HEALTH & SAFETY // FIRST AID

Brentwood Beagles AC is strongly committed to encouraging our members to take part, but the health, well-being and safety of each individual is always our paramount concern.  We recommend levels of training dependent on age and ability, and expect our junior athletes to participate within these boundaries.

Those involved in coaching athletics activities and events need to ensure that they manage the potential risks that they face.  They also have a responsibility to help others to develop a knowledge and awareness of basic safety requirements. Within common law it requires that all coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators have a “duty of care” for those over whom they have a responsibility. By upholding this Health and Safety Policy it is deemed that they satisfy their duty of care requirement and as volunteers cannot be held responsible in the unlikely event that an accident / illness occurs.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY:

To support our Health and Safety policy statement we are committed to the following duties:

• Undertake regular, recorded risk assessment of the club training environments and all activities undertaken by the athletics club
• Create a safe environment by putting health and safety measures in place as identified by the assessment.
• Ensure that all members are given the appropriate level of training and competition by regularly assessing individual ability dependant on age, maturity and development.
• Ensure that all members are aware of, understand and follow the academy’s health and safety policy.
• Appoint a competent committee member to assist with health and safety responsibilities.
• Ensure that normal operating procedures and emergency operating procedures are in place and known by all members.
• Provide access to adequate first aid facilities, telephone and qualified first aider at all times.
• Report any injuries or accidents sustained during any athletics club activity.
• Ensure that the implementation of the policy is reviewed regularly and monitored for effectiveness.

TRAINING UNDER THE CLUB’S AUSPICES:

• It is the responsibility of all runners to dress with appropriate light, reflective and /or high visibility kit. This is very important when running in the dark or poor visibility conditions. 
• It is the responsibility of the individual to bring to the attention of all before a session any illness, injury, or other factor that may affect their health and safety, or that of others, during a session. 
• It is the responsibility of all runners to make sure that no runner is left running or training alone. This is especially important when running off road, in the dark or poor visibility conditions. 
• It is the individual responsibility of all runners/athletes to make sure that they cross roads at safe places. 
• It will be the responsibility of the Committee member present at any track session at the track to decide whether the track is in a fit state for use as far as they are able to do so as is reasonable in the circumstances.
• Please review our Track Etiquette guidance.

More details of Health & Safety in Athletics can been reviewed here.

AS AN ATHLETICS CLUB MEMBER OR VISITOR, YOU HAVE A DUTY TO:

• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or do not do.
• Co-operate with BBAC on health and safety issues.
• Correctly use all equipment provided by BBAC.  If in doubt seek guidance from a Coach.
• Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.
• Not enter the Track or Infield without instruction or approval to do so by a Coach, and if asked to, take care to enter have checked it is safe to do so.
• Take reasonable care when moving around our facilities or on surfaces that may be wet, muddy or otherwise hazardous.

ATHLETICS CLUB WELFARE OFFICERS: Elaine Forrest & Justin Waithe

FIRST AID kits are located in the Kit Storage Area (adjacent the changing facilities)

The Club First Aid Lead is Paul Forrest. Additional first aid support, if required, is available from the Brentwood School Sports Centre where First Aid trained staff are able to assist. A defibrillator can be found on the path side of the Pavilion you pass on entrance to the track.