As part of managing the health and safety of our members during the outings and events arranged by the Cornwall Federation of Women’s Institutes (CFWI), it is important that we identify and control any risks to our members by thinking about what might cause harm to them and decide whether we are taking reasonable steps to prevent that harm. This is known as risk assessment.
HOW TO CARRY OUT A RISK ASSESSMENT
- Identify the hazards
- Decide who could be harmed and how
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions – you are not expected to anticipate unforeseeable risks
- Record your findings
- Implement precautions
POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CARRYING OUT A RISK ASSESSMENT
It is impossible to list every possible risk for every type or every type of event. The following points provide an idea of the type of hazards that should be considered, who may be harmed and the precautions that should be considered.
• Identify the hazards. Check handbags, shopping bags and other belongings have been properly stored so nobody can fall over them. Do electrical leads cross areas that could result in participants tripping over them? Are boxes or other equipment left in hazardous positions or able to fall? Have you considered the physical capabilities of participants – are there stairs to climb, adequate parking facilities for disabled drivers, wheelchair access? Is there a possibility that a participant could suffer an allergic reaction to any products being used? Is there a danger from sharp tools being used? Are there toilets nearby or at the facility hosting the event? Will there be lifting involved? Are the items to be lifted heavy or bulky?
• There may be hazards specific to an event or venue. A similar event may be held in multiple locations on different days but one venue may have hazards that may not exist at the other venues. Likewise, a similar event may be used for multiple events with their own unique hazards that should be included in the risk assessment.
• Decide who may be harmed. How would the surroundings have an effect on anyone who is partially sighted or have limited mobility?
• Evaluate the risks, decide on and implement precautions. Move boxes and handbags to a safe place. Move electrical leads or clearly mark them. Alert participants to any potential hazards. Provide, or ask participants to provide protective clothing or equipment. Is there a first aid box available at the venue and is it fully stocked?
REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS OR INCIDENTS
If there is an accident or incident, no matter how minor it may be considered, the following details should be recorded in the relevant area of the Feedback Form for Sub-Committee Event that should be completed following every event, and forwarded to the Federation Board of Trustees:
• Who is involved?
• Names, DOBs and full addresses
• Date, time and place of incident
• What happened? A clear description of the incident
• Action taken?
It is important to include as much detail and information as possible when completing a risk assessment as the content will undoubtedly be referred to should our insurance company become involved in any situation that arises.
A completed Risk Assessment Form should be submitted with the Budget Form.