needed by? Inaccessible Routes for Participants with Disabilities Participants with mobility issues may face challenges on certain routes. Clearly identify accessible walks; require carers or support workers for those with mobility issues. Regularly assess and maintain accessibility routes; provide additional support as needed. Tour Guides or Accessibility Coordinators Ongoing 6. Adventure Safety Guidelines: Hazards Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing to control the risks? What further action do you need to take to control the risks? Who needs to carry out the action? When is the action needed by? Various Adventure- Related Hazards Participants may face risks related to cliff edges, water activities, and group dynamics. Provide safety guidelines during pre-tour information sessions and on-site signage. Continuously educate participants on adventure safety guidelines. Tour Guides or Safety Instructors Ongoing