General safety & Risk management

[admin]

Keeping our croquet club generally safe involves being aware of potential hazards and managing everyday risks.

Identifying Common Risks:

Think about potential hazards around the club:

• Playing Area: Uneven surfaces on courts, trip hazards (hoops, balls, equipment left out), slippery areas after rain.
• Equipment: Mallets or hoop carts in poor condition, safety of maintenance equipment (mowers etc.).
• Environment: Sunburn and heat stress during play, manual handling injuries (lifting equipment), pests (insects, snakes).
• Clubhouse/Facilities: Slips/trips inside, kitchen safety (if applicable), electrical safety.

Managing Risks:

The basic idea is to Identify risks, Assess how likely they are and how serious the harm could be, and Control them by taking reasonable steps.

• Simple Controls: Regular court inspections/maintenance, keeping walkways clear, storing equipment properly, encouraging sun safety (hats, sunscreen, shade), providing first aid facilities, ensuring equipment is in good repair, safe manual handling techniques.
• Risk Assessment: For significant activities or hazards, you might do a simple written risk assessment (template often available from peak bodies or insurers).

Work Health & Safety (WHS):

• As mentioned in the Volunteers section, the club has WHS duties, especially if it employs staff. Even if purely volunteer-run, adopting good WHS practices protects everyone.
• This includes providing a safe environment, safe equipment, adequate facilities, and information/training on safety procedures.
  • Resource: QLD Gov Workplace Health and Safety (PDF)

First Aid & Incident Reporting:

• First Aid: Ensure adequate first aid supplies are available and easily accessible. Know who your trained first aiders are (if any).
• Reporting: Have a simple process for members and volunteers to report any accidents, injuries, or potential hazards they notice. Recording incidents helps identify recurring problems.

Concussion:

• While less common in croquet than contact sports, bumps or falls can happen. Being aware of concussion signs is important.
  • Resource: Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Concussion Resources
  • Resource: AIS Concussion Guidelines for Youth & Community Sport (PDF)
  • Resource: AIS Online Concussion Course

A proactive approach to general safety helps ensure everyone can enjoy their croquet safely!