Risk Assessments & Mitigations

On Road

Hazard / Risk Who might be harmed & how Existing controls / mitigations Further controls / actions Responsibility / notes
Traffic / vehicles Runners may be struck by vehicles, collisions, near misses Plan routes maximizing pavements / footpaths; avoid busy roads where possible; use crossings (zebra, pelican) Use volunteers at busy junctions; use high-visibility clothing / reflective gear; instruct runners on running on correct side (face traffic where no pavement) Run leader / club committee
Crossing roads / junctions Runners may misjudge traffic, collisions Pre-identify safe crossing points; regroup before crossings; leader leads crossing; shout warnings Use volunteers to assist crossings; where possible use pedestrian crossing lights; reroute run if traffic extremely heavy Run leader / marshals
Uneven pavements, kerbs, potholes, curbs, gullies Trips, ankle injuries, falls Front runners and leaders scout ahead; shout “trip” warnings; advise caution; use known routes Repair reports to local authority; avoid paths known to be in disrepair; short detours where needed Run leaders / committee
Obstructions (street furniture, roadworks, barriers, signage) Collisions, trips Leader to brief known obstacles; shout warnings en route; slow to single file when passing obstructions Plan routes avoiding heavy roadworks; reroute if necessary Run leader
Pedestrians, pushchairs, wheelchairs Collisions Runners to yield to pedestrians; slow pace in crowded zones Use single file formations where footpath width limited; increased vigilance in mixed-use areas All runners / leader
Cyclists / e-scooters Collisions Front runners call out approaching cyclists; maintain awareness; give wide berth Avoid shared cycle / pedestrian paths on busy sections; speed control Runners / leaders
Poor lighting, dark conditions Reduced visibility by drivers / runners Use hi-vis / reflective kit; head torches or lights for night runs; plan routes with street lighting Cancel or restrict runs in poor visibility if unsafe; equip runners with lights / armbands Run leader / committee
Weather / adverse conditions (rain, ice, wind, snow) Slippery surfaces, reduced traction, fallen debris Monitor forecasts; advise appropriate clothing; avoid known ice patches Cancel / shorten run if conditions dangerous (e.g. ice); alternative indoor options; add warm-up stretch caution Club committee / run leader
Getting lost / stragglers Runners separated, may run into traffic unfamiliar routes Sign-in sheet, pre-run briefing with route description; leaders front and back; regular regroup points Use route maps / markers; encourage runners to run in pairs; leader to check attendance at regroup Run leader
Medical / fatigue / dehydration / health events Runners may suffer injury, illness, collapse Encourage hydration; mid-run stops; leaders aware of medical conditions; carry basic first aid kit Leaders trained in first aid; carry mobile phones; have emergency plan to call ambulance or return to start Leaders / welfare officer
Equipment / kit failure Inadequate footwear, reflective gear failure Remind runners in advance to check shoes, clothing, lights Prevent runners from joining run if missing or faulty mandatory equipment Club committee / leaders
Earphones / headphones Reduced hearing ability – may miss instructions / hazards Prohibit or discourage headphone use during coached runs Enforce “no headphones” rule for group sessions; check at start Run leader
Roadworks, diversions, unexpected closures Rerouted pedestrians or traffic may lead to dangerous conditions Check councils’ roadwork notices; plan alternate detours; brief runners Monitor for on-the-day route changes Run leader
Interaction with parked cars / opening doors Risk of “door zone” injury Avoid running close to parked cars where possible; warn runners of “car zone” areas In narrow streets, run single file; choose alternative route Run leader

Off Road

Hazard / Risk Who might be harmed & how Existing controls / mitigations Further controls / actions Responsibility / notes
Uneven ground, roots, holes, rocks, tree roots, hidden trip hazards Runners / leaders – slips, trips, ankle sprains, fractures Pre-run route inspection where possible; route leader familiar with terrain; warn runners of known rough sections; front runners call out hazards Mark especially rough patches, avoid them if possible; choose routes appropriate to group experience; require suitable trail shoes Route leader / run leads
Slippery / muddy surfaces, wet grass, puddles, waterlogged ground Same as above Advise caution; slow pace over slippery sections; encourage walking in high-risk parts In extreme wet weather, shorten route or divert; postpone/cancel if unsafe Run leads, welfare / club committee
Steep gradients, descents / ascents Runners may lose footing, fall, fatigue Warn about steep sections in briefing; encourage controlled pace Plan alternative easier routes; in very steep terrain require poles / extra caution Run leader
Routes crossing or adjacent to roads / vehicle tracks Runners / public / traffic Advance route planning to avoid major traffic; crossing points identified; run leader leads across roads; regroup before/after crossings Wear hi-vis / high visibility clothing; cross as group Run leader / marshals
Getting lost / losing a runner Runners / leaders Use a sign-in sheet / register; assign tail runner / backmarker Use GPS / mapping device; equip leaders with mobile phones and emergency numbers; runners share contact / emergency info; have turnaround or bail-out points Run leader / club Welfare officer
Weather / adverse conditions (fog, rain, ice, high winds) Reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, falling branches, exposure, hypothermia Check weather forecasts; advise appropriate clothing; run leaders monitor conditions Cancel or shorten run if conditions unsafe; have wet-weather / emergency route alternatives; equip runners with waterproofs, extra layers Club committee / run leader
Darkness / poor light Reduced visibility of terrain & other users Only run in daylight unless specially organised; for night runs mandate head torches, hi-vis clothing No run without adequate lighting; group splits into smaller, manageable sections; restrict to known terrain Run leader / committee
Other path users (walkers, cyclists, horse riders, dogs) Collisions, interference, startled animals Warn runners to slow / give way; front runners call out approaching users; pass wide Avoid narrow shared paths if possible; have group slow to single file when needed; instruct runners on etiquette Run leader / runners
Livestock, wild animals, gates, fences, stiles Animal encounters, allergic reactions, collisions, cuts, scratches Avoid routes with grazing animals where possible; inspect fields before entering; close gates; avoid rough stiles If livestock present, wait and proceed quietly; carry basic first aid / antiseptic wipes; plan alternative route Run leader
Fatigue, dehydration, medical events Runners may suffer cramp, collapse, cardiac event Encourage runners to carry water, snacks; remind to hydrate; include scheduled regroup / rest points; require runners to notify of medical conditions Ensure leaders have first aid training; carry first aid kit, emergency foil blanket; leader carry mobile phone with signal; include emergency plan for evacuation / extraction Leaders / club welfare officer
Equipment failure / lack of appropriate kit Inadequate footwear, clothing, broken gear Remind runners in advance to use suitable trail shoes, waterproofs, layers; encourage carrying minimal repair kit (e.g. safety pins, tape) Optional “kit check” for less experienced / new runners; club-loan spare torches / hi-vis if needed Club committee / leaders
Slips / trips during ascent / descent (rocks, water crossings) Falls, injury Pre-briefing to warn of tricky sections; leaders may lead in safer lines Where possible avoid unnecessary crossings / rough sections; rope / handholds in steep parts; slow walking pace in risky segments Run leader