STUDENT RISK ASSESSMENT
01
PRE-SESSION
POTENTIAL THREAT
Contact with others and avoid further spread of the virus
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Non-training attendees will not be permitted to enter the training room. We will not be providing spare equipment e.g., boxing gloves, hand wraps, etc. For students to use within the session.
02
SITE FACILITIES
POTENTIAL THREAT
To include washrooms and changing facilities. Contact with others and avoid further spread of the virus
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Students will be unable to get changed on site before or after the session. There will be no facility to get changed in the training room or in the building - changing room facilities will be unavailable until further notice. Toilets will be available but should not be used as changing room facilities.
03
FIRE EXISTS AND DRILL PROCEDURES
POTENTIAL THREAT
In case of fire or site evacuation
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Fire exits vary at different locations and are clearly indicated. Fire exits should not be blocked by any personal property or obstacles.
In case of fire or an alarm, leave all belongings and exit the building using the indicated fire exits in an orderly manner, no running and DO NOT panic. Once left the premises all students must meet at the designated safe point.
04
INDOOR HAZARDS
4.1 Insufficient or unsuitable space
POTENTIAL THREAT
Frequency of colliding with others during busy sessions. Students risk colliding with others causing cuts, bruises, concussion, or affecting other students' balance causing defence to fail and them receiving the full blow.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
If students feel others near during training, they must try to move into an area that has more space. When the training room is busy, groups are formed to carry out different activities to create the space that’s required.
4.2 Poor surfaces for activities - slips / trips / impact
POTENTIAL THREAT
The hard floor surface could cause injury if someone is thrown on to it or if someone slips during a training exercise.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Floor mats are placed liberally to cover a large portion of the floor space. All students must conduct their instructed activities on the mats provided.
4.3 Obstructions around the training areas such as tables and chairs
POTENTIAL THREAT
A student could slip and collide with the edge of a table causing cuts, bruises or concussion. The threat of stumbling over chairs or obstacles around the training area can cause injury around the body.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Prior to the start of a session, staff members ensure that all tables, chairs and obstacles are clear of the training area. If a student is close to an obstruction, they must carefully refrain from the activity and move to a place clear of obstructions and report it to a member of staff.
05
SPORTING ACTIVITY HAZARDS
5.1 Training surface too hard or too soft
POTENTIAL THREAT
The hard floor surface is too hard, which could cause blisters, cuts or grazes during training and could be uncomfortable, painful or lead to infection.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Padded mats are placed on the floor and all students must train on the mats. Anyone sustaining a blister must stop if they feel they need to and report it to a member of staff.
5.2 Collisions / Conflict with surrounding object or people
POTENTIAL THREAT
see 4.1 & 4.3
CONTROLS IN PLACE
see 4.1 & 4.3
5.3 Contact sport injury
POTENTIAL THREAT
Injuries that could occur from a student striking another, common injuries are impact to knees, shins, legs, sprained wrists, sprained ankles and in extreme cases a broken bone.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Students must wear the appropriate protective equipment instructed by the club instructor. Students are informed that any contact must be controlled and light as possible.
5.4 Personal injury – fracture / sprains / cuts
POTENTIAL THREAT
When striking training pads or punch bags there is a risk of injuring wrists, ankles, elbows, knees and legs from poor technique and conditioning. Incorrect form, technique and power may result in an injury.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Students are required to wear and use suitable training equipment for the activity they carry out. Beginners are taught fundamental techniques until they show improvement before gradually moving onto more advanced techniques.
06
PEOPLE & ORGANISATIONAL HAZARDS
6.1 Lack of information, training or instruction
POTENTIAL THREAT
Students may be instructed poorly with techniques, coordination, and control, thus resulting in self injury or injury to others.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
We use qualified and certified instructor(s) internally and ensure they deliver good quality instruction before they allow students to work with others providing, they are competent to do so.
