ReBuild Mexico 207 Risk Scoring Grid High 6 7 9 Med 5 8 Impact / Severity Low 2 4 Low Med High Likelihood NB: A site visit has been carried out on locations by the ReBuild. Build Site locations have been preapproved and approved by Amor Ministries Where the term hosts is used it refers to Amor Ministries who provide projects in all Mexico locations on a year round basis with an exemplary safety record. TRAVEL SAFETY NB: It is the responsibility of each travel party to ensure adequate arrangements to and from the airport as risk assessed by your individual Academy Risk Injury sustained while travelling to airport Likelihood Before Severity Risk Index Action Taken LOW MED Ensuring all participants have seat belts on at all times during journey. Qualified minibus driver to transport party. Minibus and/or other transport to be roadworthy Observing speed limits. Residual Index after implemented Getting Lost in Airport or service station/ rest stops HIGH LOW 4 Ensuring all party knows meeting point and staff contacts Ensure one adult always at meeting point. Advise participants to stay in pairs when inside the airport. Ensuring all participants know when to be at the meeting 2
ReBuild Mexico 207 point in advance of the gate call. All participants made aware of flight details and flight number Theft of passport MED HIGH 7 Advising participants to have passports on them and in a secure place. Advise participants only show them to officials in presence of leaders Participants can give passports to staff for safe keeping. Leaving luggage unattended/ Losing luggage MED HIGH 7 Advising all participants have a secure lock on their luggage prior to travel Ensuring participant belongings remain with them at all times. Team or team member refused entry into the USA or Mexico Team members arrested at border crossing LOW MED Ensure all necessary visas have been fully looked into and acquired prior to travelling including meeting needs of international participants with UK residency For situations where there is an unacceptable travel delay, ensure plans are in place for leaders to stay at an airport or USA/Mexico border crossing with young people whilst the rest of the team continue to their destination. Be prepared for leaders to return to the UK with young people if required Ensure travel insurance has been taken to all associated costs LOW HIGH 6 Ensure all team members understand what they can and can t take across the USA/Mexican border Ensure all team members take full responsibility for their personal luggage and never leave it unattended Getting lost in USA/ Mexico LOW HIGH 7 Discuss transport arrangements with our hosts prior to travelling Ensure that our hosts arrange for a local person to meet the Rebuild team at each airport and assist us with our onward journey
ReBuild Mexico 207 Travel by bus, coach, overlander truck, or car when in Mexico/USA Where possible ensure that a local person recommended by our hosts travels with the Rebuild team Ensure there is a leader in charge whenever the team are travelling. The leader in charge should be fully briefed about the journey and equipped with contact details for assistance if required MED MED 5 Use only forms of transport recommended and organised by hosts Ensure medical information and kit is carried by team leaders at all times Ensure each transport has access to external communications in the case of an emergency Wear seatbelts where applicable Travelling in a suitable vehicle Travelling at an appropriate speed. Brief participants on general safety when entering and exiting vehicles: use stairs correctly when exiting, etc Follow back up procedures in event of a breakdown Risk Lack of security on campsite ACCOMMODATION Hotel and Camp site Likelihood Severity Risk Index Action Taken Before LOW MED Team stay on a secure site recommended by Amor Ensure team members do not leave valuable items in their tent unattended Secure site is manned by security guards 24 hours a day Amor staff hold records of all other campers on site for security enhancement All provision is Amor approved Residual Index after implemented -
ReBuild Mexico 207 Unhygienic conditions in any residential venue Inadequately equipped accommodation Insecure living quarters (Hotel Accommodation) Opposite sex in each other s rooms/tents LOW MED Amor Recommended sites only Ensure that the accommodation is clean Ensure site facilities are clean All provision is Amor approved LOW MED Ensure that site facilities are adequately equipped, including: o Toilets o Washing facilities access to water o Cooking facilities All provision is Amor approved LOW MED Ensure the door is locked and checked at night by participants Participants briefed on safety aspect of residential venues and how to deal with people outside of group/ minimise risk and stay secure Staff available on call at all times and participant aware of where staff are staying Curfew in place Amor Recommended sites only LOW MED Participants are aware of signed codes of conduct and behaviour expectations All staff vigilant to ensure participants safety Curfew in place - Being bitten by insects during the night. LOW MED 2 Advise all participants and staff bring footwear to put on feet if walking around the campsite to avoid been bitten by insects. Torches to be used by participants so if/when moving around at night Advise people to spray themselves with insect repellent every evening. Tent & Campsite provision LOW MED 2 Tent erection supervised by staff Experienced staff check tents participants move
