Dangerous Plants Policy

United Adventure Camps recognises that many plants are poisonous if eaten or capable of causing allergic reactions if handled. Accordingly, no plants on the list of the dangerous plants shown below are allowed on the premises without first conducting a risk assessment to review the degree of risk posed to the children.

The outside play area at United Adventure Camps has also been checked for the dangerous plants listed below. Where a potentially dangerous plant exists and we are unable to remove it, we have conducted a risk assessment which takes into account:

• the ages and maturity of the children
• the degree of supervision required
• whether we need to restrict access to affected areas
• how children with allergies might be affected.

The following is a list of the most commonly found plants that staff should be aware of as posing a possible hazard. Note that this list is not fully comprehensive.

Key: E = Harmful if eaten, T = Harmful if touched

Food and Drink Policy

United Education provides healthy, nutritious and balanced food and drinks. Food and drink are safely prepared with regard to the dietary and religious requirements of the children in our care. We ask parents to notify us regarding any special dietary requirements or allergies when they register their child.

Information regarding food allergies is recorded on the Allergy Information Board which is visible to staff whilst food is being prepared.

United Adventure Camps promotes healthy eating and leads by example. Staff responsible for food preparation, handling and storage have received appropriate training.

We provide suitable healthy snacks for all the children.

Children are encouraged to develop good eating skills and table manners.

All children are given plenty of time to eat.

Fresh drinking water is available at all times.

Fresh fruit is available at all sessions.

Withholding food is never used as a form of punishment.

Staff discuss with children the importance of a balanced diet where appropriate.

The Camp does not regularly provide sweets for children.

We limit access to fatty or sugary foods.

Children are never forced to eat or drink anything against their will.

Packed Lunches

We ensure perishable contents of packed lunches are named, refrigerated or contain an ice pack to keep food cool

We inform parents/carers of our policy on healthy eating;

We encourage parents/carers to provide sandwiches with a healthy filling, fruit and milk based desserts such as yoghurt or crème fraiche where they can only provide cold food from home. We discourage sweet drinks and can provide children with water.

We discourage packed lunch contents that consist largely of crisps, processed foods, sweet drinks and sweet products such as cakes or biscuits and

We ensure that staff sit with the children to eat their lunch so that the mealtime is a social occasion.

Illness and Accidents Policy

At United Education we will deal promptly and effectively with any illnesses or injuries that occur while children are in our care. We take all practical steps to keep staff and children safe from communicable diseases.

All parents or carers must complete the Medical Form, requesting permission for emergency medical treatment for their child in the event of a serious accident or illness.

We will record any accidents or illnesses, together with any treatment given, on an Incident Record or Accident Record sheet as appropriate, which the parent or carer will be asked to sign when they collect the child.

United Education cannot accept children who are ill. If any children are ill when they first arrive at the Camp we will immediately notify their parents or carers to come and collect them. Any children who have been ill should not return until they have fully recovered, or until after the minimum exclusion period has expired (see table at the end of this policy).

First Aid 

The Camp’s designated First Aider is displayed on the parent notice board. The designated First Aider has a current paediatric first aid certificate and has attended a 12 hour paediatric first aid course. To ensure that there is a qualified first aider present and available at all times when the Camp is running, other members of staff will also receive first aid training. We will take into account the number of children and layout of the premises to ensure that first aiders are able to respond quickly to any incident.

The location of the first aid box and a list of qualified first aiders are clearly displayed at the Camp. The designated First Aider regularly checks the contents of the first aid box to ensure that they are up to date, appropriate for children and comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

The manager will ensure that a first aid kit is taken on all outings and that at least one member of staff on the outing holds a current paediatric first aid certificate.

Procedure for a Minor Injury

The first aider at the session will decide upon the appropriate action to take if a child becomes ill or suffers a minor injury.

If a child becomes ill during a session, the parent or carer will be asked to collect the child as soon as possible. The child will be kept comfortable and will be closely supervised while awaiting collection.

If a child complains of illness which does not impair their overall wellbeing, the child will be monitored for the rest of the session and the parent or carer will be notified when the child is collected.

If a child suffers a minor injury, first aid will be administered and the child will be monitored for the remainder of the session. If necessary, the child’s parent will be asked to collect the child as soon as possible.

