The hook
Risk management = the systematic effort to avoid the bad outcomes. Safety, QA/QC, contracts, insurance, recordkeeping. Most failed surveying firms didn\'t do anything dramatic — they just ignored risk in lots of small ways until something compounded.
Memorize these
Concepts that show up on the exam
Safety program
Written, trained-on, audited. Hard hat / vest / first-aid. Roadway work zones per MUTCD. Confined space + fall protection per OSHA.
Quality assurance / quality control
QA = the system that prevents errors (SOPs, checklists, supervision). QC = the inspections that catch errors (check shots, peer review, internal audit).
Errors & omissions insurance
Professional liability. Claims-made policy — covers claims FILED during the policy period regardless of when the work was done. Don't let it lapse.
General liability insurance
Bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Separate from E&O.
Risk in contracts
Indemnity clauses, limits of liability, dispute resolution forum. Negotiate to reasonable terms; don't blindly sign one-sided client contracts.
Document retention
Records defended in court are records that exist. Multi-year retention; off-site backup; secure storage.
Test yourself
How well did it stick?
A quick 5-question check on Risk Management. See where you stand and what to review.