ReBuild Mexico 207 Camp fires Burns Extinguishing fire Fire getting out of control in Trip Secure compound with 24/7 security provided Participants instructed not to enter other groups designated areas Code of conduct in place Access to clean water, solar shower facilities and clean toilets Group must be positioned a safe distance away and briefed to stay at a designated distance from the fire. Leader supervision at all times Leaders must ensure that group are a safe distance away attempting to put out the fire. Any spare wood should remain a safe distance away from the fire. A bucket of water should always be at the activity area to put the fire out when needed. Campfire activity must be carried out in designated area Enforcement of maximum size of fire by Amor GENERAL ACTIVITIES Risk Swimming at hotel - Contaminated water - Accident in the pool Likelihood Before LOW MED Severity MED HIGH Risk Index 7 Action Taken Ensure that pool has basic hygiene standards Ensure that only those who are good swimmers use the pool. Ensure that group leaders or life guard are present when swimming happens. First Aider to be on hand whilst swimming activities occur. Participants advised not to drink or swallow water in pool Residual Index after implemented Swimming in sea (prohibited) MED HIGH 7 Swimming in sea is prohibited Paddling in seas only if lifeguard/first aider present
ReBuild Mexico 207 Appropriate clothing to be worn whilst on beach Activities whilst in local villages MED MED 5 When walking to or around village sites, where necessary, split the participants into groups, making sure that members of staff are with each group. Ensure participants are aware of who else is in their group and that they make sure that they stay together. Community celebration Heat Exhaustion /Dehydration Uneven surfaces/ Hazards posts, fences, wires Safety of activities LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW MED Staff to do regular checks of numbers in the group Making sure that the participants have the survival information of where staying etc, for worse case scenarios of them being separated from the group. Refer to road safety guidelines by hosts Staff to check in regularly with team leader, if groups are separated. Preferably 2 groups to go together so there are 2 members of staff in a double group. Keep ratio of male/females in group to be approx 50/50 (including leaders) where possible Staff to feel confident about any place they enter, surveying area for potential dangers/hazards entering, and if necessary declining entry. Use cameras sensitively, always asking permission use. Participants briefed on cultural sensitivities Adequate drinking water supplied throughout activities Participants advised to apply sunscreen Follow advise for sunstroke Advise participants to wear appropriate footwear/clothing Participants advised to be aware of uneven surfaces and contaminates Participants advised not to touch animals Staff to assess risk of any activities allowing participants to take part. 2 - Accident while walking on roads, pathways or fields LOW MED Ensure all participant s have safety briefing upon arriving at each new venue
ReBuild Mexico 207 around any site No participant to go off walking by themselves unless in pairs Participants made aware of potential uneven surfaces around roadsides, pavements and all ground Ensure participants are briefed with FREE TIME guidelines Advise participants/staff to pay attention to where they are walking and never to walk off paths Ensure Staff supervision of road crossings, even where pedestrian crossings are available Abduction Participant taken without permission Inappropriate interaction to and from local people /strangers/ General public LOW HIGH 7 Ensure that group is regularly counted by designated staff member Participants to stay in pairs/groups where possible. Ensure that all participants are aware of others in their group, know where the meeting point is, and where their leader/staff member is at all times. As far as possible, ensure that the group doesn t get split up by people cutting across the group or trying to join the group. Ensure that participants don t give out information to strangers about where the group is staying etc. Ensure each build site has access to a mobile phone with emergency number if needed Ensure that staff are aware of procedures that should be followed if an abduction takes place;. Inform group leaders. Assess situation and gather information 2. Phone local contact for support with informing police. Follow local guidance 4. Notify school LOW HIGH 7 Participants briefed on all safety aspects of how to interact, deal and respond to local people, strangers and general public Participants/Staff to remain vigilant at all times Amor have details of all participants on camp site 2
ReBuild Mexico 207 Loss of passport/money /personal property for security precautions LOW MED Inform participants that all valuables taken with them on the visit are taken at their own risk. No mobile phones recommended Before leaving the U.K, have three photocopies of the passport taken for staff in the U.K, one for themselves and one for group leaders on the trip. No money needed for build site each day Have the passports and money locked in the safe. Minimum amount of money kept by participants as directed. Participants to keep their personal belongings away when in tent Risk Contracting disease or infection through ingesting contaminated or unclean water HEALTH NB: All participants have been advised to see their Doctor for medical recommendations prior to travel Likelihood Before Severity Risk Index Action Taken MED HIGH 7 Advise that participants only drink bottled water or water provided by Amor Making sure that everyone carries sufficient water with them, whether on the campsite or out on the Residual Index after implemented -
