Our sport is not a dangerous one, nevertheless there are a number of hazards which may be encountered when playing or visiting. Importantly the club is largely maintained by volunteers who give their time and expertise on an unpaid basis and must be protected from unnecessary risk of injury. 

The purpose of this Health and Safety Policy is to ensure the wellbeing of all members, visitors, and staff at Colchester Croquet Club by outlining procedures to reduce the risk of injury and maintain a safe environment on club premises. Most of the precautions are simply common sense and are actions we would normally take in everyday life. 

Please read the document, and if you are aware of other potential or actual hazards inform the Committee who will take appropriate action. All identified risks are managed according to their severity, with appropriate measures implemented as required. The Committee will review these measures annually or as needed. 

Importantly, it is the responsibility of all club members if they identify a hazard to take action, either by fixing it themselves or by informing a committee member. Any accidents or incidents which do occur must likewise be reported and recorded in the Incident Book on the main clubhouse desk. 

This document is shared with all current members, and with new members as part of their induction. It is displayed on the noticeboard in the clubhouse and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current and relevant. 

This policy applies to all club members, visitors, coaches, volunteers, and staff when on club grounds or during club activities. Compliance with this policy is mandatory to ensure a safe environment for all.

Potential hazards are described under a number of areas: 

1. Emergency Procedures
2. Playing the game
3. The Clubhouse 
4. The Grounds 
5. Use of Machinery and Equipment

1. Emergency Procedures 

Potential Hazard	Mitigation
Minor Injuries	A First Aid kit is located at the back of the bar on the left. Members must avoid lifting heavy objects alone and are advised to use proper lifting techniques or seek assistance.  An Incident Book is maintained and must be completed for all incidents. All incidents, no matter how minor, shall be logged in the Incident Book located in the clubhouse. This log is reviewed by the Committee to identify patterns and improve safety measures. First aid is only to be administered by trained personnel until emergency services arrive. For minor injuries, members and visitors are to be advised to seek medical attention as needed.
Musculoskeletal Injuries	Members are encouraged to use proper lifting techniques and ask for help when handling heavy items such as equipment, benches, and croquet hoops.  When setting up the court, removing hoops or transporting balls, be aware of the weight of the items and do not attempt to carry too much equipment at any one time.  When removing hoops, use the hoop extractor from the equipment shed as necessary.  Players must wear enclosed flat soled shoes with good grip, not sandals or flip-flops.
Medical Emergencies	In the event of a serious injury or medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately by dialing 999. The nearest defibrillator is The Ark Veterinary Surgery, 14 Church Lane, Colchester, CO3 4AF.
Fire	The fire exit is generally through the one entered i.e. the left hand door leading into the clubhouse. A fire extinguisher is available in the Kitchen and by the Ladies Toilets. In case of a fire, evacuate the building and proceed to the assembly point on Elianore Road.
Severe Weather	During thunderstorms or heavy rain, play must stop immediately. Players are to seek shelter, ideally in the clubhouse, until conditions improve. In cases of extreme heat, members are strongly advised to take breaks, remain hydrated, and use sun protection. Shade structures are provided near seating areas.

