Cornwall Geologist Health and Safety Policy

1.1 Cornwall Geologist Responsibilities: Cornwall Geologist is responsible for:

• Implementing this policy, ensuring that all activities are risk-assessed and carried out to the highest safety standards.

• Providing all necessary training and information to participants.

• Providing any personal protective equipment (PPE; Section 5.2) as required by the risk assessment.

• Undertaking appropriate first aid training and ensuring qualifications are kept up to date.

1.2 Participant Responsibilities: Participants must:

• Comply with safety instructions given by Cornwall Geologist and follow all safety protocols to minimise risks.

• Exercise common sense and ask the activity leader for instruction if unsure of what to do at any time.

• Ensure they wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring all necessary personal equipment for the activity, including subsistence and medication.

• Provide personal information for themselves and anyone else in their booking for safety purposes, including a contact phone number, email address, next of kin details, and any relevant medical conditions or physical limitations prior to an activity taking place (Section 4).

• Take responsibility for assessing whether they and anyone else in their booking are in suitable physical condition to participate in the activity.

• Sign a digital or physical acknowledgment to confirm they have read and agree to the terms of this policy.

2.1 Generic Risk Assessment: The Cornwall Geologist Outdoor Hazard and Risk Assessment provides a detailed analysis of hazards and risks for environments where the majority of field-based activities take place. A summarised version of this is provided to all participants ahead of an activity.

2.2 Activity-Specific Risk Assessment: Before each activity a hazard and risk assessment will be conducted specific to the area being visited. It will identify specific hazards (e.g., uneven terrain, adverse weather, wildlife encounters) and appropriate measures to minimise or eliminate risks. This risk assessment will be given to all participants to read before the activity. Participants must confirm they have read and understand the risk assessment before booking an activity.

2.3. Risk Assessment During an Activity: Hazards will be monitored throughout an activity and adaptations will be made, or the activity may be cancelled if conditions become unsafe.

3.1 Pre-Activity Information: All participants and anyone in their booking will receive important information in advance of an activity, including:

• An activity-specific hazard and risk assessment

• An emergency action plan

• Contact details for the activity leader and local emergency services

• The Cornwall Geologist Code of Conduct and instructions for safe practices

• Meeting places, directions, maps, and proposed routes

• Clothing, equipment, and PPE requirements

• Accessibility

• Toilet facilities

All participants and anyone in their booking must confirm they have read and understand the activity information document before being able to book an activity by signing a digital or physical acknowledgment.

3.2 Emergency Contact Information: Cornwall Geologist will provide all emergency contact details for an activity (e.g., activity leader contact details, local emergency services, nearest medical centre).

3.3 Safety briefing: All participants must listen to a mandatory safety briefing by the activity leader at the start of the activity.

3.4 Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency, such as an injury or medical condition, the activity leader will follow the established emergency protocol, which includes assessing the situation, administering first aid, contacting emergency services if necessary, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

3.5 Activity Cancellations: Activities will be cancelled or ended early if changeable risks, such as weather or sea conditions, make the activity unsafe. Participants will be notified of any changes to scheduled activities, which could occur anytime up to the start of, or in some instances, during an activity. In the event of cancellation due to safety reasons, participants will be offered an alternative date or a refund, as per Cornwall Geologist’s refund policy.

4.1 Participant Contact Information: All participants and anyone in their booking must provide contact information, including a phone number and email address. They must also provide next of kin contact details (if the participant booking is part of a group, next of kin information is not necessary).

4.2 Participant Medical Information: Participants and anyone in their booking must provide information on any relevant medical conditions or physical limitations. This must be done prior to booking an activity.

4.3 Privacy: Personal information will be treated with the strictest confidence in accordance with the Cornwall Geologist Privacy Policy.

5.1 Fitness and Health Requirements: Some activities may involve physical demands that could impact a participant’s health and fitness. Detailed information for all activities will be provided on the website (e.g., length of walk, type of terrain) so participants can assess whether it is suitable for them before booking. All activities will be mapped against a difficulty level to help with this assessment. Please contact Cornwall Geologist to enquire about this and ask for any additional information about activities (Section 14).

It is the responsibility of the participant (or person acting on a participant’s behalf, e.g., carer, parent, guardian) for assessing if they and anyone in their booking are in a suitable physical condition to take part in the activity. Cornwall Geologist reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who may be at risk to themselves or others on an activity.

5.2 Medical Conditions and Allergies: Participants and anyone in their booking must provide information on any relevant medical conditions or physical limitations. This must be done prior to booking an activity. Cornwall Geologist reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who may be at risk to themselves or others on an activity. Participants must bring all their own medication – Cornwall Geologist will not provide any medication during an activity, including over-the-counter medication.

