Health & Safety Policy

Keeping everyone safe on the bank.

Entity: School Of Fish

Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

Date of Review: 01/01/2026

Next Review Date: 01/01/2027

1. General Statement of Intent

It is the policy of School Of Fish to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all our employees, trainee coaches, volunteers, and participants (including children).

We accept our responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other relevant legislation to:

• Provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our coaching activities.
• Consult with our staff and trainees on matters affecting their health and safety.
• Provide and maintain safe plant and equipment (tackle, platforms, coaching aids).
• Ensure all staff and volunteers are competent to do their tasks and to give them adequate training.
• Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health.
• Review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 The Owner

Ulvis Strokss has overall responsibility for health and safety within the organisation, ensuring that resources are available to implement this policy and that risk assessments are carried out annually.

2.2 Lead Coaches & Assistants

Are responsible for safety on the bankside during sessions. Their duties include:

• Carrying out a Dynamic Risk Assessment upon arrival at the venue (checking water levels, bank stability, overhead power lines).
• Ensuring the ratio of coaches to junior participants adheres to recognised guidelines (typically 1:4 or 1:6 depending on water type).
• Ensuring First Aid kits and Throw Lines are accessible.

2.3 Trainee Coaches & Employees

Have a legal duty to:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
• Co-operate with the Owner on health and safety matters.
• Correctly use work items provided (for example, life jackets, PPE).
• Report any hazards immediately (for example, broken platforms, rat infestations).

3. Specific Angling Risks & Control Measures

3.1 Water Safety

• Deep Water: No coaching will take place in swims deemed dangerous due to steep banks or excessive depth without life jackets.
• Throw Lines: A dedicated throw line (minimum 20m) must be present at every session.
• Falling In: If a participant falls in, the "Reach, Throw, Wade (only if safe), Row" protocol is strictly followed. Staff are not to enter deep water to rescue unless they are trained lifeguards and it is safe to do so.

3.2 Casting & Hooks (PPE)

• Eye Protection: It is mandatory for all participants (juniors, trainees, and coaches) to wear glasses (sunglasses or clear safety glasses) while fishing to prevent hook injuries to the eye.
• Barbless Hooks: School Of Fish operates a strict "Barbless or Micro-barbed only" policy to minimise injury severity.
• Casting Zones: Coaches must ensure safe distance between anglers (minimum 5 metres) to prevent accidental hooking of others.

3.3 Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis)

• Staff and participants are briefed on the risks of waterborne diseases carried by rat urine.
• Hand Hygiene: Anti-bacterial gel or wipes must be used before eating and after handling fish or water.
• Cuts and Grazes: Must be covered with waterproof plasters before the session begins.

3.4 Weather & Environmental

• Lightning: In the event of a thunderstorm, all fishing ceases immediately. Carbon fibre rods conduct electricity. Participants must move away from the water and put rods down flat on the ground.
• Overhead Power Lines: No fishing is permitted within 30 metres of overhead power cables. "Look Up, Look Out" checks are mandatory.

4. First Aid

• A qualified First Aider (usually the Lead Coach) must be present at every session.
• A fully stocked First Aid Kit (compliant with HSE standards) travels with the Lead Coach.
• Medical Forms: The Lead Coach must hold the physical copies of Medical Disclosure Forms for all participants on the day to alert them to allergies (for example, wasp stings, nuts) or conditions (for example, epilepsy).

5. Equipment Maintenance

• Tackle Checks: All rods, poles, and reels provided by School Of Fish are inspected before use. Cracked rod sections (splinter risks) are removed from service.
• Seating: Fishing chairs and boxes are checked to ensure legs are stable and locked to prevent collapse.

6. Accident Reporting (RIDDOR)

• Accident Book: All accidents, however minor (for example, a small hook graze), must be recorded in the company Accident Book.
• RIDDOR: Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, we are legally required to report certain serious accidents (for example, fractures, drowning incidents, injuries keeping staff off work for 7+ days) to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

7. Emergency Procedures

In the event of a serious emergency:

1. Stop Activity: Blow a whistle to alert all groups.
2. Assess: Lead Coach assesses the danger.
3. Call 999: If necessary (Police, Ambulance, Fire, Coastguard). Use the specific "What3Words" location for the bankside peg.
4. Evacuate: Move children to the designated Muster Point (usually the car park).
5. Parents: Contact parents immediately using emergency contact details.

Health & Safety Question?

Get in touch and we'll be happy to talk it through.

info@schooloffish.co.uk