Introduction
This risk assessment is designed to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks associated with planting a hedge of hazel trees. It is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of all volunteers involved.
The link to this page is being sent to all volunteers before planting and will be highlighted to them at the event.
The use of a QR code will be used to get this risk assessment to as many volunteers as possible. Others will be given verbal advice.
Risk Assessment Table
| Activity/Plant/Materials | Significant Hazards | People at Risk | Existing Controls | Assessment of Risk | Severity | Likelihood | Risk Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of Hand Tools and Equipment | Cuts, Impact injuries, Injuries due to inadequate tools, Injuries due to improper use | Volunteers | Volunteer coordinator checks tools, basic instruction on safe use, Safe System of Work, tools used for intended purpose, wheelbarrows on level ground, gloves used | Volunteers to use gloves when handling tools where practicable. | 3 | 2 | 6 | |
| Manual Handling | Musculo-skeletal injuries, Hand injuries, Feet injuries | Volunteers | Use of wheelbarrows, lifting by two people, planned lifting route, safe lifting technique, gloves used | Volunteers use gloves when handling wood or branches/plants with thorns | 3 | 2 | 6 | |
| Slips, Trips and Falls | Impact injuries, Musculo-skeletal injuries, fractures | Volunteers | Avoid working on muddy banks, assess work area, wear suitable footwear, assess slopes | Volunteers to avoid working on muddy banks, work area to be assessed on the day, All volunteers to wear suitable footwear, Slopes to be assessed by the volunteer coordinator – work only to take place on slopes where people can stand safely | 3 | 2 | 6 | |
| Lone Working | Inability to get help, Attack, Fit, sickness, blackout | Volunteers | Work in a group, stay together, inform coordinator of leaving group, ensure everyone is present at the end | Coordinator to instruct the volunteers to stay together, and not to leave the group without telling someone. Coordinator must ensure that all volunteers are present at the end of the activity | 4 | 1 | 4 | |
| Contact with Sharps | Infections, Punctures | Volunteers | Avoid handling sharps, inform Streetscene, mark and guard location | Volunteers are not to handle any sharps; coordinator to contact Streetscene to inform them about the location of the sharps. The location of the sharps is to be marked and guarded until the material can be picked up by Streetscene operatives | 3 | 1 | 3 | |
| Lack of Emergency Procedures | Unawareness of correct action | Volunteers | Good mobile signal, first aid kit | Mobile signal is good – checked by the coordinator at the start of each session. First aid kit is available for each session | 4 | 1 | 4 | |
| Handling Woodchip | Inhalation of fungal spores and bacteria | Volunteers | Avoid handling if allergic, seek professional advice | Volunteers advised not to handle woodchip if they suffer allergies or other conditions that maybe affected by inhalation of spores and bacteria. If in doubt volunteers should seek professional advice BEFORE handling woodchip. | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Eating Non-Edible Species or Plants | Illness | Volunteers | Warning not to eat unidentified plants, planting plan excludes toxic plants | Warning not to eat any plants unless they can be definitely identified as being safe given before each session. All plants for planting or sowing to be as per the planting plan which should not contain toxic or dangerous plants. Suspected consumption will result in contacting medial services via 999 or contact with MIU at Sid Valley Surgery at the Beacon. | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Overall Risk Rating: Medium
Additional Considerations:
- Weather Conditions: Monitor weather forecasts and avoid planting on days with adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or strong winds.
- Wildlife Considerations: Be aware of potential wildlife in the area, such as birds nesting in hedges. Avoid disturbing their habitats.
- Plant Health: Ensure that the purchased hazel saplings are disease-free and of good quality.
- Post-Planting Care: Regular watering and maintenance are essential for the health of the new hedge.
By following this risk assessment and taking appropriate precautions, you can minimize risks and ensure a safe and successful hedge planting project.
Related Posts:
