Risk Assesmment

General Risk Assessment Guidelines

Personal Responsibility

Blackburn Couch to 5K is providing general health and safety advice and guidance to anybody who chooses to join the group so that they may make risk based decisions whenever they choose to take part.

  • As runners you have a responsibility to do your best to prevent harm to yourselves, your running partners or members of the public.
    • It should be acknowledged that as runners you owe a duty of care to not wilfully injure yourselves or others by your negligent acts or omissions.
  • Running, however safely organised, carries a certain amount of risk and those taking part in any running need to be aware of those risks in order to minimise and accept them.
  • Much can be done in preparation before running to ensure that the risks are foreseeable and are appropriately managed.
    • For example, when running at night on or near roadways, you should always wear reflective clothing, a reflective safety bib or hi-viz vest.
      • Please note that all runners are advised to wear reflective clothing, safety bib/hi-viz vests throughout the winter nights and we recommend you also wear reflective clothing throughout the rest of the year to create awareness.
  • When running on roads Blackburn Couch to 5K recommends you do not wear headphones as their use may create a danger to the wearer and those around them.
    • People wearing them are less likely to hear vehicles or other road or footpath users and there is a history of associated accidents.
  • Blackburn Couch to 5K uses a number of on and off-road running circuits, with variations on these to extend or reduce the distance of the runs. Blackburn Couch to 5K will informally assess these routes on a constant basis and will make changes to the routes where it is felt that safety may be improved.
    • Blackburn Couch to 5K also relies on you, the runners, to report any problems encountered whilst running these routes. For example, damaged pavements, potholes, poor visibility etc.
  • Blackburn Couch to 5K will always conduct a short pre-run briefing before each session starts, including details of the route to be taken and total distance of the session.
    • The duration of the briefing session should be proportionate to the ability level of the group.
  • Runners must inform a Blackburn Couch to 5K volunteer or other person within the group, if they are taking an alternative route or leaving the group.
    • Ideally this should be agreed in advance of the start of the run.
  • Runners should be split into ability groups. Blackburn Couch to 5K volunteers or nominated persons should keep watch for back markers and check all are coping with the session.
    • All runners are expected to look out for each other at all times.
  • Runners are expected to note the condition of surfaces and to warn other runners of any trip hazards or obstructions as the session progresses.
    • For example, kerbs, unevenness and dips in pavement, potholes, raised service covers etc.
  • Runners should warn other runners regarding traffic
  • Runners are advised to ignore any verbal abuse from pedestrians and any confrontation should be avoided.

Roads

  • Always select a safe route to cross roads and avoid crossing in blind spots, near parked cars etc.
  • Aim to cross roads in single file rather than all pouring across together as this is not only dangerous but it will annoy other road users and give the group a bad name.
  • Don’t assume that car drivers can see you just because you can see them.
    • During the winter months, i.e. when light is poor you should wear reflective clothing and hi-viz safety bibs.
  • On country roads with no foot-way you will generally always run towards on-coming traffic so you can take evasive measures if necessary.
  • On a session when runners are strung out some distance then it is helpful if a warning of ‘car coming’ could be shouted to those behind who may not have heard the approaching vehicle.

Environmental Conditions

  • Hydrate properly before, during and after running.
    • Make use of water and bring your own water bottle.
  • Avoid running into the sun when on the road, as drivers may be dazzled and may not be able to see you.
  • Post exercise, remove damp clothing as soon as possible and replace with dry.
  • When light is poor wear reflective clothing.

Personal Limitations

  • Know your limits of fitness.
  • Following illness or injury take a conservative approach to resuming training and if in doubt seek medical advice.
  • Seek medical advice from your doctor if you have a pre-existing medical condition that you think may place you at increased risk when running.
    • Ensure you notify a Blackburn Couch to 5K volunteer of any condition(s) you have which may affect your running and those around you.

Generic Risks

The following table of generic risks have been identified as representative of the standard Blackburn Couch to 5K sessions. The list is not considered exhaustive and is available for continuous improvement and expansion.

Risk Identified Control measures Output risk level
Group ability

  • Age
  • Experience
  • Health
  • Numbers in group
  • Assessed pre-run
  • Group split to accommodate
Med
Weather Conditions

  • Sun
  • Rain
  • Snow
  • Ice
  • Individuals to take responsibility for their ability and run gear
  • Remind members regarding   protection advice in pre run brief
Low-High
Traffic conflict
  • Hi Viz clothing to be worn, day glo and reflective
  • Avoid dark dull colours
  • Pre run briefing session to raise awareness
Med
Traffic conflict road crossing
  • Take personal responsibility for yourself when crossing roads
  • Do not assume the runner ahead of you stepping out has ensured the road is clear
  • Use safe crossing areas such as pelican, toucan, zebra or island crossings
Med
Trips and falls
  • Pre run briefing session to raise awareness of type of ground to be encountered e.g. off road, hills, pathway curbing
  • Wear appropriate footwear for the run venue
  • Head lights to be worn during off road darkness runs
Med-High
Run route compliance
  • Pre run briefing session to identify route
  • Take personal responsibility for yourself to assimilate route info and select a route/group appropriate to your ability/conditions
High
Group management
  • Pre run briefing session to establish leadership identification
  • Take personal responsibility for yourself to follow the 5kGroupRun volunteer and notify him/her should you leave the group mid run
  • 5kGroupRun volunteer to appoint ‘Sweeper’ when appropriate.
  • 5kGroupRun volunteer to appoint run ‘buddy’ to new or inexperienced members when appropriate
Med- High
Members health declarations
  • Runners with health conditions that could arise during an outing (breathing constraint, muscle injuries etc) should inform a 5kGroupRun volunteer of the condition and the risk of an occurrence
Low