Risk Assessment – Hambleton Peninsula

LOCATION

Oakham, Leicestershire

ASSESSMENT DATE

24/11/2019

Assessor

Julia 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

We need to walk alongside a few roads, although there are always footpaths to follow, with exception to a small section just as we leave Hambleton.

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 many cyclists (this is a renown cycle route), so all walkers need to be vigilant and not everyone dings their bell.  It is a good walk for other walkers, runners and dog 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

 

 

 

Dogs Expand

The hazard:

This is a dog friendly walk with no stiles to cross and plenty of dog poo bins.  Please keep your dogs on a lead at all times as there is livestock (mainly sheep and horses) on the walk.

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

This is a lovely walk and has many exposed areas.  I can imagine it would get rather muddy if the weather is wet, and also very slippery.  There are wooded areas, but the path is well trodden and it is unusual to see exposed roots etc.  There were numerous potholes to be careful of, which would be quite deep and dangerous if filled with water.

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.

Be aware of dog walkers, runners and people on little golf buggies!

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

This is a relatively flat walk and there are not many places to trip and fall.  We do cross a few cattle grids, go through the woods, but no real dangerous of hazzardous areas.  There are signs to warn bikes of a steep decline ahead, so just be aware that bikes will be very fast in these areas.

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

There are a few mini steep slopes as warned by signs for cyclists, but the majority of this hike is very flat.

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.