Risk Assessment – Harlestone Firs

LOCATION

Harlestone Firs, Northamptonshire. 

ASSESSMENT DATE

10/01/2020

Assessor

Alison Snelling, Walk LeaderJulia Doherty, Walk Director

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.

Traffic Roads Expand

Hazzard

There are no roads to cross on this trail.

Who May Be Harmed

All walkers

How the risk is controlled

• Warn walkers in pre-walk talk
• Cross at safer places
• Keep the group together
• Wear hi-vis vests
• Torches are essential for all walkers in the darker nights
• Footwear to be assessed at check-in

Dual Paths Expand

The hazard:

The path is used by those that are running and also other walkers / dog walkers and cyclists.

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

 

 

 

Dogs Expand

The hazard:

This is a super dog-friendly walk.  Even the cafe at the end is dog-friendly.  There are a number of areas where a dog will need to be on the lead (through the golf course and one area that housed livestock, but the rest is absolutely fine to let the dogs have a good run)

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.

 

 

 

Weather Expand

The Hazzard

We are fairly covered, but there are some areas of the walk that could be potentially muddy if we have bad weather.

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 Expand

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 Expand

The Hazzard

We found two very large deep holes which could be potentially dangerous when walking in the dark.  The walk leader to stand by the hole and direct people around both of them during the actual lead walk.  (Otherwise, we will have a “Dibley” moment). (Check out video)

Other hazards to be careful of are roots and brambles in the forest, along with muddy/swampy patches.

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/Declines Expand

The Hazzard

The forest 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 Expand

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 Expand

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.