Health and Safety Policy

West Pennine Villages u3a Health and Safety Policy

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 only applies to paid workers, although volunteers must still be protected from risks. West Pennine Villages (WPV) u3a should ensure that reasonable care has been taken to avoid harming others and that participants are aware of any risks. WPV 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 events.

Insurance

WPV 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 www.u3a.org.uk/advice. If any activities are being considered that WPV u3a is unsure if they are covered, they will contact the u3a Office for further advice. The Third Age Trust provides third party liability insurance, extreme sports and high hazard activities may not be covered. Please check before running an activity.

Risk Assessments

WPV u3a will ensure the Committee, Group Convenors 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. WPV u3a is aware that some venues used for meetings/events may already have their own risk assessment, these should be reviewed and where mitigations identified, ensure they are actioned. e.g. a venue may state that no more than 5 chairs should be stacked together and or nothing 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 Groups Coordinator and Chair of WPV u3a should be informed as soon as appropriate. Where a u3a member is involved in an accident or incident whilst taking part in a u3a event WPV u3a will ensure those who witnessed the

event and were involved complete an incident report (template available to download from https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1jtmyPfcKcVNSOyGfmfVQ0TP0HBLBAqIT). This must be completed and shared with those who need to have access to it, including the Committee Chair and kept on file in the WPV u3a Shared Drive. It will also need to be shared with the insurers in the event of an insurance claim.

Lone volunteering

There may be occasions when u3a members are carrying out activities for WPV 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 for example using a ladder.

Manual handling

u3a members should think about manual handling in advance to avoid injury to themselves and others. Members should not carry out manual handling tasks if they are not able to manage them and should ask for help from other u3a members.

Venues

Where WPV u3a uses external venues who have their own policies and procedures and risk assessments WPV u3a will ensure these are followed. This will include making sure all u3a members in attendance are aware of what to do in the event of a fire alarm or evacuation. If WPV u3a is hosting an open day this will also include ensuring those who are not u3a members are also informed.

WPV u3a will ensure this policy is kept up to date and reviewed annually.

Date approved	26/11/2025	Date of review	26/11/2025
Reviewer	Paul Brooking	Date of next review	01/11/2026