Procedure for a Major Injury or Serious Illness

In the event of a child becoming seriously ill or suffering a major injury, the first aider at the session will decide whether the child needs to go straight to hospital or whether it is safe to wait for their parent or carer to arrive.

If the child needs to go straight to hospital, we will call an ambulance and a member of staff will go to the hospital with the child. The staff member will take the child’s Medical Form with them and will consent to any necessary treatment (as approved by the parents on the Medical Form).

We will contact the child’s parents or carers with all urgency, and if they are unavailable we will call the other emergency contacts that we have on file for the child.

After a major incident the manager and staff will review the events and consider whether any changes need to be made to the Camp’s policies or procedures.

We will notify Ofsted and child protection agencies in the event of any serious accident or injury to a child in our care as soon as reasonably possible and within 14 days at the latest.

We will notify HSE under RIDDOR in the case of a death or major injury on the premises (eg broken limb, amputation, dislocation, etc – see the HSE website for a full list of reportable injuries).

Communicable diseases and conditions

If a case of head lice is found at the Camp, the child’s parents or carers will be discreetly informed when they collect the child. Other parents will be warned to check their own children for head lice, but care will be taken not to identify the child affected.

If an infectious or communicable disease is detected on the Camp’s premises, we will inform parents and carers as soon as possible.

If there is an incident of food poisoning affecting two or more children looked after at the Camp the Manager will inform Ofsted as soon as possible and within 14 days at the latest.

If there is an outbreak of a notifiable disease at the Camp, we will inform the local health protection unit, HSE under RIDDOR (if appropriate), and Ofsted.

Useful contacts

Health Protection Unit: 0113 386 0300

Ofsted: 0300 123 1231

RIDDOR Incident Contact Unit: 0845 300 99 23

Medication and Allergies Policy

Administering Medicines

If a child attending United Adventure Camps requires prescription medication of any kind, their parent or carer must complete a Permission to administer medicine form in advance. Staff at the United Adventure Camps will not administer any medication without such prior written consent.

Ideally children should take their medication before arriving at the Camp. If this is not possible, children will be encouraged to take personal responsibility for their medication, if appropriate. If children carry their own medication (eg asthma inhalers), the Camp staff will offer to keep the medication safe until it is required. Inhalers must be labelled with the child’s name.

Prescription medication

United Adventure Camps can only administer medication that has been prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist. However, if a medicine contains aspirin we can only administer it if it has been prescribed by a doctor. All medication provided must have the prescription sticker attached which includes the child’s name, the date, the type of medicine and the dosage.

Non-prescription medication

If a child requires a non-prescription medication to be administered, we will consider this on a case by case basis after careful discussion with the parent or carer. We reserve the right to refuse to administer non-prescription medication.

Procedure for administering medication

A designated staff member will be responsible for administering medication or for witnessing self-administration by the child. The designated person will record receipt of the medication on a Medication Log, will check that the medication is properly labelled, and will ensure that it is stored securely during the session.

Before any medication is given, the designated person will:

• Check that the Camp has received written consent
• Take steps to check when the last dosage was given
• Ask another member of staff to witness that the correct dosage is given.

When the medication has been administered, the designated person must:

• Record all relevant details on the Record of Medication Given form
• Ask the child’s parent or carer to sign the form to acknowledge that the medication has been given.

When the medication is returned to the child’s parent or carer, the designated person will record this on the Medication Log.

If a child refuses to take their medication, staff will not force them to do so. The manager and the child’s parent or carer will be notified, and the incident recorded on the Record of Medication Given.

Specialist Training

Certain medications require specialist training before use, eg Epi Pens. If a child requires such medication the manager will arrange appropriate training as soon as possible. It may be necessary to absent the child until such training has been undertaken. Where specialist training is required, only appropriately trained staff may administer the medication.

Changes to Medication

A child’s parent or carer must complete a new Permission to Administer Medication form if there are any changes to a child’s medication (including change of dosage or frequency).

Long term conditions

If a child suffers from a long-term medical condition the Camp will ask the child’s parents to provide a medical care plan from their doctor, to clarify exactly what the symptoms and treatment are so that the Camp has a clear statement of the child’s medical requirements.

Managing children with allergies, or who are sick or infectious

We provide care for healthy children and promote health through identifying allergies and preventing contact with the allergenic substance and through preventing cross infection of viruses and bacterial infections.

Procedures for children with allergies 

When parents/carers start their children at the setting they are asked if their child suffers from any known allergies. This is recorded on the camp attendance form and also on staff area wall.

If a child has an allergy, a risk assessment form is completed to detail the following:

• The allergen (i.e. the substance, material or living creature the child is allergic to such as nuts, eggs, bee stings, cats etc.)
• The nature of the allergic reactions e.g. anaphylactic shock reaction, including rash, reddening of skin, swelling, breathing problems etc.
• What to do in case of allergic reactions, any medication used and how it is to be used (e.g. Epipen).
• Control measures
• such as how the child can be prevented from contact with the allergen.

Parents/carers train staff in how to administer special medication in the event of an allergic reaction.

Generally, no nuts or nut products are used within the setting.

Parents/carers are made aware so that no nut or nut products are accidentally brought in, for example to a party.

At all times the administration of medication must be compliant with the Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and follow procedures based on advice given in Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings (DfES 2005)

Procedures for children who are sick or infectious

If children appear unwell during the session, have a temperature, sickness, diarrhoea or pains, particularly in the head or stomach the Site Manager/Team Leader calls the parents/carers and asks them to collect the child, or send a known carer to collect on their behalf.

If a child has a temperature, they are kept cool, by removing top clothing, sponging their heads with cool water, but kept away from draughts.

In extreme cases of emergency, the child should be taken to the nearest hospital and the parent/carer informed; all management team have their cars insured for business purposes.

Parents/carers are asked to take their child to the doctor before returning them to the setting; the setting can refuse admittance to children who have a temperature, sickness and diarrhoea or a contagious infection or disease.

Where children have been prescribed antibiotics, parents/carers are asked to keep them at home for 48 hours before returning to the setting.

After diarrhoea, parents/carers are asked to keep children home for 48 hours or until a formed stool is passed.

The settings have a list of excludable diseases and current exclusion times, but the parents/carers also receive one in their information packs. The full list can be obtained from www.patient.co.uk and includes common childhood illnesses such as measles; we can provide information sheets relating to specific diseases as needed.

Nits and head lice 

Nits and head lice are not an excludable condition, although in exceptional cases a parent/carer may be asked to keep the child away until the infestation has cleared.

On identifying cases of head lice, all parents/carers are informed and asked to treat their child and all the family if they are found to have head lice.

Further guidance 

Managing medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings (DfES 2005)

Riddor Policy

Policy statement

We follow the guidelines of Reporting Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR) for the reporting of accidents and incidents. Child protection matters or behavioural incidents between children are NOT regarded as incidents and there are separate procedures for this.

Procedures

Our accident sheets:

• Are kept safely and accessibly;
• Are accessible to all staff and volunteers, who know how to complete it; and
• Is reviewed at least half termly to identify any potential or actual hazards.
• Ofsted is notified of any injury requiring treatment from a hospital, or the death of a child or adult.
• When there is an injury requiring hospital treatment to a child, parent/carer, volunteer, staff member or visitor or where there is a death of a child or adult on the premises, we make a report to the Health and Safety Executive using the format for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences on their website.

Dealing with incidents

We meet our legal requirements for the safety of our employees by complying with RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injury, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). We report to the Health and Safety Executive:

• Any accident to a member of staff requiring treatment by a general practitioner or hospital; and
• Any dangerous occurrences. This may be an event that causes injury or fatalities or an event that does not cause an accident but could have done, such as a gas leak.
• Any dangerous occurrence is recorded in our incident book.

Our incident sheet

We have ready access to telephone numbers for emergency services, including local police. Where we are responsible for the premises we have contact numbers for gas and electricity emergency services, maintenance person. Where we lease premises we ensure we have access to the person responsible and that there is a procedure for dealing with emergencies.

We keep an incident sheet for recording incidents including those that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive as above.

These incidents include:

• Break in, burglary, theft of personal or the setting’s property;
• An intruder gaining unauthorised access to the premises;
• Fire, flood, gas leak or electrical failure;
• Attack on a member of staff or parent/carer on the premises;
• Any racist incident involving staff or family in the premises;
• Death of a child, and
• A terrorist attack, or threat of one.

