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The University of Sheffield
Risk Assessment Form 2010-2011
PERSONS AT RISK: Leaders and members of the club
Risk: (H) High (M) Medium (L) Low (O) No Risk
Task or Activity: Walking
SIGNIFICANT HAZARD
Club: Sheffield University Walking Club
RISK
INITIAL
RISK
RATING
Adverse Weather
Conditions
 Wet and cold (Hypothermia)
 Falls/trauma
 Becoming lost (e.g. in mist)
 Heat exhaustion/sun stroke
 Windy Conditions
 Sunburn
H
Rocky steep sided
ridge
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H
Trauma from falls down long drops
Abrasions & lacerations caused by minor slips and falls
Being blown from ridge by wind
Rock falling on steeper sections
Broken limbs/sprained joints caused by slipping in between
rocks/boulders
SUWC Risk Assessment 2010-2011
 Observe local weather reports
 Ensure leaders are trained to a high level
 Always have first aiders on walks, correct
safety equipment taken.
 Contingency plan in case of sudden
change
 Ensure a home contact is notified of
routes
 Sun creams taken in summer
 Check weather forecast and do not
attempt in strong winds
 Assess abilities and confidence of group
before committing
 Leaders to “spot” on all exposed
situations
 If weather deteriorates, use the easier path
off the ridge crest
 One leader to remain at front and check
for loose rocks, moving these to a safer
place if found
 Careful route finding and management of
FINAL
RISK
RATIN
G
M
M
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High and steep
mountains in winter
conditions
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Exposed situations with risk of long fall
Possibility of very cold summit temperatures
Ice may form on rocks at altitude
Risk of avalanche if there is significant snow on ground or
snowfall
 Risk of strong wind on narrow ridges.
H
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
Minor Falls and Slips
Stream or River
crossings
Consequences of
previous medical
conditions
Becoming lost (both of
group and individuals
from the group)
 Broken limbs
 Sprained joints
 Pulled muscles
 Wet and cold (hypothermia)
 Unconsciousness
 Wet and cold (hypothermia)
 Sprained joints
 Broken limbs
Many medical conditions could be exacerbated by conditions on
walks and/or could be more dangerous when they result in an
acute condition further from medical assistance (e.g. asthma,
diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, allergies)
 Wet and cold (if weather changes and group stays out longer)
 Hypothermia
 Disorientation
 Falls, trauma
SUWC Risk Assessment 2010-2011
H
M
M
M
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group to avoid dangerous positions
Get mountain weather and avalanche
forecasts, summit temps, wind speed and
freezing level
Avoid scrambles if possible, leaders
should spot any exposed places that can’t
be avoided by careful route planning
Avoid going above freezing level
Avoid narrow ridges in strong wind
Advise members on clothing and
equipment requirements
Check avalanche forecast
www.sais.gov.uk and avoid areas that are
at risk
Avoid crossing large areas of deep snow
on slopes between 25 and 45 degrees.
Suitable equipment (esp. boots)
Good navigation
Avoid dangerous/slippy terrain in poor
weather conditions
First aider on every walk
Check weather forecasts
Plan alternative routes in case of flooding
Ensure experienced leaders are leading
First aider on every walk
Members are encouraged to let a first
aider know of any existing medical
conditions at the start of every walk.
Navigation training for all leaders
Only up-to date maps used
Keep regular account of all group
members
Frequent reference to map and compass
Leaders work together when assessing
M
M
L
L
L
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current position.
Education of members and leaders
Frequent rests
Correct clothing taken
First aider present
Cold fluids taken
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Faint
Collapse
Vomit
Cramp
Falls
Dehydration
Falls
Wet and cold (hypothermia)
Becoming lost
M
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M
Major Trauma
accidents (such as
falling off a cliff in
mist)
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Severe fractions
Lacerations with possible blood loss
Paralysis
Drowning
Death.
L
Road traffic accident
(while walking)
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Severe fractions
Lacerations with possible blood loss
Paralysis
Loss of consciousness
Death
L
Road traffic accident
(while in a vehicle)
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Severe fractions
Lacerations with possible blood loss
Paralysis
Loss of consciousness
Death.
L
 Ensure participants carry torches,
preferably head torches
 Carry spare torches
 Ensure all leaders have experience with
night navigation
 Stick to known paths.
 Navigation training for all leaders
 Check of weather reports, changing
routes if appropriate
 Stick to good paths if possible
 Keep regular account of all group
members
 First aider always present.
 Walk on right-hand side of road well into
the side
 Walk in single file
 Good discipline of group
 Verbal warning of oncoming traffic
 First aider present.
 Travel on public transport for single day
walks
 Minibus training for all drivers
 Insurance for drivers and vehicles,
 Membership of breakdown service
 Ensure all club and Union safety
guidelines are followed at all times
Heat exhaustion
Night walking
SUWC Risk Assessment 2010-2011
L
L
L
L
L
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Drunkenness
Falls/trauma, RTA on
way to/from socials
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Falls and trauma
Fights
Fractures
Loss of consciousness
Aspiration pneumonia.
Falls, fractures
RTA related injuries
L
 Acceptance and awareness of every
individual's responsibility, at least one
sober committee member present
L
L
 Acceptance and awareness of every
individual's responsibility and risk of
getting to a social
Overall Risk:
L
Comments: As long as all good practise guidelines and risk assessments are adhered to, there should be
a very low chance of any problems occurring.
L
Additional References, Tasks etc.
Undertaken By:
Other Persons Consulted:
Date:
14/10/2010
Emily Beardon (SUWC Safety and Training Officer (10-11)
Max Holliday (Union Safety Advisor)
SUWC Risk Assessment 2010-2011
Revision Date
14th October 2011
27/9/2010