5.3 Hydration and Nutrition: Participants must bring enough water and snacks, particularly for longer activities. Cornwall Geologist will not provide any subsistence during activities unless this is pre-determined.

6.1 First Aider: A qualified first aider will be present on all activities. A first aid kit will be carried by the activity leader at all times. In the event of an injury, the activity leader will assess the situation, administer first aid, and call emergency services if needed. Evacuation routes and procedures will be predetermined.

6.2. Training: Activity leaders will undergo regular training to ensure they are equipped to respond to emergencies, manage risks, and maintain a safe environment for participants. They will ensure that qualifications remain up to date.

7.1 Clothing and Equipment: Participants are advised on appropriate clothing and equipment in advance of an activity, including footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun protection. It is the responsibility of the participant to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring all necessary personal equipment for the activity, including subsistence and medication. Participants who do not have the required clothing/equipment may be refused participation for safety reasons.

7.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE requirements are dictated by the hazard and risk assessment for an activity. If required, this is likely to include hi-visibility clothing for walking near roads or head protection if working under unstable cliffs. Cornwall Geologist is responsible for providing any PPE as required by the risk assessment. If no PPE is available, the activity will be modified to ensure it is safe.

7.3 First Aid Kits: Activity leaders will carry mountain leader first aid kits, and participants are encouraged to bring their own personal first aid kit and any necessary medications.

8.1 Group Management: The maximum group size for each activity will be determined based on its complexity and safety requirements to ensure that activity leaders can manage the group effectively. Educational groups or groups with children or vulnerable adults must be accompanied by their parents, guardians, carers, or employees of the educational establishment present at all times (Section 9).

8.2 Communication Methods: All activities will be carried out ensuring communication with emergency services can be made at all times. The activity leader will carry a mobile phone. Emergency access routes are predetermined for all activities.

When providing activities for children or vulnerable adults, additional safeguards will be put in place to ensure their safety. This includes:

• Children and vulnerable adults must be accompanied by their parents, guardians, or carers at all times.

• For educational groups, employees of the educational establishment must be present at all times

• Obtaining written consent from parents, guardians, or carers for child or vulnerable participants.

• Adapting walk routes and activities to be age-appropriate and within the participants' physical capabilities.

Dr Samuel Peter Hughes (owner, Cornwall Geologist) has an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service, visible on the Update Service.

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Further details on how Cornwall Geologist is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults can be found in the Cornwall Geologist Safeguarding Policy.

10.1 Liability: Cornwall Geologist accepts no liability for any injury, loss, or damage to participants or their property while on an activity, except where such injury or damage is directly caused by Cornwall Geologist’s negligence or failure to comply with UK health and safety legislation.

10.2 Insurance Coverage: Cornwall Geologist carries appropriate public liability insurance.

10.3 Participant Insurance: It is recommended that participants arrange their own personal insurance for activities, covering health, accident, and loss or damage to personal belongings.

Cornwall Geologist will uphold the highest standards of safe and ethical conduct in all of its activities, committed to treating all participants with respect, regardless of background, identity, or ability. By taking proactive measures to ensure safety and practicing respect, honesty, and integrity in all dealings, Cornwall Geologist strives to provide a safe, inclusive and friendly environment for all.

Participants are also expected to follow these safety and ethical standards, by adhering to the Cornwall Geologist Code of Conduct. Any form of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct will not be tolerated and will be dealt with promptly.

Cornwall Geologist reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who may be at risk to themselves or others on an activity or fails to comply with any of the rules outlined in this policy. Any reports of misconduct will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken, which may include removal from activities or further legal action.

12.1 Reporting: Any accidents, incidents, or near-misses will be recorded and reviewed to determine their cause and prevent recurrence.

12.2 Reviews: Cornwall Geologist will conduct health and safety reviews bi-annually or after any significant incidents or changes to regulations to assess the effectiveness of this policy and make necessary improvements.

12.3 Feedback: Cornwall Geologist encourages feedback from participants on health and safety practices, which can help to continually improve this policy. Any constructive feedback should be directed to Cornwall Geologist using the contact details below.

Cornwall Geologist is dedicated to ensuring that all activities are conducted in a safe and enjoyable manner. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this policy, Cornwall Geologist aims to provide a high-quality, minimal risk experience for all participants.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Health and Safety Policy, or if you wish to exercise your rights as outlined above, please contact Cornwall Geologist at:

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Cornwall Geologist

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Email: sam@cornwallgeologist.co.uk

Website: www.cornwallgeologist.co.uk