BSA has prepared a terrific summary for Planning and Conducting a Safe Scout Outing that all leaders should periodically review, in addition to attending specific training sessions for outdoor skills.  Visit Scouting Safely for more details.

BSA has prepared the Guide to Safe Scouting to assist adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through eighty-plus years of experience. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures.

The Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities  is also a useful tool for evaluating programs.

The BSA Fieldbook also has an excellent overview on Managing Risk.

Unit leaders should be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America policies and guidelines.

When considering activities not specifically addressed in Scouting literature, activity planners should evaluate the benefit to the Scouting program versus the risk of injury. The benefit side includes the question: "Does this activity further the aims and methods of Scouting?"  In all cases where the planned activity is not held at a routine meeting place, a local or national tour permit is also required beforehand.