Risk Assessment

LOCATION

Bugbrooke, Northants

DATE OF LATEST ASSESSMENT

24/02/2019

Assessor

Julia Doherty, Walk Leader

For more information about this particular walk, please click the areas of interest below.  The details are correct as of publication, and we will regularly update this assessment.

Note: If numbers are over 25 then we will split the group into two.  The faster-paced group will walk 4.4 miles and the regular paced will walk a shorter route of just 3.4 miles.

Traffic Roads

Hazzard

We walk through the main village which includes some quiet roads and side streets.  In addition, there is a small section where we walk along a B-road. 

How the risk is controlled

• Warn walkers in pre-walk talk
• Cross at safer places
• Keep the group together
• Wear hi-vis vests
• Footwear to be assessed at check-in

Dual Paths

The hazard:

The path is used by those that are running, cycling and also other walkers.

Who may be harmed?

Those that are hard of hearing or have other sensory ailments.

How the risk is controlled:

• Inform the group at the beginning of the walk that we may come across others on route.
• Keep to one side of the path (naturally fall to the left)
• Check the group is not drifting across the path
• Ask walkers to help warn others of bikes approaching
• Take extra care when crossing others on the trail

 

 

 

Dog Mess

The hazard:

Collect and dispose of dog mess on the route.  There are many dog bins on this route.

Who may be harmed?

All walkers

How the risk is controlled:

• Warn in pre-walk talk
• Warn as necessary on route
• AG Walk leaders to carry spare dog poo bags at all times

 

 

 

Dogs

The hazard:

We do cross stiles, however, the majority have dog friendly guilitine type of stiles.  Dogs are welcomed on this trail.  We do come across a few fields that have sheep, therefore please keep your dogs on a lead at all times during this section.

Who may be harmed?

All, particularly those fearful of dogs

How the risk is controlled:

• Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on the route
• Keep nervous walkers away from dogs and warn dog owner to keep the dog away from the group
• Dogs are allowed on this walk, however, we ask that no more than one dog per adult.

 

 

 

Overhanging Branches

The Hazzard

We did not notice any overhanging branches on this route, however, we do walk through a wooded area that has upgrowing tree roots and may reveal some low hanging branches at times (dependant on the weather).

Who may be harmed?

All walkers

How the risk is controlled:

• Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on the route

 

 

 

Weather

The Hazzard

This route is on a flood plain, so can be flooded if the weather has been wet.

Who may be harmed?

All walkers. All, particularly those that are frailer and aren’t dressed appropriately

How the risk is controlled:

• Check walkers’ clothing at beginning of the walk
• Take water, hats, raingear.
• Be aware of places to shelter (numerous places throughout the trail).
• Abandon walk if necessary – use exit strategy.
• It is Adventure Geek’s responsibility to check the weather forecast before the walk begins.  If the weather looks bad (bad rain, windy etc, then we will reschedule the walk for a future date and notify everyone accordingly).

 

 

 

Other People

The Hazzard

Other people who may look suspicious.

Who may be harmed?

All walkers.

How the risk is controlled:

• Move past any potentially threatening group avoiding eye contact
• Carry an attack alarm, should you feel there is cause to do so.  (Adventure Geek Leaders all carry an electronic whistle)
• Have a charged mobile to hand

 

 

 

Slips, Trips and Falls

The Hazzard

This route has a few potential areas to slip as there are running streams, slippery and muddy surfaces.  There are numerous stiles but there are no complicated obstacles to avoid.

Who may be harmed?

All walkers particularly those with balance difficulties/mobility issues.

How the risk is controlled:

• Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on the route
• Help walkers around muddy spots, narrow paths, etc.
• Abandon walk if path accessibility is very bad

 

 

 

Inclines

The Hazzard

This walk has long and gentle inclines, but nothing too strenuous.

Who may be harmed?

All walkers, particularly those with heart problems, high blood pressure etc e.g. Angina

How the risk is controlled:

• Warn in pre-walk talk
• Be aware of walkers’ health needs – AD walk leaders to note the medical declarations on the registration entry.
• Allow everyone to take inclines at their own pace – tail walker to always stay at the back.  We will walk as fast as the slowest person.
• Remind walkers to take and use the medication if necessary
• Rest at the top of any incline and wait for the group

 

 

 

Stiles

The Hazzard

There are no stiles on this route.

Who may be harmed?

All, particularly those with balance difficulties/ mobility issues

How the risk is controlled:

• Warn in pre-walk talk
• Help walkers as necessary over stiles

 

 

 

New Walkers

Who may be harmed?

All, particularly the new walker

How the risk is controlled:

• Read through health check questionnaire with all new walkers
• Share relevant disclosed health information with other leaders
• Be extra vigilant whilst walking
• Buddy new walker with a regular walker or another walk leader
• Accompany the new walker back to base if necessary
• Give the new walker briefing which includes what to expect during an adventure geek walk, who the walk leaders are and their names, explain that we have a first aid kit, ask if they are ok with dogs, has anything happened since registering from a health perspective that we may need to know.