Risk Assessment for Woodland @ Harting
Please note:
The Woodland @ Harting is a natural woodland site with all the hazards you would expect to find on
a walk in the woods – trees, roots and stumps, branches, open ditches which are dry in summer, wet
in heavy rain.
Specific Risk Assessments:
The following is a general risk assessment for visiting the woodland.
WOODLAND
Trees
Low
Staff advised to be alert
and keep eyes open in
strong winds in case of
falling branches/trees
Paths checked quarterly for overhanging/fallen branches
Advise all visitors re potential whip injuries from branches and take appropriate precaution /
action
Medium
Trips/falls
Most stumps/tree roots eliminated from woodland paths but reasonable care required as
pathways are natural, not concrete or tarmac
Beavers / Cubs / Scouts / Explorers advised to be alert
Trained first aiders on site and first aid equipment brought to site
Low
Regular cutting back
Nettles/brambles
carried out on paths
Beavers / Cubs / Scouts / Explorers advised to be alert
Medium
Check for swarm areas
Wildlife – bites, stings, from insects, ticks
– eg bee / wasp nests in
etc
main areas
Beavers / Cubs / Scouts / Explorers advised to be alert
Wearing of appropriate protective clothing – long sleeves / trousers etc
Trained first aiders on site and first aid equipment brought to site
Insect repellent
Removal of any
Laceration / Penetration Injury – branches, Low
obvious hazards
brambles etc
Beavers / Cubs / Scouts / Explorers advised to be alert
Trained first aiders on site and first aid equipment brought to site
Medium
Visual check by leader
Falling Debris from height
prior to visit
More intensive search
and plotting of potential
loose branches –
quarterly
Monitor & take action
where required
Avoid areas with obvious loose branches
Beavers / Cubs / Scouts / Explorers advised to be alert
Low
Dry in summer, wet in
Drainage ditches
winter – care required
Risk Assessment for Woodland @ Harting
Lost children
Low
on bridges, especially in
wet/frosty conditions
Procedure?
Fire
Established fire assembly points in woodland
Low
Fire procedure in place?
Low
Tree cover/shade
extensive through
spring-autumn
WEATHER
Sunburn/stroke
All students advised to wear sun hats/cover up bare skin
Medium
Getting wet
Tree cover extensive
through spring-autumn
Students advised to bring rainproof clothing
GENERAL
Emergencies
Low
All scout leaders, have mobile phone in case of emergencies
Trained first aiders on
site and first aid
equipment brought to
site