Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection The tour guide training seminar promotes occupational safety

and health in the hospitality and tourism industries by creating awareness about the major hazards of these industries, and briefly discussing mitigating measures. The seminar also aims to increasing the HIV/AIDS awareness. Safety standards and procedures1 A commitment to health and safety at work makes good business sense because it is one way for a business to protect its greatest resourceits people. Such a commitment can: Create better work environments Increase worker participation in decision making Boost morale Help businesses retain good workers Improve productivity and enhance customer service Maintain a good image with customers

In addition, work accidents can take a great toll on workers, their co-workers, and their families, in terms of pain and suffering, disability, stress, and loss or change of employment. For a small business, such accidents can also be financially devastating. Besides direct costs there are indirect costs to the business (the cost of training or hiring temporary employees, damage to property, and service interruption possibly leading to loss of customers). Managing Health and Safety Managing health and safety in the tourism business involves a series of steps to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. The need to know the hazards and risks, consider how they may affect workers and guests, and determine what can be done to control them. Once hazards are identified they are managed through a series of actions that are intended to eliminate or control the hazards. These risk control actions include: Exposure avoidance: Not engaging in the activity, for example, avoiding a set of rapids that are determined to be too difficult or dangerous by portaging around it. Loss prevention: Reducing the frequency or amount of time you are in contact with the hazard, for example, moving quickly through areas with hazardous rock fall overhead. Loss Reduction: Reducing the potential severity of incidents caused by a hazard, for example, restricting a ski groups crossing an avalanche slope to one person at a time. Loss Segregation: Segregating responsibilities and duties to reduce the risk of

Health and Safety in Adventure Tourism , Prepared by the Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology and the BC Adventure Tourism Programs Articulation Committee for , The BC Ministry of Advanced Education , The Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia , The Provincial Emergency Program 2002 For further information: www.c2t2.ca , www.worksafebc.com , www.pep.bc.ca Copyright 2002, Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Advanced Education This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial education usage. For further use, please contact the Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology (www@c2t2.ca)

erroneous and inappropriate actions, for example, having trips planned by one person, approved by another, and having leadership decisions in the field shared among more than one guide assists in reducing the risk of undertaking an inappropriate trip or inappropriate action while in the field. Health and safety plan terminology2 The use of the terms health and safety program encompasses the entire risk- management planning and implementation process. While the primarily concern is the health and safety of workers, much of the common-industry terminology revolves around the health and safety of the guests as well. The commonly used industry terms are: Risk Management Plan Trip Plan Emergency Response Plan Instructor Emergency Protocols Media Plan Post-Incident Plan

The key contents of a health and safety program are written and describe how the enterprise will manage the health and safety or workers and guests. The written program must: Provide general direction to management, supervisors and workers about their responsibilities and roles in providing a safe and health program; Provide direction to those responsible for the portions of a program; Communicate health and safety policies and procedures; and Open the lines of communication by encouraging workers to express their concerns about health and safety

Elements of a health and safety program An effective program requires the support of management, the participation of workers, goodlines of communication that encourage problem solving of health and safety issues, and regular program reviews. The key steps of a health and safety program are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Identification of hazards and assessment of risks, so you can focus on those things that are most likely to cause accidents; Safe work procedures, which spell out how work is to be performed safely; Orientation, education, training, and supervision, which are particularly important for the young and new workers; Safety inspections to identify hazard-areas so that they can be eliminated or controlled; Investigation of accidents and incidents, to find out why they occurred so that the causes can be corrected; Regular health and safety meetings with the workers, where supervisors and workers can raise any concerns about health and safety; Provision of first aid, which can reduce the severity of injuries; Keeping records and statistics, which can help identify recurring problems and ensure that hazardous conditions are being corrected;

Together these steps make up a health and safety program.

2

Ibid

Road Travel Emergencies3 You never know when or where your car may unexpectedly break down. Before setting out on any long distance trip, we recommend that you have with you the following and emergency and a first aid kits. Here are some items that you should consider including in your emergency kit: Emergency Kit Blankets Candles CB radio Distilled water Fire extinguisher First-aid kit Flares or reflector triangles Flashlight Full gas can Jumper cables Motor oil Non-perishable, high-calorie food Rope Shovel Traction mats