2. Playing the game 

Potential Hazard	Mitigation
Tripping	Be aware of the positioning of other players and spectators to avoid accidental contact. Ensure all paths, playing surfaces, and surrounding areas are free of obstructions. Hoops, balls and boundary boards all present a trip hazard. Take care when stepping over items, particularly boundary boards when leaving the court.  Be aware when wooden pegs are used on the boundaries to indicate halfway points.  Always avoid walking backwards when focusing on the game.  Our courts are well-maintained and generally free from trip hazards, but occasionally birds or animals will damage lawns. All members are to take responsibility for filling these holes before play with topsoil from the shed.
Slipping	Players must wear closed in flat soled shoes with good grip. Court surfaces and surrounding areas can be slippery when wet and members are to be extra alert and take extra care. In particular when accessing courts 3&4, use the steps and handrail rather than the grass slope.
Being struck by a ball  Being struck by a mallet  Damaged Equipment	Croquet balls are hard and heavy so take care if attempting to stop a fast-moving ball. When playing a shot, be aware of the position of others on the court, especially where a court is double-banked. If playing a hard clearance shot in the clubhouse direction, be aware of the presence of spectators on the terrace.  While a rare occurrence, mallets can cause painful bruises to ankles and shins. Keep a safe distance from others whilst shots are being played. Do not throw mallets in disgust after missing a hoop!  Ensure all equipment brought onto the grounds is safe and in good working condition.  Members are required to inspect mallets and balls for safety before each use. Damaged equipment is to be reported and removed from use until repaired or replaced.  Use equipment responsibly and ensure it is returned in safe condition.
Weather Related	Check weather forecasts before attending the club. Playing in adverse weather conditions (e.g. thunderstorms, extreme heat) is discouraged.  The club provides shaded areas, and members are strongly advised to wear sunscreen, appropriate clothing, a hat,  and stay hydrated.
Lawn treatments	Where treatments have been applied to the lawns, take care and wash hands afterwards. Members shall always be made aware when treatments have been applied.  Play should not take place when courts are being treated or grass is being cut.
Lawn surrounds	Be aware of blackberry thorns, spines and sap allergies when recovering balls hit off lawns. Also be aware of fences when recovering balls which have been hit off court.
Visitors & open days	If guests are signed in, it is your responsibility to make them aware of relevant risks, especially from trip hazards from balls and boundary boards.

3. The Clubhouse

Potential Hazard	Mitigation
Kitchen/Catering Chemicals Electrical Fire	Members shall take similar care as they would in their own kitchen. For example – Follow good hygiene guidelines at all times.  – Take care with hot pans and ovenware – wear oven gloves at all times. – Regularly inspect sell-by dates on fridge items. Discard those out of date  – Keep floors clean and clear of obstacles – Clear up any spillage immediately Keep children out of kitchen  – Take care when pouring boiling water from kettle or tea urn.  – Take care when using sharp knives  – Take care when washing glasses and ceramics. Dispose safely of any broken bottles, glasses, and ceramics. Use only proprietary brands. Keep chemicals in their original containers away from food supplies. Store in the designated cupboard. Use rubber gloves to protect hands.  Regularly inspect electrical kitchen equipment for serviceability including kettle, water boiler; fridge, cooker, freezer and dishwasher. Report any issues via the Incident Book.  Ensure power to the kettle and tea urn is off, and turn off all lights when leaving.  Avoid trailing electrical leads.  Electrical work must be carried out by a qualified person.  There are foam extinguishers in the kitchen and seating area, and a CO2 extinguisher in the kitchen along with a fire blanket. Housekeeping volunteers must check for potential hazards on a weekly basis and report/remediate as necessary.
Chairs & Tables	Do not stand on chairs or tables.  When moving chairs and tables, avoid the risk of back injury, use proper lifting techniques and ask for help when handling heavy items. Do not lift too much at one time, especially stacks of chairs. Do not block exits.
Toilets	The toilets are cleaned regularly, but appropriate hygiene rules apply. Avoid drinking from taps – use the kitchen taps instead.
Smoking	There is no smoking in the clubhouse or on the terrace. Smoking is permitted only in the car park, being sensitive to players on Court 1.
Covid-19 / Infectious disease	Avoid the clubhouse if you are feeling unwell to prevent the spreading of germs. Do not share equipment. Wash hands regularly and maintain a distance with other members. Wear a mask if able.

4. The Grounds

Potential Hazard	Description and Mitigation
Car park	Always be alert to vehicles moving in the carpark. Care is to be taken when accessing the car park as the ground is somewhat uneven. Croquet must not be played on frosty or icy lawns. However, even if the lawns appear clear, there may still be icy patches around the grounds. In these conditions, extra care is needed, especially on the slope from the car park to the veranda. When our car park is full, parking on Elianore Road is possible, but please park considerately, avoiding residents’ driveways and taking care when opening doors.  Take care when leaving when exiting the car park. Although Elianore Road is relatively quiet, it is narrow and often has parked cars. Please stop at the exit and look both ways before proceeding.  The car park is unlit at night so extra care should be taken.
Maintenance areas	The majority of members and guests never need to access the maintenance areas around the back and sides of the clubhouse and sheds. Volunteers doing gardening or repair work must make themselves aware of potential trip hazards in these areas
Shed and container	The shed and container are used to store equipment and chemicals for lawn treatment and appropriate care must be taken when accessing. In particular, avoid leaving lids off containers. Always wear appropriate gloves.

