Health & Safety Policy

Introduction to the Policy
This policy applies to all members, associate members, coaches and volunteers.
The General Committee of Yapham Cricket Club is aware that it has a responsibility to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to provide and maintain conditions which are safe, healthy and comply with all statutory requirements and codes of practice for all members, associate members, players including Juniors, coaches, volunteers and visitors.

The Club will, so far as is reasonably practicable, pay particular attention to:
1. The provision and maintenance of equipment and how it is used and ensure it is in a fit and safe state
2. Involving and training members and volunteers in health and safety matters
3. Controlling situations which may threaten life, health or property

The Procedure
The General Committee is responsible for safety at Yapham Cricket Club and will monitor the policy and revise it as necessary.

The General Committee will undertake a risk assessment at the start of each cricket season to identify hazards, assess their likelihood and impact, and identify and implement any actions to mitigate these risks.

The General Committee will ensure that sufficient resources are available to provide any health and safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and training where appropriate, as far as is reasonably practicable, to achieve and maintain a high standard of safety.

The General Committee is responsible for ensuring that equipment is maintained and used safely; that training is provided where necessary; that records are kept of any serious incidents; that these are investigated thoroughly; and that appropriate action is taken to prevent further accidents.

All members, players, coaches and volunteers have a responsibility to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves, their colleagues and others. They are expected to follow the Club’s procedures; in particular to report any incidents that have or may have led to injury or damage. They should ensure that they use any equipment provided in accordance with training that they have received.

Playing cricket
Cricket is a sport which involves some potential risk of injury, e.g. general sporting injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and skin, and specific cricket hazards from being hit by ball or bat. Adult players will be expected and encouraged to provide their own protective equipment including batting / wicket keeping pads, batting / wicket keeping gloves, abdominal protectors and helmets; however Club pads and helmets will be available also. For Junior games the Club will ensure that all the above equipment is available although Juniors might provide their own (and will be encouraged to do so in the case of abdominal protectors).
Players will be reminded of safe procedures when using nets for practice in supervised training sessions.

Spectators
There is a risk to spectators (including players awaiting their turn to bat or having completed their innings) of injury or property damage from being hit by a ball: they will be reminded of the need to watch the game at all times and to ensure they do not place themselves or others at greater risk.

Accidents
In the event of an accident or incident that could have resulted in injury or damage all members, associate members, players, coaches and volunteers must report full details to a member of the General Committee as soon as possible.

Emergency communications
The responsible Captain (for adult games or training) or Coach (for Junior games or training sessions) will ensure that there is telecommunications access (e.g. mobile phone) in case of emergency

First Aid
A First Aid kit will be maintained in the clubhouse at the ground. For games and training at other venues the responsible team Captain or Junior coach will ensure a First Aid kit is available. All coaches and other volunteers and members as appropriate will undertake training in Emergency First Aid training at least every 3 years.

Fire
No specific fire evacuation procedures are necessary given the nature and location of the clubhouse building in the ground. However appropriate equipment to deal with a small fire (e.g stove) will be kept and maintained at the ground ready for use.

Electrical Equipment
There is no electricity supply to the ground currently. However, such supply is being planned for the new clubhouse, and hence appropriate precautions will be considered as part of this project.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Hazardous substances will be identified and, if possible safer alternatives will be found. If this is not possible, then substances will be labeled and stored safely.

Manual Handling
• Do not lift objects which pose undue strain
• Always check the load before moving it
• Avoid the need for handling wherever possible
• Always use appropriate aids
• Do not attempt to lift alone if two people are more appropriate