First Aid First Aid may be defined as the temporary help given to an injured or a sick person before professional medical treatment can be provided. First aid comprises of simple medical techniques, provided in a timely fashion, that is most critical to the victims and often is life saving. Any layperson should be trained to administer first aid that can be carried out using minimal equipments. Basic training in first aid skills is an integral part of the tour guide training course, to be learnt by all as a mandatory aspect to tour guiding. There are several conditions that require first aid and this module aims to enlighten the participants to some of them. Here are some items that you should consider including in your first aid kit:
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Antibiotic cream for cuts and burns Band-Aids Bug repellent Cotton swabs Copies of health insurance forms Gauze pads Lightweight blanket List of all medications, special diets, and allergies, along with the companys physician's name and phone number Pain killers Rolled Bandages for wrapping injuries Several large bandages Sterile wash towelettes

New Zealand Road Safety Manual

Sunscreen Travel pillow for elevating head or feet Triangular cloth bandage

HOW TOURISM CONTRIBUTES TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION4 Promoting environmental protection and conservation It is the duty of all citizens of the world to promote environmental protection and conservation. In the tourism industry, this duty becomes more evident in all areas that promote and provide eco-tourism projects and activities that feature not only the natural environment, but the sociocultural environment as well. The Tourism industry contributes to environmental conservations through the following activities: Raising Environmental Awareness Tourism has the potential to increase public appreciation of the environment and to spread awareness of environmental problems when it brings people into closer contact with nature and the environment. This confrontation may heighten awareness of the value of nature and lead to environmentally conscious behavior and activities to preserve the environment. If it is to be sustainable in the long run, tourism must incorporate the principles and practices of sustainable consumption. Sustainable consumption includes building consumer demand for products that have been made using cleaner production techniques, and for services - including tourism services - that are provided in a way that minimizes environmental impacts. The tourism industry can play a key role in providing environmental information and raising awareness among tourists of the environmental consequences of their actions. Tourists and tourism-related businesses consume an enormous quantity of goods and services; moving them toward using those that are produced and provided in an environmentally sustainable way, from cradle to grave, could have an enormous positive impact on the planet's environment. Protection and preservation Tourism can significantly contribute to environmental protection, conservation and restoration of biological diversity and sustainable use of natural resources. Because of their attractiveness, pristine sites and natural areas are identified as valuable and the need to keep the attraction alive can lead to creation of national parks and wildlife parks. Tourism has had a positive effect on wildlife preservation and protection efforts, notably in Africa but also in South America, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific. Numerous animal and plant species have already become extinct or may become extinct soon. Many countries have therefore established wildlife reserves and enacted strict laws protecting the animals that draw natureloving tourists. As a result of these measures, several endangered species have begun to thrive again.

United Nation Environmental Protection (UNEP2002 Last Updated: Oct. 9, 2001 Maintained by: tourism-web@unep.fr

Improved environmental management and planning Sound environmental management of tourism facilities and especially hotels can increase the benefits to natural areas. But this requires careful planning for controlled development, based on analysis of the environmental resources of the area. Tourism planning helps to make choices between conflicting uses, or to find ways to make them compatible. By planning early for tourism development, damaging and expensive mistakes can be prevented, avoiding the gradual deterioration of environmental assets significant to tourism. Cleaner production techniques can be important tools for planning and operating tourism facilities in a way that minimizes their environmental impacts. For example, green building (using energyefficient and non-polluting construction materials, sewage systems and energy sources) is an increasingly important way for the tourism industry to decrease its impact on the environment. And because waste treatment and disposal are often major, long-term environmental problems in the tourism industry, pollution prevention and waste minimization techniques are especially important for the tourism industry. A guide to sources of information on cleaner production (free) is available here. Alternative employment Tourism can provide an alternative to development scenarios that may have greater environmental impacts. Community-owned schools that are located in environmentally sensitive areas can combine general courses with home stay opportunities and community-led eco-tours. This practice results in families benefiting from the eco-tourism business, i.e. community-based generated thus reducing dependence on traditional business practices, and the number and extension of "slash-and-burn" agricultural plots, for example. Furthermore, as most families in the villages benefit directly or indirectly from the eco-tourism activities and community-managed reserves, the social pressure against illegal activities (logging) has decreased. Regulatory measures Regulatory measures help offset negative impacts; for instance, controls on the number of tourist activities and movement of visitors within protected areas can limit impacts on the ecosystem and help maintain the integrity and vitality of the site. Such limits can also reduce the negative impacts on resources. Limits should be established after an in-depth analysis of the maximum sustainable visitor capacity. This strategy is being used in the Galapagos Islands, where the number of ships allowed to cruise this remote archipelago is limited, and only designated islands can be visited, ensuring visitors have little impact on the sensitive environment and animal habitats. Financial contributions Direct financial contributions Tourism can contribute directly to the conservation of sensitive areas and habitat. Revenue from park-entrance fees and similar sources can be allocated specifically to pay for the protection and management of environmentally sensitive areas. Special fees for park operations or conservation activities can be collected from tourists or tour operators. Contributions to government revenues Some governments collect money in more far-reaching and indirect ways that are not linked to specific parks or conservation areas. User fees, income taxes, taxes on sales or

