RoSPA Play Safety : Inspections
Playing Field Risk Assessments
Playing Fields are another area associated with accidents. By the very nature of sport accidents will happen. This does not mean that there is a liability on the site operator unless they are negligent. The owners/operators of playing fields have a duty of care to the users. These may be members of organised sports clubs or casual users such as children using the area for a "kick about".
There is an increasing reliance on litigation by those who have suffered injury or damage as a result of formal or casual sports or recreational activities. Despite this, little has been done to assist those responsible for the general management of playing fields in determining the risks which may exist. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require a Risk Assessment of facilities for risks to the user. With RoSPA’s vast experience of accidents they are able to provide a full (and realistic) risk assessment of the facility. The fact that the assessment is by RoSPA, rather than the operator, will provide extra protection in the event of litigation. RoSPA recommends that this type of assessment be undertaken every four or five years (unless major changes have taken place within this period) and that a rolling programme of assessment be undertaken over this period to spread the costs.
The Risk Assessment will be based on a comprehensive visual inspection of all outdoor facilities and will include:
- Access, Pedestrian and Vehicular
- Site Boundaries, Fences and Hedges
- Sports Facilities, Natural Grass and Hard/Synthetic
- Grounds keeping, Maintenance and Security of equipment etc
- Ancillaries Footpaths, seating and litter
A detailed report will be provided with recommendations for any action which may be necessary.
The costs associated with this type of inspection will be more than recovered by a reduction in litigation costs.
Scale of Fees
- £300 plus £15 per acre (£33 per hectare)
- Above 40 acres (18 hectares) acre rate is £7.50 (£16.50 per hectare)
If a children’s play area is to be included then add (per play area):
- Up to five items £50.00
- Each item in excess of five £ 3.00
All Prices are subject to VAT
In addition RoSPA has some of the leading pitch and playing surface quality consultants on its team (including a Master Groundsman) and can provide specialist advice on how best to improve quality of playing surfaces where a higher standard of sport is being played.
For further details email liz.cheshire@rospaplaysafety.co.uk
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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