Hazard

Precautions to be taken to remove hazard or reduce risk level (one precaution may tackle several hazards)

Inclement weather

·         Wear appropriate clothing for the time of year, and be prepared for weather changes.

·         Carry waterproof &/or warm clothing.  Hazards can increase significantly in heavy rain, strong wind & thunderstorms

·      Avoid woodlands in high damaging winds

Uneven ground

·         Identify potential hazards

·         Wear sturdy boots or shoes

·         Use footpaths where possible

·         No distracting work should be carried out while walking

Traffic hazards

·         High visibility clothing should be worn whenever working in the vicinity of roads and someone else should keep watch for traffic

Tetanus & leptospirosis

·         While not common, these diseases can have severe effects, and in rare cases result in death.  Clean any cuts etc immediately with clean water & cover adequately

·         Ensure that your anti-tetanus treatments are up-to-date (normally within last 10 years)

·         Avoid contact with water contaminated with cattle/rat urine.  Wash hands thoroughly & always before eating or smoking.  If you contract flu-like symptoms, tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to Weil’s disease

Lyme’s disease

·         When working in grassland areas where deer are present, wear long trousers & long socks.  Check exposed skin for ticks.  If a tick is found & you contract flu-like symptoms, tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to Lyme’s disease

Lone Working & Personal attack

·         Working alone should be avoided. Try to work in a pair. If this is not possible, always notify someone (partner, friend, neighbour) where you are going and when you expect to be back. Agree on a course of action if you have not returned home by the time you stated

·         Lone workers should be aware of the location of the nearest house or phone so that help can be called if required.  In general, anyone working alone, or those working on sites remote from the emergency services, should carry a mobile phone.  This should be tested at the start of the visit to detect reception blind spots

Getting lost

·         Use a map and compass if necessary

·         Use a mobile phone in an emergency

       Ensure you are familiar with the area

Risk of drowning

·         Do not cross rivers unless by bridge

Danger of injury through accident

·         Identify potential hazards

·         Wear appropriate footwear for the location/terrain & weather conditions

·         Avoid well known danger spots.  Do not cross railway lines or other potentially hazardous sites e.g. quarries, ravines

Fencing

·         Be aware and avoid touching or climbing over electric fences

·         Be aware and avoid touching or climbing over barbed-wire fences, please make sure your tetanus vaccine is up to date

Trees

·         Be aware of low or fallen branches and take care to avoid them

·         Be aware of other wildlife  – especially bees, wasps & hornets