A risk assessment is an assessment of any potential risks or dangers that may occur at any time during the summer programme. They range from excursions through to bathroom fittings and are created by either Language in Action or an external group/contractor.
Risk assessments show due diligence, planning, and provide evidence of our procedures to reduce the risk of harm and injury. It also provides a framework for the organisation and running of excursions and activities.
The risk assessment is broken down into five sections as follows;
Identified Hazard / Risk A basic description of the hazard/risk
Level of Risk Rated as Low, Medium or High and gauged on the risk prior to action
Required Action to Eliminate Risk A detailed summary of each step taken to minimise the risk of the hazard/risk/situation taking place
Revised Risk Rated as Low, Medium or High, and gauged on the risk after all action points are complete
Action to be Taken The steps that must be taken by the present member of staff if the risk affects a member of the group.
NOTE: The safety rating is determined using a formula that assesses likelihood of the risk against the severity of the risk.
Below you can see the first risk identified for travelling on public transport in London. Each document can list any number of risks identified, and there is no limit – but it must contain all potential risks and hazards that may occur in any given situation.
Note that the action to be taken refers to the Emergency Plan of Action. This is a document Language in Action has created as a step by step guide to dealing with risks and problems. You will learn more about this in Section 7.0
The Risk Assessment allows you to carry out any number of tasks or activities with the confidence that it is being done safely. You must use the details of the risk assessment to guide your planning and execution of tours and activities.
All team members should become familiar with the Risk Assessment in place at their centre. For example, if you are scheduled to lead a group to the London Eye, you should read the risk assessment for the London Eye, as well as the risk assessment for using public transport. You should then sign the Risk Assessment Acknowledgement Form (this will be available in the office).
At all times you should be aware of the risk assessment and its contents, and dynamically assess your surroundings. Anything that you note has changed since the risk assessment was written, or any amendments due to incidents must be reported to your manager.