Legal Considerations

The Health and Safety Act of 1974 makes all employers responsible for employees’ safety.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1992 requires employers to assess risk, introduce measures to control risk and inform employees about measures.
 
Employees are required to take reasonable care of others, co-operate with employers, perform their duties accordingly and inform employers of risks.
 
Headteacher’s Responsibilities

The responsibility for college trips and outings with regard to Health and Safety is the responsibility of the Head. The Head should ensure that:

there are adequate child protection procedures
there has been adequate preparation
a risk assessment has been carried out
any appropriate training has been carried out
the group leader is capable
sufficient time has been allowed to organize the outing
there are an appropriate number of supervising staff
parents have signed consent forms
provision for students with SEN or medical needs has been made
there is provision for first aid
the mode of transport is appropriate
travel dates and times and accommodation have been fixed
there is insurance cover
there are emergency/disruption procedures in place
all appropriate tel numbers and contacts have been take
there is an accurate list of all participants

Group Leaders should:

have the head’s consent
follow Health and Safety guidelines
be capable of leadership and control
be aware of child protection issues
be trained in first aid
make careful plans
make a risk assessement
brief all participants
assess suitability of students
be empowered to cancel/reorganize the trip as appropriate

Students should:

take no unnecessary risks
obey the group leader
dress and behave appropriately
be sensitive to cultural issues when overseas
be alert to danger
take part in the planning process
be aware of cultural issues such as language, laws and customs
be aware of equal opportunities legislation
be aware of guidelines on behaviour, including sex
know what they may bring back to UK
understand and obey rendezvous procedures
know how to summon help
know what activities are out of bounds
carry an id card of some sort
have sufficient cash
carry a note with accommodation details
if separated from group, know what to do
understand appropriate travel safety procedures
inform staff of any allergies, phobias, dietary considerations.

Parents should:

be properly informed of dates, times and accommodation, including preparation
be informed of the objectives of the visit
be informed of the group size and composition
be given contact details
be informed of required behaviour
provide contact details
sign consent form
inform of any emotional/psychological/physical needs of their children; including any allergies, phobias, dietary considerations.
be informed of procedure if child is sent home

Planning

A risk assessment should be carried out, aiming to prevent/minimize any perceived risk.
Emergency procedures should be paramount.
Insurance should be in place
Sufficient supervision is in place
Ages and sexes of students are taken into account.
Transport is safe
A plan for recalcitrant students is in place.
An exploratory visit has been made if possible; otherwise some other form of vetting should take place
There is a first aid box and firstaiders.
Headcounting procedures are in place.
Procedures for supervision/remote supervision are in place.

Accommodation

should have adjoining rooms and be separate from others
staff should be aware of its layout
should be secure and vetted for health and safety.