Definitions Hazard- the potential of a substance, activity or process to cause harm. They can take many forms such as chemicals, electricity or the use of a ladder. Risk- is the likelihood of a substance, activity or process to cause harm. For the hazards used as examples here the obvious risks are poisoning, electrocution and falling. It is important to distinguish between these two terms, often activities called high risk are really high hazard.

What is Risk assessment? A method of prioritising and ranking dangerous activity. An essential part of any health and safety management system. Aims to control hazards by reducing risk. Wherever possible risks should be eliminated through design, equipment or processes. If you cannot eliminate the risk, they must be minimized by use of suitable controls, e.g. Systems of work or personal protective equipment.

Legal points Employers must: undertake “suitable and sufficient” written risk assessments to cover both employees and non-employees that are affected by the employer’s undertakings. (If more than four employees) put in place effective arrangements for the planning, organization, control, monitoring, and review of health and safety measures. provide training and develop suitable emergency procedures. Provide employees with appropriate health and safety training.

Legal Points continued Employees must: use any equipment or substance in accordance with any training or instruction given by the employer. report to the employer any serious or imminent danger. report any shortcomings in the employer’s protective health and safety arrangements.

How is it done? Each activity needs to be broken down into small easily defined tasks, each of which will have the risk and hazard identified. List each task, who is affected, and describe what the hazard and risk. Easiest way is to then rank each risk (likelihood) and its accompanying hazard (severity) by a number (say 1 to 5) then multiply the two figures together to get a risk assessment rating. The most serious problems are the tasks which have a high rating. Prioritise these at the beginning of the written assessment. Leave trivial ones to the end. Identify control measures and record, date and sign your assessment. Inform those affected of your findings. Undertake regular monitoring and review.

So How does this affect us? There is no statutory definition of a private club, but it is not hard to draw a line between one of these and a an activity centre for the public run on commercial lines. This advice applies to the former. Where a club provides employment sections 2 and 3 of the HSWA place duties on those in control to “ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable that the premises and any plant or substance in the premises, or provided for use there, are safe and without risks to health.

Role of Governing Bodies Sports such as sailing which have recognised dangers are often subject to these bodies to regulate safety in the sport. The HSE often works with them at a national level to develop their guidance. However, since it is the governing bodies which issue the guidance, in some cases it may go beyond what is required by law. Enforcing authorities will therefore take account of the guidance of the governing body in relation to any action in connection with risks to health and safety which may arise.

Final Points. Care must be exercised at “open days” etc where the public are admitted to view the premises or be spectators. An enforcing authority should take account of the nature and extent of the risks and the degree of control which the club can be expected to exercise, and whether there is other legislation which offers a more appropriate basis for enforcement. “The HSWA should not be used to cut across the freedom of individuals voluntarily to take risks outside their working environment.”-HSE doc. OC331/3 “Where there are known to be employed or self-employed persons working at a club, plans for any preventative inspection should be based solely on their risks arising from the employment activities.”-HSE doc. OC331/3