General Risk Assessment for road running
Hazard: Running on pavements, country footpaths, cycle paths, bridle paths and roads.
Who/How affected: General public, runners, cyclists, horse and road traffic.
Tripping on holes, uneven pavements or footpaths, collisions with road furniture and interaction with pedestrians or road traffic causing accidents resulting in abrasions, strains, sprains or fatal injuries.
Control Measures: Official crossing points (‘Zebra’/‘Pelican’/Underpasses/Bridges) of roads should be used together with running on the pavement where available.
The runner must be aware of the potential hazards likely to be encountered. Particular hazards of the route to be taken should be reminded to runners but ultimately when using pavements, bridle paths or roads the runner is governed by the ‘Highway Code’.
Self-awareness is required.
Health and Safety Issues for:
Adult road running groups from Cheshire County Sports Club, Northgate Arena and Stanney Track. These sessions are to enable people to train with like minded individuals and due to the nature of the training a runner may not be supervised for 100% of the time.
Should anyone under the age of 18 years wish to attend one of these sessions they must first check that a qualified coach is in attendance? If there is not a qualified coach in attendance no one under the age of 18 years should join one of these sessions.
Training apparel must be appropriate for the task.
During periods of poor visibility it is the runners' responsibility to be seen by wearing high visibility clothing or a high visibility tabard or band. Some of the suitable supplier web sites are given in the Retailers section of Links.
Recommended - Do not wear headphones. The use of MP3 players can create a danger to the wearer and those around them. People wearing them cannot hear vehicles or other road or footpath users - accidents have happened.
Due to the potential hazards given above, West Cheshire AC cannot be held responsible for injuries sustained while attending one of these sessions as conditions are outside our control. We recommend runners obtain insurance. Please see the file about the Road Runners Club.
The various sessions cater for a wide range of abilities and all are welcome. Before attending any session it is advisable to contact the relevant people to determine its advisability and to discuss any special requirements.
For health and fitness advice, see http://www.runnersmedicalresource.com/