Although walking is a low-risk physical activity, risk assessments are necessary for all organised walks. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

Q. What is risk assessment?
A. It is simply a careful examination of what, on your walk, could cause harm to people so that you can weigh up what, if any, precautions are necessary. The important thing is to decide whether a hazard is significant and whether the precautions you have taken mean that the risk is small. A hazard can be an obstacle (eg stile), a substance (eg muddy area) or a situation (crossing a busy road).

Q. Who is responsible for risk assessments?
A. The scheme co-ordinator is responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and for nominating people to do this. It is useful to gather together those people who know the route so that they can share their knowledge of the area and possible hazards.

Q. How do I carry out a risk assessment?
A. 1. Look for the hazards, eg fierce dog, tree roots across path, major road crossing etc. 2. Decide who might be harmed and how 3. Evaluate the risks and decide if any precautions are necessary 4. Record your findings 5. Review your assessment and revise it if necessary.

Q. How do I record the findings?
A. A risk assessment form can be obtained by emailing your request to the WHI Training Office: whitraining@active-lifestyles.co.uk . It is good practice to write up all risk assessments and keep them on file. Compile a risk assessment form for each walk containing the following columns:
Hazard “ eg crossing Horsepond Rd
Who might be harmed “ all walkers
How is the risk controlled? “ by warning walkers before the start and controlling the crossing
What further action is necessary to control the risk? “ repeat warning before each walk.
Options for controlling the risk include: eg removing the risk completely, warning people about the risk, trying a less risky option, preventing access to the hazard, reducing the frequency of exposure.
Include these details on the form: title of walk assessed, name of person carrying out assessment, date and review date.

Q. How often should a risk assessment be carried out?
A. It is advisable to carry out an assessment of each route in different weathers and at different times of year “ particularly if a particular route has not been used for a few months.

Q. How should the risks be communicated to the walkers?
A. Tell participants about particular hazards in the literature and on the walks.

Q. Where can I get further information?
A. Route Planning and Route Assessment, WHI support pack module. Available by emailing your request to: whiinfo@countryside.gov.uk