Risk Assessments
Risk assessments help Tendring Parish Council prevent harm, meet legal duties, and protect its reputation, finances, and the community in which we serve.
Tendring Parish Council has risk assessments to identify and manage potential hazards or threats that could affect:
- Public Safety
- Council Staff
- Volunteers
- Assets and Property
- Events and Activities
- Legal and Financial Obligations
Key Reasons Why Risk Assessments Are Required:
Legal Requirement
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other UK legislation, parish councils have a duty of care to ensure the safety of:
- Employees
- Contractors
- Volunteers
- Members of the public using council facilities or attending events
They must assess risks and put measures in place to minimize them.
Protection of Public and Staff
Tendring Parish Council manages:
- Playgrounds
- Community events
- Public Footpaths (some)
All of these can pose risks. Risk assessments help prevent injuries, complaints, or even legal action.
Insurance Compliance
Insurance companies often require risk assessments as part of their conditions. Failure to conduct them could invalidate coverage if something goes wrong.
Good Governance and Accountability
Risk assessments show that the council is:
- Acting responsibly
- Using public money wisely
- Planning ahead to reduce liability and unexpected costs
Event Planning
When Tendring Parish Council runs community events (eg. Scarecrow Festival, Christmas events), risk assessments are essential for:
- Crowd control
- Emergency procedures
- Fire safety
- Equipment safety