Why is it the organiser's job to do the risk assessment?

[frog]

I'm currently planning an event and just sent off the risk assessment to the FC.
OK it should have been the organiser but as the organiser may not have been round the event area (although in this case he has but he's got other things to get on with at the moment, I want him to update the map) and there's more chance the planner has that seemed a bit daft.
What is the logic behind having the organiser fill in the form? Surely the planner knows the hazards competitors are likely to encounter in the competition best and anyone can fill in the waffly bits that apply to all events.

[andy]

both combine do it?

organiser do the non-forest bits (i.e. waffle) and planner do the in-forest bits

[Scott]

Yeah, if you're going to do it properly I think you need input from both - the organiser is more likely to know about first aid provision, traffic risks away from the course, whether the canes for the run-in tape will have rubber caps on the ends, whether the download computer has been PAT tested, etc, etc...

[Clive Coles]

Surely it is the role of the organiser to ensure that things get done. Someone for the club has to be responsible.

But getting things done doesn't necessarily mean do it yourself. The planner may well have more knowledge of hazards in the forest.

Perfectly OK in my book for you to ask the most appropriate person to do the risk assessment. Could even be split between different people .

The important thing is that one is done

[Mrs H]

No one says the organiser has to do the risk assessment but they do have to make sure that a risk assessment is done. They may not be the best person to do most of it - but certainly parts of it - but they have to organise it being done( funny that isn't it - what with them being the organisers and all!) an the controller should check that the organiser has organised it!

In fact ( IMHO ) the skill of the organiser is not in the doing but in the delegation

[Paul Frost]

It seems reasonable for the organiser to organise the things that need to be done and delegate if applicable.

[AndyC]

As someone who has planned and is qualified as an organiser -whenever I've been given a risk assessment I've always found something that needed adding or a way to reduce the risk of something already identified.
Surely the consensus is that it is a team exercise between the planner and the organiser with the controller acting as a final safeguard?

[geomorph]

Frog

Having to do these things as a major part of my job (where I am essentially in the 'organisers' role), I can only re-inforce the beliefs stated above.

1. The organiser co-ordinates the production of the risk assessment. They own the finished product, and therefore are responsible for its 'best endeavours'.
2. The controller is first and foremost 'quality assurance'; that said they can contribute as an expert (see 4)
3. The organiser should conduct the elements associated with 'organisation' themselves, drawing on the experiences of others and any club, association and national support information
4. Delegation to functional experts is important. Where practicable be involved with their work. Try not to accept inputs at face value, ask questions of your expert and try to stretch them beyond the areas they have covered.
5. Don't just regurgitate the last risk assessment done for area/event, but there is nothing wrong with using it as a template which is critically re-appraised
6. Try to ensure that for your worst risks you have ways to deal with them and make sure all team leaders/event officials are aware of these
7. Spend 1/2 hour after the event ensuring that the lessons learned are passed on to others.

The first few times it is quite painful; it is important, as experience builds, not to be come blase about them. Don't be fooled into thinking that small 'informal' events need less assessment than large showcase ones. Most of the time they do, but......

[NFKleanne]

I'm scared now, I'm organising my first event this year (sometime), I don't know anything about risk assesments, first aid, I know lots of people will help me, but I'm worried now, it seems far more complictaed than I've realised!

[Scott]

Has your club appointed an experienced organiser to mentor you? If not then it might be worth asking them to. It's really not as scary as it can sound - honest! - but I agree that it can seem quite daunting first time around. The controller should also be able to help you with the risk assessment, and if your club has a set of regular volunteers who know what they're doing on start/enquiries/download etc then that will generally make life easier.

Good luck - and have fun .

[NFKleanne]

I think so. I was meant to have a chat about organising in January but things got snowed off, then the re-organised event clashed with an event I am exhibiting at it London. We'll get round to it eventually. Once I've done a few events it'll be better!

PS I always enjoy orienteering, even when I get temporarily misplaced!!!

Thanks Scott

[EddieH]

I despair! I am a grade 1 controller from a time when formal risk assessments were not considered. How I am able to help I don't know. In common with I suspect the majority I detest the whole formalised no risk society.

Life is exciting and is not without danger. I dont wish to spend a few extra hours pretending that I am making it safe.

[Gross]

Eddie gets the prize for Best Post of the Week

[seabird]

Agree with the sentiment Eddie, but it really only takes about 10 minutes at most (or maybe I just don't take the thing seriously enough!).

[EddieH]

Yes Seabird, but definitely not 10 minutes if you read Geomorph - for a start you need a half hour review