Health & Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement

The Shred Academy (“we”, “us”, “our”), operated by Shreducation Community Interest Company, is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and welfare for all participants, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
We recognise that safe practice is essential for effective coaching and for the wellbeing of all individuals involved in our activities.

Our goal is to provide a safe environment in which children, young people, and adults can enjoy learning, progression, and participation in action sports.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Shred Academy sessions, programmes, workshops, and events held at skateparks, indoor facilities, or public venues.
It covers all coaches, staff, volunteers, participants, parents/carers, and visitors.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following UK legislation and guidance:

  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • Children Act 2004
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • DBS and Data Protection (GDPR) requirements

4. Responsibilities

The Shred Academy (as the organisation):

  • Provides a safe environment and ensures risk assessments are completed for all activities and venues.
  • Ensures appropriate first aid provision at every session.
  • Provides induction and training for staff and volunteers on health and safety procedures.
  • Reviews this policy and associated practices annually or sooner if required.

Coaches and Volunteers:

  • Must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of participants.
  • Must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report hazards or incidents promptly.
  • Are responsible for maintaining appropriate supervision ratios and ensuring participants follow safety rules.

Participants and Parents/Carers:

  • Must follow coach instructions and wear mandatory safety equipment (helmets at all times).
  • Must inform coaches of any relevant medical conditions or injuries before participation.

5. Risk Assessment & Safe Practice

  • Formal risk assessments are carried out for all venues, sessions, and activities.
  • Coaches must conduct a dynamic risk check before each session (surface conditions, weather, crowding, hazards).
  • Identified risks are recorded, and control measures implemented (e.g. cones, supervision zones, safety briefings).
  • All staff are trained to understand the hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, isolate, control, PPE, and review.
  • Coaches must ensure appropriate supervision ratios based on age and ability.

6. First Aid & Emergency Procedures

  • A qualified first aider is present at all sessions.
  • A first aid kit is maintained and checked regularly.
  • Coaches are trained in basic first aid, CPR, and emergency response.
  • In the event of serious injury or incident:
    • Ensure the area is safe and the participant is cared for.
    • Call emergency services if needed.
    • Notify the parent/guardian and venue representative immediately.
    • Record the incident in the Accident/Incident Report Log and inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
  • All incidents requiring medical attention or hospital treatment will be reported in accordance with RIDDOR where applicable.

7. Equipment & Venue Safety

  • Equipment used in coaching (e.g. ramps, obstacles, scooters, boards) must be checked for defects prior to use.
  • Unsafe equipment must be removed from use immediately and reported.
  • Partner venues (e.g. skateparks) must maintain their own inspection and maintenance regimes.
  • Coaches will visually check the condition of ramps, surfaces, and boundaries before every session.

8. Supervision, Ratios & Behaviour

  • Sessions are delivered by DBS-checked coaches with safeguarding training.
  • Ratios are maintained at a safe level appropriate to the group’s size and age (recommended maximum: 1 coach per 10 participants).
  • Clear boundaries and rules are communicated at the start of every session.
  • Unsafe behaviour, bullying, or reckless riding will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the session.

9. Protective Equipment

  • Helmets are mandatory for all participants and coaches on skatepark surfaces.
  • Pads (knees, elbows, wrists) as well as gumshields are strongly recommended.
  • Scooter handlebars must have bar ends fitted.
  • Participants must wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
  • Coaches will remind participants to check that helmets fit correctly and are fastened securely before each session.

10. Weather & Environmental Conditions

  • Sessions may be postponed or adapted in adverse weather (rain, high winds, heat).
  • In wet conditions, sessions may move to skill-building or safety workshops under shelter.
  • Participants must stay hydrated and protected from sun exposure during summer months.

11. Incident Reporting

  • All accidents, injuries, or near misses must be reported to the Lead Coach and recorded in the Accident/Incident Log.
  • Serious incidents must be escalated to the DSL and Programme