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Scouts using map and compass
Scouting & Guiding

Orienteering & Navigation Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for orienteering and navigation activities.

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Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026

In This Guide

1 Introduction2 Benefits3 Hazards4 Checklist5 Related

The essential guide to orienteering safety

Orienteering combines physical activity with mental challenges, teaching participants to navigate using maps and compasses. From beginner courses to competitive events, these activities develop critical thinking and outdoor confidence.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough orienteering risk assessment—from course planning and missing person procedures to terrain hazards and weather management.

Compass on detailed map
Scouting Activity
Scouting Activity
Activity Benefits

Why orienteering matters for young people

Problem-Solving

Strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking through route planning.

Self-Confidence

Promotes self-confidence and independence through navigational competence.

Spatial Awareness

Enhances spatial awareness and understanding of map and compass use.

Fitness

Improves fitness and endurance through physical and mental challenges.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Missing ParticipantHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Lost participant, delayed search response, panic, extended exposure to elements.

Control Measures
  • Clear registration and finish procedures
  • Set maximum course times
  • Buddy system for beginners
  • Search procedure ready to activate
Terrain HazardsMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Falls, sprains, cuts from uneven ground, vegetation, fences, and water features.

Control Measures
  • Pre-check course for hazards
  • Mark dangerous areas as out-of-bounds
  • Brief participants on terrain types
  • Ensure appropriate footwear worn
Weather ExposureMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Hypothermia, dehydration, heatstroke from exposure during courses.

Control Measures
  • Monitor weather forecasts
  • Ensure appropriate clothing worn
  • Provide shelter at start/finish
  • Shorten or cancel in severe weather
Road & TrafficMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Collisions with vehicles, serious injury from crossing roads during courses.

Control Measures
  • Avoid courses crossing busy roads
  • Mark safe crossing points
  • Brief participants on road safety
  • Use marshals at crossing points

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 24 hazards and 61+ control measures for Orienteering & Navigation, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Safety Checklist

Orienteering safety checklist

Course Setup

  • Course checked for hazards
  • Controls in place
  • Out-of-bounds marked
  • Maps printed and ready

Registration

  • All participants registered
  • Start times recorded
  • Maximum times set
  • Emergency contacts collected

Safety Brief

  • Course boundaries explained
  • Safety bearing given
  • Whistle protocol explained
  • Finish procedure clear

Emergency

  • First aid kit at finish
  • Search team identified
  • Communications checked
  • All finishers accounted for

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