Health & Safety

Keeping our members, volunteers and communities safe while we serve

District 105SW is committed to promoting safe working practices across our meetings, events, fundraising activities and community projects. Good health and safety is part of planning every activity properly and making sure reasonable steps are taken to protect Lions, volunteers and members of the public.

Health & Safety

Our Approach

Lions clubs carry out a wide variety of activities, from community events and fundraising to larger District events and conventions. Each activity brings different considerations, so clubs and organisers should identify potential risks and put appropriate measures in place before an activity takes place.

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Members should follow agreed procedures, use equipment appropriately and raise any concerns they identify.

Risk Assessments

A suitable risk assessment should be completed when required for Lions activities and events.

The assessment should identify potential hazards, consider who could be affected and set out the steps being taken to reduce the risk. Risk assessments should be completed during the planning of an activity and reviewed if arrangements or circumstances change.

District meetings, District Convention and other District activities should have appropriate documented risk assessments in place.

Events & Activities

Those organising Lions events should consider health and safety from the earliest stages of planning.

Depending on the activity, this may include:

the suitability and accessibility of the venue
safe use of equipment
fire and emergency arrangements
first-aid provision
crowd and traffic management
food safety and hygiene
working with contractors or outside organisations
activities involving children or vulnerable people
weather and environmental conditions
safe working for members and volunteers

The level of planning required should be appropriate to the size and nature of the activity.

Accidents & Incidents

Accidents, incidents and significant near misses connected with Lions activities should be reported through the appropriate Lions procedures.

Reporting incidents allows appropriate action to be taken and helps clubs and the District identify whether changes are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Where emergency assistance is required, the emergency services should always be contacted first.

Working Safely

Members and volunteers should be given the information, guidance and supervision they need to carry out an activity safely.

Equipment should be suitable for its intended purpose and used correctly. Where specialist knowledge, training or qualifications are required, activities should only be undertaken by appropriately competent individuals.

No member should feel expected to carry out an activity they reasonably believe would place themselves or somebody else at unnecessary risk.

First Aid & Emergencies

Event organisers should consider the level of first-aid provision appropriate for their activity and make sure members know what to do in an emergency.

Emergency arrangements should take account of the venue, number of people attending, nature of the activity and any additional risks identified during planning.

Food Safety

Where Lions prepare, handle or serve food, appropriate food hygiene practices and relevant legal requirements should be followed.

Event organisers should also consider allergies and other dietary requirements where these may present a safety risk.

Need Advice or Want to Report a Concern?

If you have a health and safety question relating to a District 105SW activity, or need to report a concern, please contact the District Health & Safety Officer.

District Health & Safety Officer

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