Safety procedures - how much to write down

[aethos]

I'm part of a volunteer group in Minnesota that gives rides to people on fire trucks for special events. I'm wondering about documented safety procedures. Does anyone have any thoughts on how much should be written down?

See, I've seen the result of cases where businesses failed to document their standards and procedures and as a result opened themselves to a judge deciding what was appropriate. If they'd planned ahead, their own guidance would be what they would have been expected to follow. (unless it was ruled grossly insufficient anyway.)

Now I think we should have some things written down but others disagree and want nothing written down, fearing that if it's written down and they forget to do something, that it will open them up to even more legal trouble. However I argue that if they forget to do something the judge can decide if they should have been doing it and find against them anyway.

Anyone have any thoughts on this little catch 22?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[Rexlan]

If you are that paranoid ... don't give rides.