5. Use of Equipment and Machinery

Potential Hazard	Mitigation
Use of Club Equipment and Machinery	Only authorised members who have received proper training are to operate club equipment and machinery, such as lawnmowers, line markers, and other maintenance tools. Unauthorised use of any club machinery is strictly prohibited to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
Use of Personal Equipment	If you are bringing your own equipment to the club, please: – Ensure you have a complete understanding of the equipment’s operation and the associated risks. – Confirm that your equipment meets appropriate safety standards. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations and instructions.
Clothing	When using any club equipment or machinery, please wear the following protective gear as appropriate: – Sturdy Boots: To provide stability and prevent slips. – Safety Glasses: Essential when there is a risk of debris or dust. – Ear Defenders: To protect hearing when operating loud machinery. – Stout Gloves: To shield hands from sharp or heated surfaces. Wear proper attire, including old or protective clothing, as certain chemicals, such as line marking paint, may stain. Members are to avoid loose clothing and jewellery, as these can catch in moving parts.
Chemicals	The shed and container contain chemicals such as petrol, lawn preparations, weedkiller, pesticides, paint and wood stain.  Some chemicals used for lawn care and maintenance, such as pesticides and marking paints, can be hazardous if not handled correctly.  Always wear protective gear (boots, gloves, eye protection, and appropriate clothing) when handling any chemical. Store chemicals securely after use, in designated locations and containers. Avoid skin contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion of chemicals, and wash hands thoroughly after use. Follow disposal guidelines as per manufacturer instructions.
Electrical	Avoid tangled or trailing power leads, which pose trip and shock hazards. Always use a plug-in circuit breaker to protect against electric shock and power surges. Ensure all electrical equipment is in good condition and has been safety-checked prior to use. Report any damaged or faulty equipment immediately, and do not use it until repairs have been completed. Electrical work must be carried out by a qualified person.
Lifting	Lifting heavy objects is sometimes necessary for setting up equipment or maintaining club grounds. To prevent injuries, particularly to the back, members are to use proper lifting techniques and avoid lifting alone whenever possible.  Before lifting, check the weight and stability of the object. If it’s too heavy or awkward to handle alone, ask for assistance or use a mechanical aid, such as a trolley. Clear your path of obstacles, wet surfaces, or uneven ground that could cause trips or slips while carrying the load. Never attempt to lift beyond your capacity. If the load is too heavy, unstable, or large, request help from others or consider breaking down the load into smaller, more manageable parts. To put down the load, reverse the lifting process by bending your knees and keeping your back straight. Set the load down carefully, avoiding any sudden drops.
Ladders	Ladders should be supported by another person at ground level.
Working alone	For volunteers and members who are working alone at the club, additional precautions are necessary to ensure personal safety.  Understand the steps to take in case of an accident or other emergency, including contacting emergency services. Ensure you know the exact location of the First Aid kit, and check that it is stocked with essential supplies before starting your work. Always inform a friend, family member, or club representative about your intended work schedule and expected finish time.  Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and readily accessible while working. If you sustain an injury, apply first aid if you are able, and contact emergency services if necessary. Notify your emergency contact if you require assistance. Know the location of fire exits and extinguishers, and have a clear evacuation route in mind. In case of fire, evacuate immediately and call emergency services from a safe location. If any equipment malfunctions or poses a risk, discontinue use immediately, secure the area, and report the issue in the Incident Book. Avoid high-risk tasks (e.g. using power tools or working at height) if you are alone. These tasks are only be performed with another person present for added safety. Take regular breaks to rest and assess your environment. If you begin to feel tired, dizzy, or unwell, stop work and contact your emergency contact if needed.