It is not only a legal requirement, but also the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust firm belief, that risks to health and safety should be controlled wherever possible through risk assessments. These are therefore conducted at CAFT on a regular basis and cover all identified risks to our visitors, our staff, our buildings, our grounds, in our daily routines and at all CAFT events.

Assessments are conducted by the Programme Manager, or delegated to senior managers, Health & Safety Officer or other competent persons. Assessment will not be delegated to staff who are uncomfortable about carrying out the task, or who do not have the influence to ensure that their recommendations are implemented.

Assessments identify significant risks, such as defects and deficiencies, and prescribe remedial action, i.e. risk control measures.

Thorough risk assessment involves answers to such questions as the following:

What hazards are we faced with?

Who might be affected?

How can the risks be reduced to an acceptable level?

Can effective measures be implemented now?

If not, what contingency plans will serve us best for the time being?

Each assessment is written up on a standard proforma, for the convenience of all concerned.

Assessments are normally annual, but more frequent checks may be required in some risk areas.

Annual risk assessments are carried out on a rolling basis.

Some risk areas take longer to review than others, and the inside assessments (being the most numerous) will sometimes continue into the spring term. However, it makes good sense to leave the outside and off-site parts of the survey until the better weather.

The results of our periodic risk assessment surveys are reported initially to the Chief Executive and the board of trustee’s to the end of summer programme the reviews are then incorporated into handbooks in time for the following autumn term.

All staff is aware of the need to report major new hazards as soon as they are identified. All staff in turn are notified immediately any major new hazard is reported.

Whenever a major new hazard is identified, it is highlighted on the corresponding assessment form and displayed on the main notice boards. Assessments for specific places such as the boiler room or the medical room are displayed where they apply.