On the incident sheet we record the date and time of the incident, nature of the event, who was affected, what was done about it or if it was reported to the police, and if so a crime number. Any follow up, or insurance claim made, should also be recorded.

In the unlikely event of a terrorist attack we follow the advice of the emergency services with regard to evacuation, medical aid and contacting children’s families. Our standard Fire Safety Policy will be followed and staff will take charge of their key children where possible. The incident is recorded when the threat is averted.

In the unlikely event of a child dying on the premises the emergency services are called, and the advice of these services are followed.

The incident book is not for recording issues of concern involving a child. This is recorded in the child’s own file.

Legal framework

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR 1995)

Adverse Weather Policy

Policy Statement 

We have put this policy in place to do our best to keep children and adults safe during adverse weather

Procedures 

Extreme Weather Conditions During the winter months, or periods of serious flooding, extreme weather may seriously delay or prevent you from attending United Adventure Camps.

What will happen should there be adverse weather conditions:

• The manager and head office will make the final decision concerning whether or not we close. If the decision is made to close the settings the Site Managers will phone every parent/carer to make sure they are aware it is not open.
• If the setting remains open we would ask parents/carers to contact their relevant setting and inform the team leader that their child will not be attending or call head office. In doing this we can adjust the staffing levels accordingly.
• If adverse weather starts whilst the settings are in session parents/carers will be contacted to collect their child(ren) earlier to ensure the safety of all concerned.
• It is the parents/carers responsibility to ensure that the emergency numbers for their child(ren) are kept up-to-date.

Emergency Evacuation Policy

United Education will make every effort to keep the centres open, but in exceptional circumstances, we may need to close at short notice. Possible reasons for emergency closure include:

• Serious weather conditions
• Heating system failure
• Burst water pipes
• Fire or bomb scare/explosion
• Death of a member of staff or child
• Assault on a staff member or child
• Serious accident or illness

In the event of an emergency, our primary concern will be to ensure that both children and staff are kept safe. If it is necessary to evacuate the Camp, the following steps will be taken:

• If appropriate the manager or session supervisor will contact the emergency services.
• All children will be escorted from the building to the assembly point using the nearest safe exit.
• No attempt will be made to collect personal belongings, or to re-enter the building after evacuation.
• A nominated member of staff will check the premises and will collect the register (including emergency contact details) providing that this does not put anyone at risk.
• Before leaving the building the nominated person will close all accessible doors and windows, if it is safe to do so.
• The register will be taken and all children and staff accounted for.
• If any person is missing from the register, the emergency services will be informed immediately.
• The manager will contact parents to collect their children. If the register is not available, the manager will use the emergency contacts list (which is kept off site).
• All children will be supervised until they are safely collected.
• If after every attempt, a child’s parent or carers cannot be contacted, the Camp will follow itsUncollected Child 

If the Camp has to close, even temporarily, or operate from alternative premises, as a result of the emergency, we will notify Ofsted.

Ofsted’s address is: Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD

Telephone: 0300 123 1231

Fire Safety Policy

United Education understands the importance of fire safety. To this end:

• Staff are aware of the location of all fire exits, the fire assembly point and where fire safety equipment is stored.
• Children are introduced to the fire safety procedures during their settling in period and through regular fire drills.
• Fire drills are conducted at least once a month or whenever new staff or children join the Camp.
• All children are shown the location of fire exits and the fire assembly point.
• Fire doors and fire exits are clearly marked, are not obstructed at any time and are easily opened from the inside.
• Fire doors are kept closed at all times but never locked.
• All fire drills are recorded in theFire Drill Log.
• The Camp has notices explaining the fire procedures which are positioned next to every fire exit.

Fire prevention

The site will take all steps possible to prevent fires occurring by:

• Ensuring that power points are not overloaded with adaptors.
• Ensuring that the Camp’s No Smoking policy is always observed.
• Checking for frayed or trailing wires.
• Checking that fuses are replaced safely.
• Unplugging all equipment before leaving the premises.
• Storing any potentially flammable materials safely.

In the event of a fire

A member of staff will raise the alarm and call the emergency services.

The children will immediately be escorted out of the building to the assembly point using the nearest marked exit.