rental of recreation equipment, and license fees for activities such as hunting and fishing can provide governments with the funds needed to manage natural resources. Such funds can be used for overall conservation programs and activities, such as park ranger salaries and park maintenance. Environmental CODE OF CONDUCT5 Conserve Natural and Cultural Heritage Do not trample high altitude vegetation, do not pick any flowers or medical plants; Do not disturb wildlife and its habitat; Do not allow clients to purchase endangered animal parts or antique cultural artifacts; Support local conservation efforts and income generation activities; Avoid use of fuel wood. Use alternative fuels such as kerosene, and LPG for all cooking, heating and lighting purposes; Discourage campfires, encourage camp fun; and Follow safety rules when carrying, storing and using kerosene and gas. Leave all Camps and Trails Clean Separate and properly dispose off litter. Burn burnables, bury bio-degradables, and carry out all other non-biodegradable materials for deposit at designated trash sites or for recycling; Use toilet tents on all treks. Set up and use toilets tents at least 100m away from water bodies to avoid water pollution; Use established campsites and kitchen sites, avoid trenching around tents; Practice Conservation Avoid fuel-consumptive menu items, e.g. baked foods and large menu selections; Re-package food into reusable plastic containers to reduce waste; Practice Proper Hygiene and Sanitation Teach all staff personal hygiene and ensure sanitary kitchen and camp routines; Treat drinking water and uncooked vegetables for clients properly; Dispose off washing and bathing water well away from streams and use biodegradable soap; Take Responsibility for Staff and Porter welfare; Provide adequate warm clothing, sleeping covers, shoes, snow gear, food, stoves and fuel for the staff and porters; Periodically train staff in first aid guiding and sanitation; Address cultural dos and donts, environmentally - friendly behavior, safety precautions, proper dress codes and respect for local beliefs and peoples and religious sites; Plan days for proper altitude acclimatization when ascending. Know how to identify and treat high altitude illness and how to provide emergency rescue; CAMPSITES
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ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE Tourism Activities National Environment Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan, August 2004 NECS, PO Box 466, Thimphu, Bhutan Telephone: (975-2) 323384/325856/324323/326993 Fax: (975-2) 323385 Email addresses: admnec@druknet.net.bt AFD Technical Division Policy Coordination Division

All visitors should only use designated campsites approved by the DOT and DENR; No local fuel wood should be used for cooking and bonfires; If toilets are not provided, holes must be dug in designated areas and not randomly. This is required for sanitation reasons as well as to maintain the campsite; If kitchen huts are not provided at the campsite, then kitchen tents should be pitched in designated areas, away from the main tenting area. This is required in case of fire and also for hygiene; All biodegradable waste should be disposed off in a general waste pit. Non biodegradable waste should be carried out; Loud music and noise should be restricted to acceptable levels in consideration to fellow campers and wild life; The water source is sacred and pollution is strictly prohibited. The use of detergent and chemical related substances should be kept at a minimum so as to protect downstream users; Animals used for transport should be segregated and kept in designated areas so as to protect campers and equipment; Surrounding plants and flowers must not be disturbed so as to preserve the aesthetics of the local environment and landscape; Visitors must respect the customs and beliefs of the people in the area.

BIRD WATCHING Birdwatchers are a powerful force for conservation. Therefore, we must present a responsible image to other people, particularly those people on whose sympathy and support the future of birds may rest. Basic points to bear in mind when birding: The welfare of birds should come first; Disturbance to birds and their habitat should be avoided; Never hurry to see a rare bird; Avoid playback of rare bird songs; Observation of rare birds must be reported/informed to the concerned authority so that action can be taken to protect the bird and its habitat; Avoid disturbing rare migrants; Vehicles should be parked in convenient spots so that they do not impede traffic. Birders should avoid watching birds from the middle of the road; Use an identified birding trail; Permission must be sought from the landowner if his/her land is habitat for birds; Respect the rights of people in the countryside;