Health and safety Policy 1 . Stafford   Rambling   Group   is   a   voluntary   organisation   and   all   members   choose   whether   or not   to   participate   in   each   activity.   Walking   is   a   relatively   low   risk   activity   (and   our   more general   activities   are   even   more   so)   and   every   care   is   taken   in   the   planning   of   walks   and events.   Nevertheless,   all   members   are   primarily   responsible   for   their   own   health   and   safety. This includes: a.   Ensuring   that   the   activity   (especially   a   walk)   is   within   their   physical   capabilities.   We publicise   information   on   each   walk   together   with   the   walk   leaders’   phone   numbers.   If in doubt members should contact the leader for more information on a particular walk. b.   Having   suitable   clothing   and   protective   equipment   as   well   as   carrying   sufficient   food and drinks for a walk. SRG gives guidance in its information for new members. c.   Being   vigilant   during   walks   and   paying   attention   to   any   advice   and   instructions   from the leader. 2 . SRG   does   however   take   a   number   of   steps   to   promote   safety   during   activities,   particularly walking, for example: a. To avoid disturbing live stock dogs are not allowed. b.   Provides   a   welcome   pack   for   new   members   about   what   to   expect   on   walks.   This includes a copy of this policy. c.   Encourages   a   culture   of   mutual   protection,   especially   over   alerting   fellow   walkers   to difficulties   on   a   walk   (e.g.   oncoming   traffic,   problems   with   stiles,   hidden   risks   of   trips and falls). d.   Recognises   the   key   role   of   walk   leaders   and   provides   them   with   written   guidance   and support. e. Walk leaders take a list of participants for each walk. The lists which are kept by the secretary for 4 years also facilitate reporting accidents or dangerous occurrences that occur during the walk, which must be reported to the leader at the time. f.  One member of the committee is appointed to co-ordinate health and safety matters. g.   Each   committee    meeting   has   an   agenda   item   on   health   and   safety   when   all   activities are   reviewed   and   avoidance   action   decided,   on   incidents   that   have   occurred,   which might include revising this document. h. Revised issues of this document will be emailed to members. i.   Any   member   can   raise   concerns   about   health   and   safety   issues   with   the   Chair,   the Health   and   Safety   Co-ordinator   or   with   any   committee   member   (See   the   Website   for   a list) *. There is also the opportunity to raise matters at the AGM. 3 . Participation   is   entirely   at   the   individual’s   risk   and   no   responsibility   for   loss   or   damage (however caused) is accepted by the Group, its organisers or leaders. 4 . This policy document will be reviewed annually. *(http://staffordrg.magix.net/public/index.htm)