Health and Safety Statement
1. Introduction
1.1 The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain. It sets out the general duties which:
- Employers have towards employees and members of the public
- Employees have towards themselves and to each other
- Certain self-employed persons have towards themselves and others
1.2 Peak Walking Adventures Ltd (“the Company”) is committed to providing adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from the Company’s activities, so far as is reasonably practicable.
2. Purpose of the Statement
2.1 The Statement’s key purpose is to assign high-level responsibilities for ensuring all people are protected from health and safety risks associated with the Company’s activities.
2.2 Specifically, the Company will ensure that:
- Adequate control of health and safety risks arising from its activities is maintained
- Consultation takes place between Directors/Owners and Support Staff on matters affecting their health and safety
- Risks associated with guided walking and training activities are measured, monitored, and acted upon appropriately
- Appropriate information, instruction, supervision, and support are provided to Directors/Owners, Support Staff, and Clients as appropriate to their needs
- Directors/Owners, Support Staff, and Clients, where appropriate, are trained and competent to undertake their tasks
- Preventative measures are in place to avoid accidents and work-related ill health
3. Scope
3.1 This Statement applies to all Directors/Owners, Support Staff, and Clients.
4. Definitions
4.1 The Company – Peak Walking Adventures Ltd.
4.2 Directors/Owners – The Company’s two Owners and Directors: Richard Tower and Sian Tower.
4.3 Support Staff – Self-employed staff or volunteers who support the Company’s activities.
4.4 Vulnerable Individual – An individual shown to be, to a significant level, a risk to themselves or others if assistance is not provided.
5. Statement Principles and Key Procedures
5.1 Leadership and Safety Culture
5.1 The Directors/Owners will promote and support a healthy and safe culture for Clients, Support Staff, and Directors/Owners by operating the following key procedures:
5.2 Reviewing and Revising the Health and Safety Policy
5.2 The Health and Safety Policy Statement will be reviewed as necessary and at least annually.
5.3 Managing Risks – Pre-Activity
5.3.1 Ensure all client communications provide information on the scope, purpose, and risks of the activity through digital/written information and verbal briefings.
5.3.2 Ensure all Directors/Owners and Support Staff understand the scope, purpose, risk, safety, and leadership requirements through digital/written information and verbal briefings.
5.3.3 Ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are in place, covering:
- Appropriate guide/client ratios
- Route plans with escape routes
- Preventative strategies linked to weather, terrain, navigation, traffic, personal fitness, and ability
5.3.5 Ensure a designated Company contact point is aware of the activity, route, expected timings, and leader contact details.
5.3.6 Ensure any Vulnerable Individuals are fully accounted for and their needs met within the scope of the activity, if it is deemed safe for them to participate.
5.3.7 Ensure Clients understand their responsibilities to look after themselves during the activity, including:
- Bringing safe and appropriate clothing, footwear, food, hydration, and personal first aid or medication as specified in pre-activity communications
- Notifying the Company of any health issues and providing emergency contact details prior to the walk
- Complying with instructions provided before or during the activity
5.4 Managing Risks – During the Activity
5.4.1 Guides will carry equipment appropriate to the activity, including:
- Maps and navigation aids/equipment
- Communication aids such as a mobile phone or text to contact emergency services (where possible)
- Local emergency contacts and transport information
- Group first aid kit, group shelter, head torches, and spare batteries/power packs
- Appropriate personal clothing, footwear, hydration, food, and medication
- Additional safety equipment as appropriate to the group, terrain, and conditions
5.4.2 Guides will monitor and support the group’s pace, ability, health, safety, and morale, in accordance with Company risk assessments, adapting plans and routes as needed, with clear and supportive communication.
5.4.3 Specific support for Vulnerable Individuals will be provided according to their agreed needs.
5.4.4 Guides will dynamically manage hazards by continually assessing risks associated with group morale and ability, terrain difficulty, weather conditions, traffic, distance and time, and other issues highlighted in the Company risk assessments.
5.5 Managing Risks – Post-Activity
5.5.1 Ensure all party members have completed the activity safely and that the Company contact point is informed.
5.5.2 Ensure Vulnerable Individuals, other Clients, and guides who experienced difficulties or concerns are offered support or signposted to appropriate services.
5.5.3 In the event of an incident, ensure accident forms are completed and any required formal notifications are made to statutory organisations, particularly for injuries, near misses, or work-related illnesses reportable under RIDDOR.
5.5.4 Ensure any printed confidential personal data carried during the activity is destroyed, or securely stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
5.6 Training and Governance
5.6.1 Directors/Owners and Support Staff will hold appropriate qualifications to lead activities, as regulated by the Mountain Training Association, including:
- Lowland Leader
- Hill and Moorland Leader
- Summer Mountain Leader
- Winter Mountain Leader
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Supervisor and Assessor
They will maintain professional development through annual workshops and courses.
5.6.2 Directors/Owners and Support Staff will hold appropriate Outdoor First Aid qualifications, renewed at least every three years.
5.6.3 To support Vulnerable Individuals, a Director has Level 2 Mental Health First Aid qualifications, renewed at least every three years.
5.7 Safe Facilities and Work Equipment
5.7.1 Peak Walking Adventures does not operate office facilities or employ staff in an office environment. During activities, Directors/Owners and Support Staff may visit public premises such as cafés, pubs, or shops, which remain under the jurisdiction of those premises.
5.7.2 Directors/Owners will ensure vehicles used for work are roadworthy, insured, and meet relevant safety regulations.
6. Legislative Context
6.1 The legislative context for this Statement includes:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Equality Act 2010