DEVELOPING ACCIDENT TRENDS (MAY 2009)

At the meeting of the Institute of Expert Witnesses in London on 5 May 2009, the following areas were identified under 'developing accident trends':

Use of monkey bars

Falls from a height – outdoor obstacle courses/Scandinavian

Primary school – on site supervision at playtime, and before and after school

Inappropriate use of 'improvised' equipment

Progression (lack of or too rapid), especially in higher risk activities

Self defence – mismatching, inadequate surface, no risk management

'Fun activity' accidents through falls on poor impact surfaces

Compacted sand in outdoor landing areas

'Fun trampolining' – pay and jump, no supervision.  Two sets of rules or none

Formal trampolining – arms trapped at erection and dismantling for storage

State of some playing fields – rabbit holes identified as one hazard!

Impact absorbing surfaces – inadequate density

Body piercing – non compliance with national recommendations

Ill prepared practitioners in challenging terrain

Chewing gum while performing

Environment for physical activity can sometimes be 'unfit for purpose'

Need for guidance on accident report writing and of recording 'near accidents'/incidents

Non existent formal risk assessments

Dressing up races/obstacle races/sack races – adult workers

'Bonding' Days

Combat – match not addressed

Play areas – not fit for purpose

Surround walls to play areas – no coned bricks

Rugby – front row engagement phase at the scrum

Teacher injuries – poor observation points/decision making

Use of commercial groups for Primary school PE – not adequately briefed

Pupil behaviour whilst on school site

Allowing young people 'out of sight' for long periods (eg fatality)

Trampolining – 'spotters'/safety matting (thinking is changing)

Trampolining – end decks 2010 (BG Website)

Appropriateness of risk assessment – 'spotters'

Lack of competence of deliverers (in an LEA) – acceptance of an L2 in another activity

5 May 2009