Ash u3a Health and Safety Policy

Where safeguarding is about protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect, health and safety is about minimising or removing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Ash u3a aims to provide and maintain safe and healthy conditions and environments for all members including during the meeting of u3a groups, monthly meetings and at events.

Ash u3a will ensure that reasonable care has been taken to avoid harming others and that members are aware of the risks.

Insurance

Ash u3a is covered by the insurance provided by The Third Age Trust. Further details about the insurance cover can be accessed on the u3a website www.u3a.org.uk/advice. If any activities are being considered that Ash u3a is unsure if they are covered, they will contact the u3a Office for further advice. The Third Age Trust provides third party liability insurance however extreme sports and high hazard activities may not covered. Please check before running an activity.

Insurance Cover note 2026 (pdf)

Risk Assessments

Ash u3a will ensure the Committee, Group Leaders or those responsible for a meeting or event complete a risk assessment.

Further information, guidance and templates about risk assessments visit the Ash u3a Risk Management Page.

Responding to accidents/incidents and dealing with emergencies

In the event of an incident/accident the primary witness is to complete the online Incident Reporting Form.

Where a venue has their own incident reporting system this must also be complied with.

The incident must be shared with those who need to have access to it, including the venue where appropriate and Ash u3a Committee. It will also need to be shared with the insurers in the event of an insurance claim.

Lone volunteering

There may be occasions where Ash u3a members may be carrying out activities on their own. For example, opening a venue for a meeting, setting up for a meeting etc. Where this occurs the u3a member should ensure someone else knows where they are and when they should be expected back. The u3a member should also know who to contact in the event of an incident or accident and ensure they have, for example, their mobile phone with them and avoid activities at height e.g. using a ladder.

Manual handling

All Ash u3a members should think about manual handling in advance to avoid injury to themselves and others. Members should not carry out any manual handling tasks if they are not able to manage them and should ask for help from other u3a members.

Venues

Where Ash u3a uses venues who have their own policies and procedures and risk assessments Ash u3a will ensure these are followed. This will include making sure all u3a members in attendance are aware of what to do in the event of a fire alarm/evacuation. If Ash u3a is hosting an open day this will also include ensuring those who are not u3a members are also informed.

Last updated on 22 April 2026 by Graham (Chair)