Health and Safety
Introduction
The Wild Pause, operated by Sally Brown, is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all participants, volunteers, and staff during wellbeing and mindfulness sessions. This policy outlines the procedures in place to create a safe environment and minimize the risks associated with outdoor activities.
1. Responsibility for Health and Safety
Sally Brown (Business Owner): As the business owner, Sally Brown has the primary responsibility for the health and safety of participants. She will ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, oversee risk assessments, and provide appropriate training for volunteers.
Volunteers: Volunteers will be briefed on health and safety procedures before each session and will be supervised by Sally Brown during the session.
2. Risk Assessment
A formal risk assessment will be carried out before each session to identify potential hazards in the natural setting. This includes evaluating the terrain, weather conditions, and specific activities planned.
Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.
The venue hosting the session will also conduct a risk assessment for the location and provide relevant safety information.
3. Health Questionnaires and Waivers
All participants are required to complete a health questionnaire before attending any session. The questionnaire will gather relevant information about medical conditions, mobility issues, and other health considerations that may affect the participant’s ability to safely engage in the session.
A liability waiver must be signed by each participant before taking part in any activity, acknowledging the inherent risks involved in outdoor sessions.
4. Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency, such as an injury or medical issue, the session leader (Sally Brown) will be the primary point of contact for emergency response.
Participants must provide emergency contact details at the time of booking to ensure they can be reached if needed during the session.
First aid kits will be available at all sessions. Sally Brown or a designated volunteer will have basic first aid training.
In the case of serious injury, emergency services will be called immediately, and participants will be informed of the appropriate actions to take.
5. Weather Considerations
As outdoor sessions are weather-dependent, Great Nature Guide will monitor weather forecasts before each session.
Sessions may be cancelled or rescheduled if the weather conditions are unsafe (e.g., extreme temperatures, storms, or hazardous conditions). Participants will be notified as early as possible in such cases.
6. Safety During Activities
Participants will be instructed on the safe use of any equipment, tools, or resources during the session (e.g., adapted wheelchairs, walking aids).
Participants will be advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities.
Activities will be designed to minimize risk and take into account the varying abilities of participants.
7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Where necessary, participants may be required to wear protective equipment (e.g., sunblock, appropriate clothing for outdoor activities).
Volunteers and staff will ensure that PPE is available and used where appropriate.
8. Participant Responsibility
All participants are responsible for their own health and safety during the session. They are encouraged to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unwell at any point during the activity.
Participants must adhere to the guidance and instructions provided by Sally Brown and any volunteers to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
9. Monitoring and Review
Health and safety practices will be reviewed regularly, and feedback from participants will be used to improve safety measures.
Risk assessments and safety protocols will be updated as necessary to reflect any changes in legislation, environment, or activities.
10. Contact Information
For any questions regarding health and safety, please contact us:
Email: TheWildPause@gmail.com
Phone: +44 (0)7 39 54 83 26 5 (UK) / +33 (0)7 67 97 97 35 (France)