Risk assessment and management
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, e.g. injuries requiring first aid knowledge or medical attention. A significant hazard is one that has serious possible consequences. What is significant will depend upon:
- the location or site itself and the environment.
- the nature and experience of the group. Behaviour and medical issues for example.
- the nature and experience of the leaders and the activity, tasks undertaken and the equipment used.
Risk assessment is the process where hazards are identified, the level of risk evaluated and then the necessary control measures put into place.
At Sparsholt Schools' Centre this happens in the following way:
- School and Centre staff discuss the site/activities and management/behaviour supervision systems prior to the visit (usually at a pre-visit meeting at the Centre). Centre and School staff will agree supervision and behaviour management systems appropriate to the group and planned activities.
- School staff should familiarise themselves with the Centre's local operating procedures and emergency procedures (in the event of a serious accident or incident).
- Centre staff produce and update generic risk assessments (PDF) for the sites visited and activities that school groups regularly undertake. These are updated on a regular basis with master copies held in the Health and Safety file at the Centre.
- School staff will need to consider the specific risks that may arise from taking their group to the sites and undertaking the planned activities. This will be based on knowledge of the groups experience, their behaviour and medical issues. Risks relating to transport to the Centre must also be considered.
- On-going risk assessment is the responsibility of all leaders.
References (top)
- HCC Off-site activities and educational visits: regulation and guidance (2003)
- Avoiding ill-health at open farms - advice to teachers
