Risk Assessment
The Government recently announced that Play Parks could be re-opened on 4 July 2020 and subsequently produced guidance offering “practical advice on how these can be reopened and managed effectively to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of COVID-19”. The guidance is available at:
The guidance includes a requirement to “carry out an appropriate COVID-19 risk assessment”. It is made very clear that “Failure to complete a risk assessment which takes account of COVID-19, or completing a risk assessment but failing to put in place sufficient measures to manage the risk of COVID-19, could constitute a breach of health and safety law”. On that basis, this Risk Assessment takes each of the Key Principles as set out in the guidance and assesses whether or not practical arrangements can be put in place in the context of opening up the School Lane play park.
To view the risk assessment results, click here:
https://coningsby.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/187/play-area-covid-risk-assessment
The School Lane Play Area is open from Tuesday 7th July and may be used at visitors’ own risk – signage is clear on this.
Conclusions
Insurance company have been contacted and confirmed that Council make additional visits and clear signage covering the fact that personal/parental responsibility is the key driver in getting play area reopened safely.
With all the above in place persons if unfortunate enough to contract the virus would find it very difficult to prove it developed from use of the Council’s play park.
WPS Insurers cannot give specific advice but have been informed of this risk assessment and opening date.
Risk Assessments undertaken by Cllr Donnellan the Clerk and Play park CT/Assistant Clerk conclusions agreed by all councillors.