Nature & Conservation Projects Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Sun exposure and UV risk — Issue sunblock, hats, and protective gear. Schedule shade breaks and brief on UV intensity. Encourage hydration and rotate sun-exposed tasks with shaded ones.
• Safeguarding and inclusion — Ensure all staff and volunteers undergo role-appropriate background screening and safeguarding training. Provide safe, accessible facilities and adapt activities to support vulnerable or disabled participants. Train leaders in inclusion and reasonable adjustments, and enforce clear anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
• Equipment failure or misuse — Inspect all tools and PPE before use. Replace frayed straps, dull blades, or cracked parts. Provide clear storage and labeling systems. Brief volunteers on immediate reporting of faults.
• Public interaction and visitor safety — Use signage and barriers to separate work from public. Train volunteers in engagement, safety, and lost child protocols.
• Slips, trips, and uneven surfaces — Inspect paths daily, clear hazards, and mark dangerous terrain. Use matting on slopes and stairs where needed. Require sturdy, waterproof footwear for all participants.