1. Purpose
The South Norfolk Tree Wardens Network (SNTWN) is committed to ensuring the safety of all volunteers, participants, and members of the public during our activities. This Risk Assessment Policy provides guidance on identifying, assessing, and managing potential hazards.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all SNTWN-organised activities, including but not limited to:

Tree planting and aftercare

Hedgerow planting and maintenance

Seed collection and nursery work

Meetings, workshops, and public events

3. Responsibilities

Activity Leader/Coordinator: Responsible for completing a risk assessment before the event and communicating safety measures to volunteers.

Volunteers: Responsible for following safety instructions and reporting any hazards or incidents.

SNTWN Coordinators: Review risk assessments and maintain safety records.

4. Risk Assessment Process

Identify hazards – Consider anything that might cause harm (e.g., tools, uneven ground, vehicles, weather).

Decide who might be harmed and how – Volunteers, members of the public, children, wildlife.

Evaluate risks and decide precautions – How likely is harm? What control measures can reduce risk?

Record your findings – Use the SNTWN Risk Assessment Form.

Review and update – Reassess risks if conditions change.

Guidance for Common Hazards in Tree Warden Activities

1. Hazard

Sharp tools (spades, loppers). Uneven or muddy ground. Weather conditions. Lifting heavy loads

2. Risk

Cuts, punctures.  Hypothermia, heatstroke. Strains, back injury

3. Measures

Provide gloves, give safety briefing, store tools safely when not in use. Wear sturdy footwear, mark hazards, work in daylight where possible. 

Check forecast, advise suitable clothing, provide water. Demonstrate safe lifting, encourage team lift

Working near roads - Vehicle collision - Use hi-vis clothing, position work area safely

Allergies/stings - Reactions - Ask volunteers to declare allergies, have first aid kit available

Wildlife disturbance - Harm to species - Avoid nesting areas, follow environmental guidance

Risk Assessment Prompt Questions

Before starting an activity, the leader should ask:

What are we doing and where?

What hazards might we encounter?

Who could be affected? (Volunteers, public, children, wildlife)

How likely is it that harm could occur?

What measures can we put in place to reduce the risk?

Who is responsible for implementing those measures?

Is there a plan in case of an emergency?

Do we have first aid available and know where the nearest hospital is?

Are weather conditions suitable to proceed?

Do all volunteers know the safety procedures?

Recording and Storing Risk Assessments

A written risk assessment should be completed for each activity and stored by SNTWN for at least 3 years.

Significant changes (e.g., location, tools used, volunteer numbers) require the risk assessment to be updated before continuing.

Approved by: South Norfolk Tree Wardens Network 
Date: 23 August 2025
Review Date: 23 August 2026