Health & Safety is a very important factor when it comes to YFC and then events that they hold. Due to the very varied programme of activities we take part in Risk Assessments are vital!

It may sound a bit scary “Risk Assessment”, but it’s not really – it’s actually something you do everyday. For example if you were about to step out of your front door and there is a brick lying on the path you would probably think “I’d better move that or someone (possibly me) may trip over it”

That was you doing a Risk Assessment –

• firstly working out what the risk could be (the brick) and
• secondly who was or could be at risk (you) and
• thirdly what could you do to prevent the risk – move the brick.

The fourth part is actually writing all this down and recording your findings and finally when you have gathered all this information together you can use it for other rallies and activities that you undertake, providing you review and assess where necessary.

So if you think about it you actually do “Risk Assessments” in everyday life, the only difference is that you actually write it down. Recording your Risk Assessments is all about showing that you have done all that is “Practicable and Reasonable” to prevent risks. “Practicable and Reasonable” is a term that is frequently used. We are not trying to stop you all having fun – all that we are asking is that you think carefully about what you are doing and make a written record.

You may ask why it is so important to write your findings down, well there are two main reasons:-

• So that if anything does go wrong and an accident or injury does occur you can show that everything possible had been done to minimise the risk. Insurance companies will not usually pay out if you cannot show proof that all possible measures have been taken.

• Secondly in competitions and activities where there are a number of people stewarding it is essential that they know what risks have been identified and how they have been minimised.

Some words that are often associated with Risk Assessments:-

Hazard – anything that can cause harm eg chemicals, electricity etc

Risk – is the chance high, medium or low that somebody could be harmed by a hazard

There you are – nothing to it! Just a little bit of thought and care.

Perhaps you may already know someone who deals with Health and Safety issues – they may be very happy to help you out.

Seriously if you do have any problems please don’t hesitate to give us a call at County Office

Process of Risk Assessment

• Identify Hazard – is it relevant to the event?
• Assess degree of risk ie high/low
• Decide what action is to be taken
• Eliminate hazard or introduce controls
• Identify residual risk
• Record & Inform - Communicate outcome of Risk Assessment to relevant parties
(Risk Assessment forms are attached or available from County office).
• Monitor results (record)
• Review success

Risk Assessment Form

Guidelines for Bonfires