Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment in Physical Education

Many teachers become intimidated by the concept of risk assessment. This is sometimes because they have taught for many years and never did them in the past, and never had an accident. Contrarily, some teachers have been influenced by the mind-set that you have to risk assessment everything, it is considered an onerous bureaucratic process and ultimately it is not worth the hassle!

In Physical Education, Risk Assessment is indeed mandatory in law, but it does not have to be an overly complicated process.

Do not be put off by this requirement. It is simply good practice showing forethought and sound planning.

It is a legal requirement set out in the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999.

Risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what could cause harm to pupils, colleagues or others in order not to compromise safety in meeting other education objectives.

Its purpose is to ensure that teachers have taken precautions to minimise or prevent harm.

Keep the risk assessment simple.

A "hazard" is anything which could cause harm – a steep slope on the hills or hard cricket ball.

A "risk" is the chance, great or small, that someone may be harmed by the hazard – such as falling down a steep slope or a player being struck by a hard cricket ball.

The teacher's role (and other staff) is to decide whether a hazard is significant and whether it is covered by appropriate precautions (controls) in order to eliminate or minimise the risk.

Use commonsense in thinking through the event in a logical sequence to establish what each phase of the activity involves. Identify what might go wrong and who may be harmed or affected by a risk. Then think about what precautions have been taken in the planning and whether further precautions are necessary. This is risk control.

It is a requirement to keep a brief record of the risk assessment. A suggested format is provided below with simple guidelines.

It is a valuable exercise for all adults involved to participate in the assessment as it helps raise awareness of possible risks, establishes collective expertise and ensures that all understand the organisational requirements.

There is no need to show how the assessment was made, simply that it was carried out, that the precautions are reasonable and that the remaining risk is low – i.e. that a proper check was made.

After the event, review the record and note any particular hazard, risk or action which should additionally be included in the risk assessment next time.

Keep the written record for future reference and to save time and effort for visits, journeys and events which are repeated. The suggested format provides for signed and dated reviews. Annual reviews are usually adequate.

It is the responsibility of the governors, Headteacher and teacher to ensure that a risk assessment is carried out and that control measures are appropriate.

Carrying out a Risk Assessment

DECIDE WHAT REQUIRES A RISK ASSESSMENT

one for each work area

one for regular off-site visits – e.g. away matches

a separate one needs to be completed for each special event

IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS

initial audit of existing safety documentation and procedures

logical flow through sessions – eg changing, movement to work area, the activity

include statutory issues – fire safety, first aid, transport etc.

keep it simple

group activity – all adults involved in teaching physical education

involve pupils during lessons

DECIDE WHO IS AT RISK

staff

pupils – all/some e.g. SEN

other visitors

EVALUATE THE RISKS

use professional judgement

take account of existing procedures and precautions to minimise risks

consider number of people possibly at risk

may use a simple grading system – likelihood x severity – to identify probability

RECORD THE FINDINGS

record as you go - using the suggested format below

DEVISE AN ACTION PLAN TO REDUCE THE RISKS

are existing control measures adequate?

devise appropriate, additional controls where necessary

prioritise if necessary

INFORM THOSE AFFECTED

notices, procedures, training etc.

PERIODICALLY REVIEW THE ASSESSMENT

Annually or when the circumstances change

A prompt list for Risk Assessment

Controlling Risks

The Teacher should have as a priority a desire to control risks.

This could be through the formal risk assessment process, but quite effectively through 'intuitive' dynamic risk assessment

CONTROLLING RISKS

ENSURING THAT THE PEOPLE WORK SAFELY:

Provide protective equipment/clothing

Provide necessary CPD

Devise appropriate procedures

Set appropriate discipline and control standards

Develop observation skills

ENSURING THE CONTEXT IS SAFE:

Inspect facility periodically

Place warning notices/protective devices where risks exist

Buy quality equipment

Inspect the equipment

Repair/service the equipment

Modify the equipment

Teach how to use the equipment/facility

Amend how the equipment is used

ENSURING THE ORGANISATION IS SAFE:

Teach progressive practices thoroughly

Explain any inherent risks

Emphasise playing within the rules

Change the way the activity is carried out

Stop the activity

Avoid the area

Use a safer alternative