Risk Management Corner: Oct 2026

We had two minor incidents reported in October. While additional incidents or near-misses may have occurred, these were the only ones reported and followed up on. We encourage all leaders to report every incident and near-miss in the field, no matter how minor, so we can learn from these experiences, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen our collective risk management practices.

Incident #1: 

Quick Summary: Wearing some kind of hiking or work gloves may have prevented the injury.

• Activity Type: Hiking
• Activity Start Date: Oct 4, 2026
  
• Location: Hesperus Mountain
• #of people in party: 7
• Milage/Elevation: 2 miles / 500ft elevation gain
• Location / Conditions present during incident / injury / illness: Ascending on Trail
  

Detailed Summary:

The trip leader did not witness the incident but the participant said they slipped while crossing talus field. They went to grab a rock as they dropped their hiking pole, and the rock caused the laceration. The participant reported the injury to the trip leader once everyone was back together and on flatter surface. The trip leader then assessed the injury and performed the appropriate first aid.

Incident #2: 

Quick Summary:  a participant had a pre-existing condition that worsened after a slip in loose dirt.

• Activity Type: Hiking
• Activity Start Date: Oct 23, 2026
  
• Location: Island in the Sky, Canyonlands
• #of people in party: 10
• Milage/Elevation: 2.8 miles / 600ft elevation loss, 200ft elevation gain
• Location / Conditions present during incident / injury / illness: On Trail
  

Detailed Summary:

Pre-existing knee injury. Knee was painful before hike began. Slip on trail increased pain. 

The trip was able to continue after the slip on loose dirt. Trip leader followed up with participant. 

Anonymous Feedback from Trip Reports from participants: 

Included in this month's risk management corner are anonymous quotes from various trip feedback forms. We recognize that each report has multiple sides to consider and one person's story is not always representative of the entire experience. Nonetheless, the feedback provides us all an opportunity to reflect and grow in our own practice.

I would suggest the entire group gather at trail junctions for a more social experience. Leaders wait until the next person can see where they have gone after a junction, and presumably the next person is required to do the same for those behind them. This leaves many hiking alone. Perhaps that’s the culture, but why join a group then?

The leader seemed unsure at the start. We barely did introductions and they didn't have a complete roster list so one person who was on the hike roster, couldn't be contacted. I would have appreciated more info about the trail as they had hiked it many times. The leader knew some of the hikers and concentrated on interactions with them. Overall, there was a feeling of disconnect with the group. No mention of bio break or clothing change stops or medical guidelines. At the end of the hike everyone scattered. The leader made no effort to connect with the group to say anything...or thanks for coming.

I’ve never had a group leader [from this particular Group] welcome me, take a minute to get to know me, or introduce me to others. I find events cold & unwelcoming when you let newcomers flounder

While I had a general map for the area, I did wonder if I would be left behind if I didn’t/couldn’t keep up, and it would have been a struggle to find where my car was parked because I’d never parked at that location before.

How might you make a change on your next trip based on these quotes?