Health and Safety Policy
PURPOSE
This Health and Safety Policy should not be confused with safeguarding. Safeguarding is about protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect, whereas health and safety is about minimising or removing the risk of accidents and injuries.
POLICY
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 only applies to paid workers, although volunteers must still be protected from risks.
- Lymington u3a will ensure that reasonable care has been taken to avoid harming others and that participants are aware of the risks.
- Lymington u3a aims to provide and maintain safe and healthy conditions and environments for all members including during the meeting of u3a groups, monthly meetings and at events.
INSURANCE
Lymington u3a is covered by the insurance provided by The Third Age Trust. Further details about the insurance cover can be accessed on the u3a website If any activities are being considered that Lymington u3a is unsure whether they are covered, they will contact the u3a Office for further advice. The Third Age Trust provides third party liability insurance, however extreme sports and high hazard activities may not covered. Please check before running an activity
RISK ASSESSMENTS
Lymington u3a will ensure that the Committee, Group Leaders or those responsible for a meeting or event complete a risk assessment(s). These will be used to identify any risks and explore how they could be mitigated. Lymington u3a is aware that some venues used for meetings/events may already have their own risk assessment. These should be reviewed and where mitigations are identified ensure they are actioned. For example, a venue may state that no more than 5 chairs should be stacked together and/or nothing should be placed in the way of fire escapes. Where relevant, clear instructions and guidance should be provided to anyone who requires it. Further information, guidance and templates about risk assessments can be downloaded from the u3a website: www.u3a.org.uk/advice.
RESPONDING TO ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS AND DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES
In the event of an incident/accident the Chair/Vice-Chair of Lymington u3a should be informed as soon as appropriate. Where a u3a member is involved in an accident or incident while taking part in a u3a event Lymington u3a will ensure that those who witnessed the event and were involved complete an incident report (template available to download from www.u3a.org.uk/advice). This must be completed and shared with those who need to have access to it, including the Committee Chair and kept on file. It will also need to be shared with the insurers in the event of an insurance claim.
LONE VOLUNTEERING
There may be occasions where u3a members carry out activities for Lymington u3a on their own. For example, opening a venue for a meeting, setting up for a meeting etc. Where this occurs the u3a member should ensure someone else knows where they are and when they should be expected back. The u3a member should also know who to contact in the event of an incident or accident and ensure they have, for example, their mobile phone with them and avoid activities at height, e.g. using a ladder.
MANUAL HANDLING
All u3a members should think about manual handling in advance to avoid injury to themselves and others. Members should not carry out any manual handling tasks if they are not able to manage them and should ask for help from other u3a members.
VENUES
Where Lymington u3a uses external venues who have their own policies and procedures and risk assessments Lymington u3a will ensure these are followed. This will include making sure that all u3a members in attendance are aware of what to do in the event of a fire alarm/evacuation. If Lymington u3a is hosting an open day this will also include ensuring those who are not u3a members are also informed.
RELATED DOCUMENTATION
The following documents are available on the national u3a website www.u3a.org.uk/advice to support u3as:
- Risk assessment templates – including templates for a range of different venues and activities including groups meetings at members’ houses.
- Risk Management guidance
- Safeguarding Policy and Procedure Sample
- Insurance Cover Note 2023
- Insurance FAQs
- Insurance Overview
Lymington u3a will ensure this policy is kept up to date and reviewed annually.
Policy review date: July 2024