Risk assessments

Wow! I had no idea how in depth risk assessments are!   :-\
For my design challenge (week 2) I began a risk assessment using the Education Queensland Template. This experience was a real eye opener for me.
I certainly agree with the need for such a procedure, as it will alert educators to all aspects of an activity or excursion that could expose students, teachers or other persons to risk or harm which then allows them to minimise that risk in every way possible. However, I fully understand why there are many teachers that seem to 'avoid' going on excursions or doing activities that are considered 'higher risk' (e.g. cooking with younger students, constructing projects, conducting experiments, etc.). These activities provide such enriching educational experiences for students, however to deliver them, the teachers need to go through a lot of 'red tape'. 
I certainly agree that student's safety is paramount and that a procedure such as this is so important. I just know I will really need to familiarise myself with the document and the process more so that when I have my own classroom I will be more confident and comfortable using it, which will then lead to me engaging students in those more enriching (but also more risky) lessons, activities and excursions.