Risk assessments
Check for potential dangers during your activities. Think about things like
- safety at the venue
- use of equipment
- how to keep everyone safe
You must comply with Health and Safety laws by
- carrying out risk assessments
- putting measures in place to prevent accidents
- recording any accidents that occur.
Before your event
Carry out risk assessments before an event, including practical tasks and activities. This involves
- looking for hazards such as tools
- deciding who might be harmed and how
- recording your findings.
Record the main risks and the measures you have taken to deal with them.
Help with risk assessments
Your Parks and Greenspaces Officer, Natural Heritage Officer or Cemeteries Officer can offer guidance on risk management and health and safety. This ensures all volunteers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Contact your Council Officer for support with risk assessments.
provides advice on health and safety and risk assessments. They have examples of policies that other organisations use.
offer risk assessment and health and safety courses.
How to conduct a risk assessment
Include this information in your risk assessment form
- the task or activity being assessed
- the site location
- the person or team preparing the assessment
- the date
For each hazard, include
- a possible outcome (what could go wrong, for example, injury or illness)
- which group of people could be affected (for example, participants or volunteers)
- the risk level (low, medium, or high)
- the control measures (actions to reduce the risk, for example, safety equipment or training)
- the person or team responsible for managing the risk
Always reassess the hazards and control measures just before the activity takes place.
Before you proceed, send the completed form to your Parks and Open Spaces, Natural Heritage, or Cemeteries Officer. Discuss it with them to ensure all safety requirements are met.
First Aid
Have a First Aider at your event to manage medical emergencies. Make sure everyone is aware of safety protocols.