Safety Program

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Effective Date: 1 October 2024

Spore & Lore Inc. is committed to ensuring the safety of all participants, guides, and staff during our Excursions, Workshops, and related activities. This Safety Program outlines our safety policies, procedures, required participant equipment, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience in natural environments.

1. Safety Philosophy & Objectives

Spore & Lore Inc. prioritizes participant safety while maintaining the integrity of outdoor educational experiences. Our objectives are to:

• Identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with outdoor activities and foraging
• Ensure all participants are adequately prepared with appropriate safety gear
• Provide clear safety briefings before each Excursion, Workshop or related activity
• Respond effectively to emergencies and unforeseen incidents
• Foster a culture of respect, responsibility and environmental stewardship

Participants are reminded of the inherent dangers involved in exploring wild spaces and sampling wild edibles. Always take measures to protect yourself and those in your care. Never consume anything unless you are 100% confident in its safety, regardless of who identifies, recommends, or provides it.

2. Pre-Excursion Safety Procedures

a) Participant Screening & Medical Considerations

All participants must complete a Participant Registration Form before attending an excursion, disclosing any relevant medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations.

• Participants with serious medical conditions (e.g., severe allergies, asthma) must bring their required medications (e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors, inhalers) and ensure they can self-administer them if needed.
• Spore & Lore Inc. does not provide or administer medical treatment beyond basic first aid.

b) Pre-Excursion Briefing

Before each Excursion, the guide will conduct a mandatory safety briefing, covering:

• Expected environmental conditions and terrain hazards
• Proper foraging practices and rules for plant and fungi handling
• Wildlife awareness and how to respond to encounters
• Emergency procedures and communication protocols

3. Required Participant Safety Equipment

Participants must wear and bring appropriate gear for outdoor conditions to reduce the risk of injury or exposure. 

The following safety equipment is mandatory:

• Sturdy, closed-toe footwear (e.g., hiking boots, trail shoes) to prevent slips and injuries
• Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., moisture-wicking layers, waterproof jackets, hats) to protect against exposure
• Insect repellent and sun protection (e.g., long sleeves, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats) to prevent bites and sunburn
• Adequate hydration and snacks (participants are responsible for bringing their own)
• High Visibility Vests will be mandatory for all participants of Bushwhacking Excursions, and will be provided by Spore & Lore Inc.

Participants who fail to comply with minimum safety gear requirements may be denied participation without refund.

4. Guide Safety Equipment

The Spore & Lore Inc. guide will carry essential safety equipment for the group during every Excursion, including: 

• First aid kit with wound care supplies, antihistamines, and emergency essentials
• Emergency communication devices (e.g., mobile phone with GPS and satellite communicator, whistle, etc.)
• Animal deterrent spray to mitigate wildlife risks
• Headlamp and batteries

The guide shall at all times utilize the following Personal Protective Equipment during Excursions:

• Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots to prevent slips and injuries
• Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., moisture-wicking layers, waterproof jackets, hats) to protect against exposure
• Insect repellent and sun protection (e.g., long sleeves, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats) to prevent bites and sunburn
• Adequate hydration
• High-visibility identification (e.g., reflective and distinguishing shirt or vest) for quick and easy location by participants

5. Risk Management & Hazard Mitigation

a) Environmental & Terrain Risks

• Excursions take place in natural settings with uneven terrain, fallen branches, exposed roots, and wet/slippery surfaces. Participants must stay on designated paths and follow guide instructions to reduce injury risks.
• Participants are advised to be cautious around bodies of water and must not enter streams, rivers, or lakes unless explicitly permitted.

b) Wildlife Awareness & Safety

• Participants must never approach, lure or feed wildlife and must follow the guide’s instructions in case of an encounter.
• Guides are trained in wildlife safety and carry appropriate deterrents if needed.

c) Foraging Safety

• Participants must not handle or consume any foraged items unless explicitly permitted by the guide.
• Proper plant and fungi identification will be emphasized, and any misidentification risks will be addressed in safety briefings.

6. Emergency Procedures

Despite all precautions, emergencies may arise. Spore & Lore Inc. has established clear emergency response procedures for injuries, lost participants, and inclement weather.

a) Injury or Medical Emergency

• The guide will assess the severity of the injury and administer  first aid if necessary
• If emergency medical assistance is required, the guide will contact local emergency services (911 or other appropriate authorities)
• Participants must be prepared for delayed emergency response times in remote areas

b) Lost or Separated Participants

• ·  Participants must remain with the group at all times. If separated, they should stay in place and use a whistle, phone, or loud calls to alert the guide.
• ·  The guide will conduct a headcount at key checkpoints to ensure group cohesion.

c) Inclement Weather & Unexpected Conditions

• Excursions proceed in most weather conditions, but in the event of extreme weather (e.g., lightning storms, high winds, flooding), the guide may modify or cancel the activity.
• Participants must follow guide instructions for sheltering in place if necessary.

d) Suspected Poisoning

A quick reference to this protocol is included in Spore & Lore’s !**SAFETY**! website page.

If poisoning is suspected, participants should contact the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-844-764-7669. Additionally, the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) provides volunteer consultants for mushroom poisoning identification. 

e) Tick Bite Response

A quick reference to this protocol is included in Spore & Lore’s !**SAFETY**! website page.

Participants should ensure proper tick removal, either by seeking assistance from a pharmacy or following Health Canada’s self-removal guidelines. Identifications can be submitted to etick.ca, which aids in tracking tick populations across Canada. 

After removal, ticks should be properly disposed of, and participants must monitor for symptoms such as rash, fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, or fatigue for 30 days.

7. Enforcement & Participant Compliance

This Safety Program applies to all participants at the time of their engagement with Spore & Lore Inc. Updates to its terms apply prospectively and will not retroactively affect prior engagements unless explicitly stated. If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Participants must comply with all safety rules and guide instructions. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the excursion without refund. Spore & Lore Inc. reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone deemed unfit or ill-equipped for an excursion based on health, preparedness, or failure to adhere to safety policies.

8. Changes to These Terms

Spore & Lore Inc. reserves the right to update the terms of this Safety Program at any time. Changes will take effect upon posting to our website. Continued participation or use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

9. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

This Safety Program is governed exclusively by the laws of Ontario, Canada. Spore & Lore Inc. is not liable for injuries, illness or losses sustained during participation in Excursions, Workshops or any related activities. Participants acknowledge their responsibility to assess personal risks and agree to abide by all safety protocols outlined in this document.

Any disputes, controversies or claims arising from these Terms shall first be resolved through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration within Ontario in accordance with the Arbitration Act, 1991, unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties in writing.

11. Participant Agreement & Signature

By purchasing a ticket or participating in any Spore & Lore Inc. activity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms outlined in this Safety Program.

12. Contact 

For questions regarding this Safety Program, please contact us through our “Contact” page.