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The proliferation of smartphones and social media has fundamentally changed the way we interact, work, record events, and share information. We can now stay connected almost anywhere; while this is generally a positive development in communication, it can also potentially affect a parks and recreation department’s ability to control risk-management. For this reason, it’s important for risk managers in the industry to understand and address the issues associated with this technology.
Direct Risks
Accidents happen for a variety of reasons, including failure to pay attention. Undeniably, smartphones can be a distraction. Many recreational activities require a participant's undivided attention or the use of both hands. Other activities entail sudden movements where items can fly out of participants’ pockets. When operating these types of activities, having expressed instructions and warnings precluding participants from using or carrying phones can help reduce potential liability exposure. Where an accident is caused by someone’s use of a smartphone—in violation of expressed instructions or warnings—it should be documented and preferably acknowledged in writing by the person using it.
Documenting The Scene
In litigation, the old saying holds true: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” For years, facility owners have used cameras to document accident scenes, and in several states, these photographs are protected as work product. Smartphones have leveled the playing field.