6.2 Poor activity planning or preparation
POTENTIAL THREAT
Student’s uncertainty of the sessions activities could result in injury from poor technique and activity using partners or training equipment.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Sessions are pre-planned in accordance with a grading system. Sessions may consist of a warmup, stretching, fitness, pad work, contact pair work, light contact sparring (optional) and cool down.
6.3 Ignorance of rules and / or procedures & unsafe behaviour or attitude
POTENTIAL THREAT
A student may choose to ignore staff instructions and cause injury to others or themselves through their own negligence.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Students that show a lack of respect or discipline towards the staff, the art or placing other students' safety at risk are not welcome. Signs of such behaviour are first presented with a warning and continuous behaviour will result in dismissal.
6.4 Lack of appropriate first aid equipment & experience
POTENTIAL THREAT
Occasionally common injuries can occur, which may include cuts, gentle bruising and light muscle strains, the contents of a first aid box are sufficient to treat some of these on site. However, some injuries may have to be treated at home or by a professional, these may include swelling, cramps, severe strains, or a broken bone.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
We emphasise light controlled contact, which can eliminate some injuries, however if a minor soft tissue injury occurs, they are treated immediately with cryotherapy (cold spray). Students are then advised to follow the RICE procedure Rest, Ice, Elevation, Compression as soon as they can and visit a professional in a hospital accident and emergency department for more serious injuries.
6.5 Medical conditions of participants
POTENTIAL THREAT
Students with vulnerable medical conditions could be at risk from participating in this type of activity. Examples may be Asthmatics, people with back problems or heart conditions.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
A new student is always screened and asked to complete the medical section of this form. If they have a condition that may affect their ability to train they are advised to seek advice from their doctor. Anyone with temporary or minor complaints such as a bruise, tight muscle or mild asthma is advised to undertake the activities to the best of their ability and not to exert themselves. They are advised to inform an instructor if they encounter problems during the session.
6.6 Poor safety awareness from staff
POTENTIAL THREAT
Unsupervised training activities may result in injury to the student or others.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
All staff ensures that students are equipped with the protective equipment and training on the floor mats. The staff visually group sections of the training area and monitor a designated area. The session instructor monitors the overall session.
6.7 Poor safety awareness from participants
POTENTIAL THREAT
Inexperienced students may be unaware as to how hard to strike, what feels light to them may hurt or injure their training partner.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Students are advised to communicate with each other, everyone has different tolerances, and the power and speed must be at the lowest level demanded by both participants.
6.8 Differing skill levels within the group
POTENTIAL THREAT
Students that lack knowledge and/or experience with some basic understanding of Muay Thai techniques and coordination may injure others. These can include erratic movements in which partners might accidentally strike elbows, knees, the groin area, and other areas of the body due to a lack of skill and coordination.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
The students are divided into the respective grades and skill levels. Partners are chosen of similar experience, weight, and height. Any interactivity between students out of these groups is strongly advised to conduct their activities far slower, lighter, and technical. Experienced students who occasionally pair with in-experienced are advised to demonstrate the activities more so to the inexperienced than conduct it themselves.
6.9 Low level of physical fitness / strength
POTENTIAL THREAT
Students with a lower skill or strength level may get overpowered in sparring or get struck too hard.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Stronger students are clearly told to power down significantly. If they feel that the partner has a lot less experience the stronger student is asked to work on techniques in shadow boxing or punch bags.
6.10 Contact between participants increasing risk
POTENTIAL THREAT
In activities involving contact with others, students may lose their composure, resulting in frustration or aggression, which may cause injury to others.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
Any excess aggression or students lacking in control of their power are warned and asked to relax and compose. Failure to do so will result in stopping their activity and in some cases unwelcome to return to train.
07
EQUIPMENT & OTHER HAZARDS
7.1 Poor quality equipment
POTENTIAL THREAT
Students using low quality equipment can result in cuts, grazes, sprains, fractures and concussions to themselves or their partners.
CONTROLS IN PLACE
The management ensures that all equipment is designed and constructed to the most appropriate quality and level for use during sessions.