No attempt will be made to collect personal belongings, or to re-enter the building after evacuation.

The premises will be checked by the Fire Safety Officer and the register will be collected, providing that it is safe to do so.

The Fire Safety Officer will close all doors and windows to prevent the spread of fire when they leave the building if it is safe to do so.

The register will be taken and all children and staff accounted for.

If anyone is missing from the register, the emergency services will be informed.

If the register is not available the manager will use the emergency contacts list (which is kept off the premises) to contact parents or carers.

If the Fire Safety Officer is not present at the time of the incident, the manager will assume responsibility or nominate a replacement member of staff.

Responsibilities of the Fire Safety Officer

The Camp’s Designated Fire Safety Officer is displayed on the parent’s notice board. The Fire Safety Officer is responsible for carrying out the fire safety risk assessment and for ensuring that all staff are made aware of fire safety procedures during their Induction period.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that a fire safety risk assessment is undertaken for the workplace based on The Department of Communities and Local Government’s 5 step guide: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/14899/fsra-5-step-checklist.pdf.

The risk assessment should cover:

• Identifying potential fire risks
• Identifying people at risk
• Evaluating the risks arising from the hazards identified and the means of minimising those risks
• Recording the hazards, preparing a fire prevention plan and sharing these with other members of staff
• Reviewing the fire safety risk assessment on a regular basis.

The Fire Safety Officer should liaise with the local Fire and Rescue Service for further advice and should ensure that Emergency Contact details are recorded at the front of the register and a copy stored off premises.

Health and Safety Policy

United Education uses its risk assessment systems to ensure that the Camp is a safe and secure place for children and staff. All staff are expected to undertake risk assessments as part of their routine tasks.

In line with current health and safety legislation and the EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements 2014, United Education will carry out regular risk assessments and take appropriate action to deal with any hazards or risks identified. It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure that risk assessments are conducted, monitored and acted upon.

Risk assessments will be carried out:

• whenever there is any change to equipment or resources
• when there is any change to the Camp’s premises
• when the particular needs of a child necessitates this
• when we take the children on an outing or visit.

Not all risk assessments need to be written down. Staff will decide, in consultation with the manager, which risk assessments need to be formally recorded. However risk assessments related to employment and the working environment will be always be recorded in writing so that staff can refer to them.

If changes are required to the Camp’s policies or procedures as a result of the risk assessment, the manager will update the relevant documents and inform all staff.

Daily checks

We will carry out a visual inspection of the equipment and the whole premises (indoors and out) daily, before any children arrive. During the course of the session, staff will remain alert to any potential risks to health and safety.

If a member of staff discovers a hazard during the course of a session, they will make the area safe (eg by cordoning it off) and then notify the manager. The manager will ensure that any actions needed to mitigate the immediate hazard have been taken and will implement measures to prevent the incident from recurring.

Recording dangerous events 

The manager will record all accidents and dangerous events on the Incident or Accident Record sheets as soon as possible after the incident. If the incident affected a child the record will be kept on the child’s file. The Camp will monitor Incident and Accident Records to see whether any pattern to the occurrences can be identified.

Related policies

See our related policies: Fire Safety and Risk Assessment, Health and Safety, and Manual Handling.

Health and safety general standards

United Adventure Camps considers health and safety to be of utmost importance. We comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 at all times.

The Camp has appropriate insurance cover, including employer’s liability insurance and public liability insurance.

Each member of staff follows the Camp’s Health and Safety policy and is responsible for:

• Maintaining a safe environment
• Taking reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others attending the Camp
• Reporting all accidents and incidents which have caused injury or damage or may do so in the future
• Undertaking relevant health and safety training when required to do so by the manager.

Any member of staff who disregards safety instructions or recognised safe practices will be subject to disciplinary procedures.

Responsibilities of the registered person

The registered person for the setting holds ultimate responsibility and liability for the safe operation of the Camp. The registered person will ensure that:

• The Camp’s designated health and safety officer is displayed on the parents notice board
• All staff receive information on health and safety matters, and receive training where necessary
• TheHealth and Safety policy and procedures are reviewed regularly
• Staff understand and follow health and safety procedures
• Resources are provided to meet the Camp’s health and safety responsibilities
• All accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences are properly reported and recorded. This includes informing Ofsted, child protection agencies and the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995) where appropriate.
• All reported accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences are reviewed, so that preventative measures can be taken.

