Health and Safety Policy Sandbach u3a

Purpose

Where Safeguarding is about protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect, Health and Safety is about minimising or removing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Scope

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 only applies to paid workers, although volunteers must still be protected from risks. The u3a should ensure that reasonable care has been taken to avoid harming others and that participants are aware of the risks.

Template policy

Sandbach u3a aims to provide and maintain safe and healthy conditions and environments for all members including during the meeting of u3a groups, monthly meetings and at events.

 

Insurance

Sandbach u3a is covered by the insurance provided by The Third Age Trust. Further details about the insurance cover can be accessed on the u3a website www.u3a.org.uk/advice. If any activities are being considered that Sandbach u3a is unsure if they are covered, they will contact the u3a Office for further advice. The Third Age Trust provides third party liability insurance however extreme sports and high hazard activities may not covered. Please check before running an activity.

 

Risk Assessments

Sandbach u3a will ensure the Committee, Group Leaders or those responsible for a meeting or event complete a risk assessment(s). These will be used to identify any risks and explore how they could be mitigated. Sandbach u3a is aware that some venues used for meetings/events may already have their own risk assessment, these should be reviewed and where mitigations identified, ensure they are actioned. E.g.  a venue may state that no more than 5 chairs should be stacked together and or nothing placed in the way of fire escapes. Where relevant, clear instructions and guidance should be provided to anyone who requires it. Sandbach u3a risk assessment can be downloaded from the Sandbach u3a website https://sandbachu3a.org.uk/risk-assessment-forms

Responding to accidents/incidents and dealing with emergencies

In the event of an incident/accident the accident/incident report should be sent to the secretary who will report on these annually to the committee. If a serious accident or incident occurs, then the Chair & H&S Officer of Sandbach u3a should also be informed as soon as appropriate. Where a u3a member is involved in a significant accident or incident (e.g. if medical assistance is required) whilst taking part in a u3a event, Sandbach u3a should normally ensure those who witnessed the event and were involved complete an incident/accident report. The Group Leader must use the current Sandbach u3a accident/incident form. Blank accident/incident forms must be kept in the group register together with the list of emergency contacts. The accident/incident form must be completed and shared with those who need to have access to it, including the Committee Chair and kept on file. It will also need to be shared with the insurers in the event of an insurance claim.

Lone volunteering

There may be occasions where u3a members may be carrying out activities for Sandbach u3a on their own. For example, opening a venue for a meeting, setting up for a meeting etc. Where this occurs the u3a member should ensure someone else knows where they are and when they should be expected back. The u3a member should also know who to contact in the event of an incident or accident and ensure they have, for example, their mobile phone with them and avoid activities at height e.g. using a ladder.

 

Fast Find device. Sandbach u3a has two devices (held by the long walking group) which can be borrowed if a member is going somewhere where there may not be a mobile phone signal. Contact membership@sandbachu3a.org.uk for further information.

Manual handling

All u3a members should think about manual handling in advance to avoid injury to themselves and others. Members should not carry out any manual handling tasks if they are not able to manage them and should ask for help from other u3a members.

Venues

Where Sandbach u3a uses external venues who have their own policies and procedures and risk assessments Sandbach u3a will ensure these are followed. This will include making sure all u3a members in attendance are aware of what to do in the event of a fire alarm/evacuation. If Sandbach u3a is hosting an open day this will also include ensuring those who are not u3a members are also informed. (Information for completing a risk assessment can be assisted by reference to the Sandbach u3a checklist.)

Related documentation

Sandbach U3A have the following documentation available which should be used by members when drawing up Risk Assessments.

• Risk Assessment Advice
• Venue Checklist

Further information, guidance and templates about risk assessments can be downloaded from the u3a website: www.u3a.org.uk/advice

 

	Health and Safety Policy Sandbach u3a	The Third Age Trust
Version	Description of changes	Date
1.0	Development of new document	15/4/24
	Adoption of Policy