ReBuild Mexico 207 house build. Advise participants not to drink Swimming Pool water at Hotel Participants to follow instructions from staff/ trip coordinator for use of solar showers and toilets at camping sites Existing Medical Conditions Low Low 2 Staff on site and in travel party made aware of any medical conditions which would limit or amend participation in activities. Medical forms completed for all staff and participants on trip. Insurance company made aware of conditions that are more complex. Staff to be aware of participant s medical needs and be aware of any changes in participants that may need attention. Contracting illness through food Contracting illness through unwashed hands MED MED 5 All meals provided by Amor Ensuring that food is prepared and eaten in locations where basic food hygiene precautions will be taken by experienced staff When eating in camping area, ensure that all washing up is done according to health & safety instructions. If going out to eat at all, only go to restaurants that are recommended by trip organisers. Ensuring group leaders have antibacterial gel for participants to use to clean their hands and after eating, where soap/water may not be available, especially after using local toilets. Advise all participants to seek medical advice leaving UK Advise participants to be cautious and appropriate when accepting new foods to taste or try, either as gifts or as a meal Ensure all staff aware of food allergies (medical forms) As part of the first aid kit have tablets for Diarrhoea Contracting rabies/tetanus MED HIGH 7 Advise participants to not go near or touch animals of
ReBuild Mexico 207 from animals/ injuries from animals any kind especially dogs and cats Participants advised to seek medical advise leaving UK Contracting tetanus from contaminated soil MED HIGH 7 Ensure that participants wear sensible footwear if walking on uneven soil and ground, especially if they have any cuts or grazes on their feet or hands. Participants advised to seek medical advise leaving UK Diphtheria MED HIGH 7 Advising participants wash hands regularly and especially and after food. Advise all participants to seek medical advice leaving UK Contracting HIV LOW HIGH 6 Ensure no one comes into contact with anyone else s blood or other bodily fluids. If administering first aid to anyone, do so with gloves on by qualified first aider. Ensure participants don t have any tattoos done while on the trip Minimum risk of sexual activity while on trip Code of conduct in place Sunstroke MED MED 5 Advise participant s wear something on their head when walking around/working out in the sun. Ensure sun block is applied to exposed skin and reapplied regularly. If a problem arises refer to qualified First Aider Seek medical help if necessary from Amor Staff to monitor participants for signs of fatigue/ sun stroke. Dehydration MED MED 5 Advise participants to drink plenty of fluids every day. Advise participants to wear protective head covering, to protect from sun light/heat. During hottest parts of the day, encourage participants to remain in cool/shade if possible for short periods of time If dehydrated follow procedures for sunstroke and monitor individual. Seek medical help if necessary. Bites from MED MED 5 Provide health and safety briefing when they arrive in spiders/insects/snakes Mexico, and at regular intervals throughout the tour. 2
ReBuild Mexico 207 Ensure participants have bags and suitcases zipped up so Spiders cannot get into cool dark areas. Remind participants to shake out shoes in the morning to ensure that spiders have not climbed in overnight. Participants to inspect Inside of sleeping bag each night getting into it. Sleeping bags to be rolled up when not in use. Remind participants never to go bare foot anywhere, indoors or out. Accident whilst in Mexico MED MED 5 Amor have emergency evacuation procedures in place including fast access to a US hospital in event of an emergency - Risk General risks from an overseas house building project Likelihood Before Severity Risk Index HOUSE BUILDING Action Taken MED HIGH 7 Established organisation (AMOR) providing full support with over 7000 completed projects with exceptional safety record Residual Index after implemented - Experienced staff available on site at all times Complete organisation package provided with all materials and safety checks in place Hosts experienced at working with novice groups and school groups as well as groups from overseas
ReBuild Mexico 207 Use of tools/equipment MED MED 5 Training to take place prior to trip on basic use of tools and equipment Experienced site leader present on each site - No power tools to be used Before participants begin work- ensure that they have a safety briefing about how to work safely and sensibly. Participants briefed to wear appropriate clothing including work boots and gloves. Staff to show participants correct techniques for using tools and check competence of participants and progress of task throughout activity. Participants to be assisted or allocated new task if they are deemed to be not competent for a task. Short Pick axes only to be used under supervision by experienced older participants Building manual provided Accident whilst on building site MED HIGH 7 Experienced site leader present on each site Participants briefed to wear appropriate clothing including work boots and gloves. Ensure each worksite has a qualified first aider Ensure medical kits are available at all times (including being taken to the worksite each day) Ensure medical insurance info is carried at all times Adequate drinking water provided Include an eye wash/cap in the first aid kit being taken for eye accidents.