Responsibilities of the manager

The Camp’s manager is responsible for ensuring that at each session:

• Premises are clean, well lit, adequately ventilated and maintained at an appropriate temperature
• The premises are used by and solely available to the Camp during opening hours
• All the Camp’s equipment is safely and securely stored
• Children are only allowed in the kitchen if properly supervised (eg for a cooking activity)
• A working telephone is available on the premises at all times
• Chemicals and cleaning materials are stored appropriately, and in accordance with COSHH data sheets.
• External pathways are cleared in severe weather
• Daily environment checks are carried out in accordance with ourRisk Assessment 

Security

Children are not allowed to leave the Camp premises during the session unless prior permission has been given by the parents (for example, to attend other extra-curricular activities).

Camps are required to follow their individual security procedures. Staff monitor the entrances and exits to the premises throughout the session.

All visitors to the Camp must sign the Visitor Log and give the reason for their visit. Visitors will never be left alone with the children.

Security procedures will be regularly reviewed by the manager, in consultation with staff and parents.

Toys and equipment

All furniture, toys and equipment are kept clean, well maintained and in good repair. We select toys, equipment and resources with care, and we carry out risk assessments before the children are allowed to use them. Broken toys and equipment are disposed of promptly.

We ensure that any flammable equipment is stored safely.

Food and personal hygiene 

Staff at United Adventure Camps maintain high standards of personal hygiene and take all practicable steps to prevent and control the spread of infection.

A generally clean environment is always maintained.

Toilets are cleaned daily, and soap and hand drying facilities are always available.

Staff are trained in food hygiene and follow appropriate guidelines.

Waste is disposed of safely and all bins are kept covered.

Staff ensure that children wash their hands before handling food or drink and after using the toilet.

Cuts and abrasions (whether on children or staff) are kept covered.

Dealing with body fluids

Spillages of blood, vomit, urine and faeces will be cleaned up immediately in accordance with our Intimate Care policy.

Staffing levels

Staff ratios and levels of supervision are always appropriate to the number, ages and abilities of the children present, and to the risks associated with the activities being undertaken. A minimum of two members of staff are on duty at any time.

Related policies

See also our related policies: Illness and Accidents, Emergency Evacuation, Healthy Eating, Safeguarding, Administering Medication, Risk Assessment, Manual Handling, Fire Safety, and Intimate Care, Visitor.

Minimum exclusion periods for infectious conditions and diseases 

* Denotes a notifiable disease.
If in any doubt contact local health services for further information

Manual Handling Policy

Manual handling is one of the major causes of absence through injury in the workplace. At United Adventure Camps we work with our staff, provide training, and undertake risk assessments in order to eliminate hazardous manual handling activities as far as possible.

This policy is written with reference to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which places a duty on employers “to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees”, and to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended).

Procedure

In order to limit the risk of injury from manual handling operations, United Adventure Camps will:

Eliminate hazardous manual handling activities, as far as is reasonably practicable

Assess the risks associated with any manual handling activities that cannot be avoided.

The purpose of the risk assessment is to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest possible levels, and should consider; the task, the load, the individual undertaking the task, the working environment.

The main manual handling hazard at United Adventure Camps is likely to be the setting-up and clearing-away of equipment. This is unavoidable, but staff should carry out the operation with reference to the guidance given in the manual handling training that we provide. It may be necessary to seek the assistance of an additional member of staff in order to minimise the risk of injury, for example when carrying tables and other heavy or bulky items.

Employee’s duties

It is the responsibility of all staff at United Adventure Camps to:

• Comply with any instructions and training provided in safe manual handling techniques
• Not put their own health and safety or that of others at risk by carrying out unsafe manual handling activities
• Report to the Manager any problems which may affect their ability to undertake manual handling activities, including physical and medical conditions (eg pregnancy, back problems).

In summary

Avoid Whenever possible, avoid manual handling situations.

Assess If avoidance is not possible, make a proper assessment of the hazard and risks.

Reduce Reduce the risk of injury by defining and implementing a safe system of work.

Review Review your systems regularly, to monitor the overall effectiveness of the policy