Snow Friends - Record of risk assessment
Who is affected?
All registered Snow Friends.
Work location:
Public highway.
| What could cause harm? | Severity | Likelihood | Risk rating | How can you reduce the risk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slips (Injury to Snow Friend or member of the public) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Wear suitable sturdy footwear with good grip. Clear 2 to 3 metres of snow and then apply salt. Do not clear long stretches without applying salt to the cleared area. Pay special attention to steps and steep footways. Try to remove snow as soon as possible after snowfall before it is compacted by foot and vehicular traffic and made more difficult to remove. |
| Trips and falls (Injury to Snow Friend or member of the public) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Be familiar with the area you are going to clear snow from in advance of snow conditions. Take note of any potential hazards that may become hidden when snow is on the ground. Ensure bag of salt and snow scoop do not become a trip hazard when not in use. Work during daylight hours or in well-lit areas. Have a torch available if work is necessary during hours of darkness. |
| Weather (Effects of cold - hypothermia) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Wear suitable clothing to keep warm. It is better to wear more layers rather than fewer thick layers. Have regular warm drinks. |
| Vehicular traffic when clearing/treating footway (Snow Friend struck by moving vehicle) |
5 |
3 | 15 |
Work from footway where possible. Be alert to abnormal traffic behaviour. Stand back and watch traffic pass if it is in close proximity. Face on-coming traffic where possible. Carry a charged mobile phone in case of emergency. |
| Vehicular traffic when clearing/treating carriageway (Snow Friend struck by moving vehicle) | 5 | 3 | 15 |
Only clear/treat the carriageway in hours of daylight. Wear upper body hi-vis clothing. Clear short sections at a time. Be alert to abnormal traffic behaviour. Face on-coming traffic. Carry a charged mobile phone in case of emergency. |
| Spreading salt by hand (Manual handling injury) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Salt is provided in 10kg bags. Practice good manual handling techniques. Don't move snow twice. Move snow the shortest possible distance. Maintain good posture: A. Use your leg muscles as much as possible and push snow rather than lifting it. B. Keep your back straight as you move from the squat position to the upright position. |
| Lone working on footway | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Avoid working alone where possible. Let someone know where you’re working and what time you will return home. Let them know when you have safely returned home. Carry a charged mobile phone in case of emergency. |
| Lone working on carriageway | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Do not work alone in the road/carriageway. Minimum of two persons to carry out activity within visibility of each other. |
| Contact with Salt (Drying effect on skin, irritation of skin and open wounds/scratches) | 2 | 3 | 6 |
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep off vegetation and prevent salt entering watercourse. First aid - Wash skin with water and for eye contact, irrigate with clean water for at least 10 minutes. If symptoms develop, obtain medical attention. |
| Physical exertion (Exhaustion, injury) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Work within your own capabilities. Be mindful of your limitations. Take frequent breaks. |
| Children removing snow | 3 | 3 | 9 | Children under the age of 18 should only work on the pavement under the supervision of an adult. Children under 18 should not work in the road. |