ReBuild Mexico 207 Building manual provided Amor have emergency procedures in place including quick access to a US hospital and US medical facilities in event of an emergency Concrete laying/mixing MED MED 5 Participants briefed on dangers of chemicals and shown how to lay/mix concrete without being at risk - Building manual provided Experienced staff on site for instruction and supervision Participants briefing on how to use equipment in accordance with their own ability Frame building MED MED 5 Building manual provided - Experienced staff on site for instruction and supervision No power tools used Participants briefing on how to use equipment in accordance with their own ability Roof laying MED HIGH 7 Amor group leaders to check stability of structure allowing any person to traverse the completed frame Only able participants to be allowed on roof for hammering, bird blocking or roof laying, tarring or felting Experienced staff on site for instruction and supervision Participants to work in pairs whilst at any height to support one another and reduce risk Participants briefing on how to use equipment in accordance with their own ability MEXICO SAFETY
ReBuild Mexico 207 Risk Likelihood Before Severity Risk Index Action Taken Residual Index after implemented Arrival & Going into Mexico: Border issues Returning to the U.S.: Border issues Risk of danger from violence/ Criminal activity Emergency situation MED MED 5 Groups must arrive at the check-in prepared (i.e., fully fuelled, possessing Mexican insurance, and with completed paper work) to cross the border with enough time to get from the meeting location to camp by dusk or 6 p.m., whichever is sooner. Groups must be escorted by Amor through Mexico s Customs area (Aduana) and onward to camp. LOW MED 2 Groups hosted by an Amor Field Representative to escort the group from camp/work site to the border line. Groups must leave camp/work site in order to arrive at the border line by 6 p.m. or dusk, whichever is sooner. In the event of an emergency requiring a trip to the U.S., an Amor representative will be assigned to escort your vehicle(s) to the border line. MED HIGH 7 Amor have long established safety record with extremely low recorded incidences of any crime and no harm or danger to participants Regular checks by Amor to US Homeland Security updates to ensure area is considered safe for tourists Participants kept away from any known local hotspots and do not travel outside of designated areas by day or night Known areas of narcotics trafficking avoided Code of conduct in place Full evacuation procedures by Amor in place in event of MED HIGH 7 an emergency Check travel updates regularly Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 50,000 who cross the border every day. 2
ReBuild Mexico 207 CHILD PROTECTION NB: Standard Child Protection Procedures Apply Risk Likelihood Before Severity Risk Index Action Taken Risk to participants MED MED 5 Follow standard Urban Saints Child protection guidelines Group leaders not to be left alone within tents with participants Residual Index after implemented - Group leaders to have separate sleeping arrangements / quarters Group leaders not to get changed in tents when participants are present; group leaders not to be present in rooms when participants are changing Group leaders ensure they give appropriate space between themselves and participants when sleeping Risk participant to participant MED MED 5 Full training programme for participants Code of conduct in place Each group expected to manage behaviour of participants Known staff present for each participant - Risk participant to local child LOW MED Participants reminded to remain in a visible place at all times and no participant to be alone with a child, or visit the child s home unaccompanied