Road Warden Risk Assessment

Link to PDF Risk Assessment Document

TASK DESCRIPTION

 

Generic Risk Assessment (Road Warden) –

Volunteer Highway Works

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
LOCATION Sticklepath Parish

(Location Data can be sourced from Clerk)

Wear appropriate PPE. Tools and equipment will be inspected regularly and maintained by a competent person.

All participants in any activity will be expected to read and sign this Risk Assessment prior to engagement.

ASSESSMENT DATE 19th February 2026
ASSESSMENT REVIEW DATE February 2027 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

 

The Risks and Hazards identified in this Risk Assessment are intended as a guide, to allow appropriate mitigation and to minimise risk of harm to all Operatives and Members of Public. It is not exhaustive and it is the responsibility of all individuals to ensure that they are prepared for Road Warden associated activities and that they respond appropriately to any risk which they engage with.
ASSESSOR NAME Jake Powell (Road Warden)  
 

ACTIVITY

HAZARD DESCRIPTION PERSONS EXPOSED TO RISK RISK POTENTIAL CONTROL MEASURES RESIDUAL RISK
      H M L   H M L
Set up Traffic Management Traffic and other road users Operatives, general public H     Ensure vehicle beacons are activated. Use vehicle to protect operatives where possible. Set up traffic management as per Chapter 8 requirements. Only competent personnel to set up TM. Inspect regularly for fallen, broken signs etc. Ensure signs and cones are clean. Ensure that appropriate clothing is worn at all times (Individual Risk Assessment for an activity may have additional requirements which are not set out in this Generic Risk Assessment which will need to be adhered to.   M  
General Manual Handling activities, back strain, damage Operatives, general public   M   Correct use of equipment. All instructed not to use     L
  Slips, trips, falls – injury Operatives   M   Ensure routes are clear of obstacles, trip hazards and indentations in the ground. Ensure good tread depth on footwear.

First Aid Kit to be available at all times.

    L
  Traffic General Public   M   All public must stay on footways, pavements or verges and not work on the road under any circumstances.     L
  Children General Public   M   No permission to any activity for children under 16 years of age who are unsupervised.

Children who are supervised are the responsibility of their assigned adult

    L
  Weather Operatives, general public     L As above. Beware of wet surfaces. Assess whether or not works can be carried out if adverse conditions. Stay covered and hydrated in hot weather, apply suncream to exposed skin when necessary. Operatives to be provided with thermal protection in cold conditions.

First Aid Kit to be available at all times.

    L
  Water hazards, e.g. drowning Operatives, general public   M   Operatives and general public to be advised, in general to stay clear of water.

In the instance that work is being carried out near a water source, all workers to be briefed of dangers and to apply strategies to minimise individual or group risk.

    L
  Violence/Abusive Behaviour Operatives, general public   M   Assigned tasks will be on public land designated by SPC. No trespassing onto private land will be permitted unless in the case of an emergency.

All workers are advised not to challenge any member of the public who is using abusive language and to walk away to avoid further harm. If any doubt for your own safety then ring 999 for further assistance.

    L
  Medical Conditions Operatives, general public   M   All participants to declare any pre-existing health conditions to party leader before working. Any medication provided is the responsibility of the individual user or their designated carer.     L
Handling Sharps Blood born diseases (HIV, Hepatitis) Operatives   M   Always assume sharps are present and be vigilant. Never place hands in gullies or other pits blindly. Use specialist sharp protective gloves and litter pick pliers to pick and place sharps into approved sharps box from gullies every time.     L
Use of Hard Tools Injury through misuse or failure Operatives   M   Select the correct tool for the right job and only use it for the job intended. Use insulated tools when digging around electrical services. Always inspect a tool to check that it is in good condition before you use it and each time you use it. Ensure handles are securely fitted. Make sure that all hand tools are well maintained. Report any defects immediately.

For all borrowed items, permission will be sought from third party prior to use and all users of this equipment will have received appropriate training before use in any activity on conducted on behalf of SPC.

    L
Contact with gully waste/stagnant water Leptospirosis (Well’s disease) Operatives H     Wash hands before eating, drinking, and smoking. Cover cuts, abrasions or open wounds with water proof dressings. If contamination occurs then seek help immediately.   M  
Site access through heavy vegetation, including thorned vegetation Slips, trips, falls, cuts to face and body from overgrown vegetation. Operatives H     Assess site prior to works for hazards and notify party leader. Wear suitable clothing, including suitable safety boots with ankle support if necessary. Cut access to vegetation if necessary. Beware of thorned vegetation and wear gloves when necessary.

In the case of anaphylactic shock, seek medical help immediately and call 999.

  M  
Snakes, insects and other animals (including cattle/dangerous animals) Bites, infection Operatives H     Inspect site prior to starting work for potential sources of invertebrates and reptiles. Be aware of surroundings, do not provoke wildlife, snakes etc, keep your distance. Avoid confrontation with any animal.

In the case of anaphylactic shock, seek medical help immediately and call 999.

  M  
Pulling Weeds Cuts to hands, pulled muscles, respiratory problems, skin and eye infection Operatives   M   Ensure suitable gloves are provided and worn. Take care when pulling. If allergic reaction report to party leader immediately. Keep skin covered, ensure suitable eye protection is worn, do not rub eyes.     L
Protruding Branches Cuts, eye injury Operatives   M   Be aware of your surroundings and wear suitable eye protection where necessary.     L
Fly tipped materials/asbestos Exposure to hazardous substances Operatives H     Do not disturb or interfere with fly tipped materials unless absolutely certain it is not hazardous.

Report immediately to WDBC Environmental Health.

    L

 

Risk Assessment Carried Out by: Cllr Powell, Road Warden  Date: …19/02/2026………….

Validated by: Members of Sticklepath Parish Council

Signed on behalf of Sticklepath Parish Council: Kevin Sales (Chairman)   Date: …02/03/2026………….

To be reviewed: February 2027