Risk Assessment
LOCATION
Brampton’s, Northamptonshire.
DATE OF LATEST ASSESSMENT
5/1/2019
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.
Traffic Roads
Hazzard
We pass two roads on route. (See map for details).
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
- Footwear to be assessed at check-in
Note areas to cross safely – must cross as one group.
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:
There are no dog bins, with exception to the main cafe area, so it is essential that we clear up after our dogs and carry the bags with us.
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:
Please keep your dogs on a lead at all times.
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 are in a forest and this could change easily. We ask all walkers to be diligent.
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
We are fairly covered, but there are some areas of the forest that was rather muddy.
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
The forest has many potential areas to slip as there are often running streams, slippery and muddy surfaces.
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
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
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.
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.