| Lack of confidence and/or skill |
Leaders are stressed and overwhelmed
Walkers are exposed to unnecessary risks
|
- All new walk leaders complete introductory training and develop skills
- Leaders have additional skills where required (navigation, winter skills, avalanche awareness)
- Peer support available from experienced leaders
- Leaders operate within their capabilities
|
|
| Too many people walking in the group |
Leaders stressed and overwhelmed
Walkers exposed to unnecessary risks
|
- Refer to recommended ratios
- Identify helpers (assistant, co-leader, backmarker)
- Advertise limits in advance
- Limit group size where required
|
|
| Walkers act recklessly |
Walkers put themselves and others at risk
Leaders stressed
|
- Share expectations in advance
- Provide walk briefing
- Communicate throughout walk
|
|
| Weather |
Exposure to extreme cold, heat or wet |
- Check forecast before and on the day
- Check avalanche forecast if relevant
- Advise appropriate clothing
- Make contingency plans
- Adjust pace/route as conditions change
|
|
| Getting lost |
Walkers get lost
Exposure to extreme conditions
Low food/drink
|
- Headcounts
- Route planned in advance
- Navigation skills available
- 999 SMS registration encouraged
- Carry whistle, torch, shelter
|
|
| Challenging terrain (steep, rocky, muddy) |
Trips or falls causing injury |
- Dynamic risk assessment
- Advise suitable footwear
- Use zigzags and poles
- Offer reassurance and breaks
|
|
| Unsafe or unstable features |
Trips or falls
Risk of drowning
|
- Observe warnings
- Avoid hazardous features
- Re-route if necessary
- Check tides where relevant
|
|
| Livestock |
Risk of injury
Risk to property/public
|
- Calm group management
- Dogs on short lead
- Follow Countryside Code
|
|
| Road walking |
Risk of traffic accident |
- Single file where necessary
- Avoid busy roads
- Use safe crossing points
|
|
| Driving to/from walk |
Road traffic accident |
- Remind walkers this is often the riskiest element
- Encourage rest and hydration
|
|
| Losing walkers |
Walkers left behind |
- Headcounts
- Backmarker appointed
- Clear communication
|
|
| Accident or medical emergency |
Medical treatment required |
- First aid kit carried
- Trained first aider present
- Emergency procedures known
- Shelter available
|
|
| Scrambling (technical only) |
Risk of falling |
- Inform participants in advance
- Provide bypass options
|
|
| Loss of mobile signal / device failure |
Everyone |
- Power banks carried
- Maps and compass available
- OS Locate / grid references used
|
|
| Controls |
Everyone |
- GPX routes published to aid rescue
|
|
| Exhaustion or overexertion |
Everyone |
- Appropriate pace
- Regular breaks
- Hydration encouraged
|
|
| River or stream crossings |
Everyone |
- Avoid unless safe
- Assess conditions
- Turn back if necessary
|
|
| Ticks / biting insects |
Everyone |
- Tick checks
- Use repellent
|
|
| Allergic reaction to plants/animals |
Individuals |
- Advise protective clothing
|
|
| Group member fatigue or injury |
Everyone |
- Assist less confident walkers
- Adjust pace or route
- Encourage snacks
|
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