Cumbria Army Cadet Force“ Force Protection” Newsletter
Newsletter Summer 2011 Issue No 1
Mr Dean Kirkpatrick( SHEF Coordinator) E-mail caa3 @ cumbriaarmycadets. com Tel: 01228 516231
Inside this Issue
Myth of the Moment – Safe Cadets – Accident Procedure – Silva Compasses – Accident Contact Details
Myth of the Moment
The reality
This is one of the oldest chestnuts around, a truly classic myth. A wellmeaning head teacher decided children should wear safety goggles to play conkers. Subsequently some schools appear to have banned conkers on‘ health & safety’ grounds or made children wear goggles, or even padded gloves!
Realistically the risk from playing conkers is incredibly low and just not worth bothering about. If kids deliberately hit each other over the head with conkers, that’ s a discipline issue, not health and safety.
Safe Cadets
Although the cadets‘ safety record is good in major accidents are fortunately rare, there will inevitably be some minor incidents such as cuts, grazes and sprained limbs, along with a few near misses.
What can the Adult Volunteers do to ensure that these are kept to the absolute minimum? Here are some reminders:
Be Risk aware not Risk Averse.
Always Educate the cadets about the dangers involved in any activities they are undertaking, but don’ t frighten them in to being risk averse – or they won’ t try anything. This is a fine balance.
Ensure Instructors know exactly what they are doing. All Instructors MUST be competent in terms of their
A safe cadet is one who has been well briefed. Cadets must have the appropriate levels of information, instruction and supervision to get the best out of the task.
Make sure everyone knows how to use the equipment correctly. Safe equipment is vital. For example, there is a safe method of using the cadet GP rifle and this is stated in the training manuals. Adults must always remember that any weapon is intrinsically dangerous, but is safe if used in accordance with the instructions.
Regularly Maintain Equipment. Always look after and maintain the equipment you are about to rely on. An effective Instructor will check it thoroughly before hand.
Safe System of Training( SST). The SST is in place. You are reminded that you must conduct a risk assessment if training is not safe. If in doubt carry out a risk assessment. Explain to all that the control measures are in place for the cadets’ safety and ensure that the instructors fully understand the part that they have to play. Remember if you deviate from the original plan for any reason you may have to revisit the risk assessment as a consequence.