11.3 - Risk & Risk Assessment
Introduction to risks in physical activity
Participating in physical activities always involves some level of risk, which means there is a potential for harm or injury. To manage this effectively, it is essential to identify possible dangers and put safety measures in place.
Risks can vary based on how they are viewed or measured. Understanding different types of risks allows participants, coaches, and organisers to make informed decisions about safety.
Types of risks
There are several ways to categorise risks in physical activities, each providing a different perspective on potential dangers.
Absolute risk
Absolute risk represents the highest possible level of danger in an activity before any safety controls or measures are introduced.
Real risk
Real risk is the actual level of danger that exists after safety controls and measures have been applied. It can often be calculated statistically and is generally lower than absolute risk due to interventions like rules or equipment checks.
Perceived risk
Perceived risk is an individual's personal judgement about the dangers of an activity. This subjective view can differ from person to person; for example, one person might see rock climbing as extremely risky, while another views it as manageable.
People's perception of risk often does not match the real risk. Real risk has a higher likelihood of occurring based on evidence, whereas perceived risk is influenced by personal experiences or fears.
Causes of risks
Risks in physical activities do not happen randomly; they often stem from specific factors that can be identified and addressed. Recognising these causes is the first step in preventing harm.
Key factors that can cause risks
- Lack of preparation - Not warming up properly or failing to plan the activity can lead to injuries.
- Inadequate facilities and equipment - Poorly maintained pitches, faulty gear, or unsuitable venues increase the chance of accidents.
- Limited level of skill - Participants who lack the necessary techniques may make errors that result in harm.
- Limited fitness - Low physical conditioning can cause fatigue, leading to mistakes or overexertion.
- Weather - Extreme conditions like heavy rain or high heat can make surfaces slippery or cause dehydration.
- Behaviour of others and yourself - Reckless actions, such as ignoring rules or aggressive play, can endanger everyone involved.
The risk assessment process
A risk assessment is a systematic process used to evaluate the real risks involved in a physical activity and decide how to manage them. This is crucial for teachers, coaches, and organisers who have a duty of care, meaning they are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of participants.
Steps in conducting a risk assessment
- Identify the risks, including both real and perceived ones, by examining the activity, environment, and participants.
- Identify who is at risk and in what way, considering groups like beginners, children, or those with medical conditions.
- Evaluate the risks and decide on what to do next, such as introducing controls or modifying the activity.
- Record your findings to create a clear document that can be referred to or shared.
- Review your processes and identify improvements, updating the assessment regularly based on new information or incidents.
Calculating risk using severity and likelihood
To quantify risks, a simple formula can be used that combines how serious a potential harm could be with how likely it is to happen. This helps prioritise which risks need the most attention.
Formula for risk
Where severity is a measure of how serious the harm could be (rated on a scale of 1-5), and likelihood is a measure of how probable the risk is (rated on a scale of 1-5).
The result gives a risk rating between 1 (minimum) and 25 (maximum). Higher ratings indicate risks that require immediate action.
Severity scale
This scale rates the potential impact of an incident:
| Rating | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insignificant | Fall over |
| 2 | Minor | Black eye |
| 3 | Moderate | Sprained ankle |
| 4 | Major | Dislocated shoulder |
| 5 | Catastrophic | Death |
Likelihood scale
This scale assesses how often the risk might occur:
| Rating | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rare | There will be a fire in a stadium |
| 2 | Unlikely | A player will suffer from heat exhaustion |
| 3 | Reasonable | A player will be hit by a ball |
| 4 | Likely | A skier will fall over |
| 5 | Almost certain | A waterskier will fall into the water |
Worked example - Calculating risk rating
During a basketball practice, there is a potential risk of a player suffering a major injury due to a collision. The severity is rated as major (4), and the likelihood is unlikely (2). Calculate the risk rating.
Step 1: Identify the values
- Severity = 4
- Likelihood = 2
Step 2: Apply the formula
Step 3: Calculate the risk rating
Step 4: Interpretation
A rating of 8 suggests a medium-level risk that should be addressed, such as by ensuring adequate spacing between players or enforcing strict rules against aggressive play.
Strategies to reduce risks
Once risks are identified and assessed, strategies can be implemented to lower them, focusing on prevention and safe practices. These measures help create a safer environment for all participants.
Key risk reduction strategies
- Wearing protective clothing and footwear - Items like helmets, shin pads, or appropriate shoes can prevent injuries from impacts or slips.
- Lifting and carrying equipment safely and correctly - Using proper techniques avoids strains or accidents when handling heavy items.
- Maintaining hydration during activity - Drinking water regularly prevents dehydration, especially in hot weather or intense sessions.
- Using warm-up and cool-down procedures - These prepare the body for activity and aid recovery, reducing the chance of muscle strains.
- Creating suitable levels of competition - Matching participants by skill or age ensures fair and safe play.
- Following rules and instructions - This encourages fair play, prevents confrontation, and maintains order during activities.