Risk Assessment

To download a copy as a Word document, click: .PROBUS Organised group walks – risk assessment  

 

Please complete a copy for every walk, and keep this for 1 month after the date of the walk.

The content of the Risk Assessment is shown below:

Walk Leader		Date of walk
		Date of risk assessment
		Date of recce

 

COVID-19  Possible hazards	Who might be harmed and how?	Ways to control the risk	Action taken?
Transmission of COVID-19 through close contact / meeting other people	Walkers, members of the public – risk of spreading COVID-19	Plan the walk for a less busy time.	¨
		Avoid particularly busy or narrow routes where physical distancing is not possible.	¨
		Give clear information about limiting the group size in line with government guidance.	¨
		Remind walkers beforehand about the guidelines, including on travel & transport ( i.e. minimise car sharing )	¨
		Advise walkers at the start of the walk to maintain physical distancing, and what to do at any pinch points or road crossings – this is everyone’s responsibility.	¨
		Suggest walkers carry face covering in the event of incidents	¨
		Maintain a record of who attended the walk for contact tracing.	¨
Transmission of COVID-19 through touching gates, stiles, fences or equipment	Walkers, members of the public – risk of spreading COVID-19	Avoid touching gates and path furniture, where possible.	¨
		Suggest walkers bring hand sanitiser.	¨
		Advise walkers not to share food, drink or equipment such as walking poles.	¨
Other possible hazards	Who might be harmed and how?	Ways to control the risk	Action taken?
Bad weather (including extreme temperatures)	Walkers – risk of illness and injury, risk of the group being stranded	Check the weather forecast and postpone/cancel if necessary. Advise walkers to bring suitable clothing and items for the conditions.	¨
Busy roads	Walkers – risk of vehicle collisions	Avoid routes along busy roads and/or check for suitable crossing places on the recce.	¨
Steep, slippery or muddy sections.	Walkers – risk of trips/slips	Check for muddy/slippery sections on the recce and adapt the route if necessary. Advise walkers to bring suitable footwear for the conditions.	¨
Livestock	Walkers – risk of injury   Risk of property damage if livestock escape	Cross fields with livestock calmly and quietly, keeping the group together. Be prepared to divert around livestock if necessary.	¨
		Follow the Countryside Code (England & Wales) and Access Code (Scotland). Leave gates and property as you find them.	¨
		Follow any local warnings or signs, and advise walkers to keep away from the edge.	¨