General Risk Assessment - ABL Activities Harm/Loss What could go wrong? Hazard Why would this happen? Risk Rating? How serious? Controls How can it be prevented? First try to eliminate, then minimise the risk. Who is responsible for implementing the control? Check Controls implemented? Reviewed? Residual Risk Rating? Serious Injury (fracture, spinal, concussion) or other injury (sprain, strain, bruise). Collision with other person, ground or object, due to: Inattention Poor boundaries Inadequate supervision Fooling around Slipping Awkward landing Medium Organisation Ensure leader has sufficient competence and experience. Provide (or ensure understand) clear operating parameters, e.g. number/age of participants, operational instructions, safe zones, emergency assistance information. Leader Choose site for activity carefully to: - avoid hazards, e.g. slopes, uneven ground, fences, vegetation, vehicles, stock - reduce likelihood of impact with structures, concrete surfaces etc - avoid congestion. Ensure understand operating parameters for activity. Identify risks associated with specific activity, e.g. wet and slippery; and discuss with participants. Provide clear activity instructions - including specific safety points ‘what could go wrong?’, clear boundaries and ‘what if?’ Ensure participants are appropriately warmed up. Provide close supervision of participants throughout activity. Ensure appropriate level of challenge to maintain participant interest. Participant Follow instructions, participate fully, remain attentive and spot effectively as required. Slips, trips and falls, due to: Poor and/or slippery surface Inappropriate footwear Medium
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing (as instructed). Disclose relevant medical information. General Difficulties – may result in either serious or lessor injury Unsafe / reckless behaviour Medium Organisation Ensure behavioural expectations are clear to participants and supervising teachers/helpers. Leader Provide appropriate supervision and reinforce behavioural expectations. Minimise unstructured free time. Inappropriate action by/with staff/volunteers Medium Organisation Ensure staff are safety checked - include referee checks. Consider police vetting of volunteers. Provide clear guidelines around appropriate behaviour, e.g. avoid being alone with children, open door policy, involve other adults where possible. Inappropriate action by/with public Low Leader Provide clear guidelines around behaviour - at least 2 participants together at all times. Provide clear boundaries. Ensure understand who else is in area. Provide visible supervision of minors. Weather (e.g. heavy rain, wind, lightning) or geological (e.g. earthquake, volcanic) events Low Organisation Consider environmental hazards, including wind effect, flooding potential and land stability. Check weather forecast. Consider how to evacuate if necessary. Brief participants what to do if need to evacuate Medical Incident Pre-existing Medical Condition High Organisation Collect accurate medical information, discuss and ensure
Participant details/register: All participants including leaders, assistants, parents, helpers By: Date: Participant Name Role Emergency Contact (next of kin, guardian, spouse etc) Address Phone Critical Personal information e.g. participant, leader, parents/guardians, Allergies, disabilities, medical conditions, medications carried etc