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Horse Council British Columbia

Competition

 

The


Official’s Guide


To


Risk Management


Capri Insurance Services Ltd.
provide the Insurance Programs for the Horse Council of British Columbia
and the Alberta Equestrian Federation

Insurance (including injury) is available to Clubs, Coaches, & Officials who are members and apply to Capri Insurance for coverage.

Capri Insurance are pleased to accept
your inquiries or questions.

Call Toll Free to 1-800-670-1877
(ask for the Equine Department)


Prelude:

Risk Management reduces exposure to
an accident or a loss and is of great
concern to the Horse Council of British
Columbia and its’ membership.

Everyone associated with or participating in equestrian activities can play an important role in the Risk Management process. Everyone can bring their own experience and awareness to situations making equestrian events a safer environment.

Eliminating exposures and reducing
accident severity includes the following
two measures:
a) Prevention
b) Response

Prevention of Injury or Damage
(to people or property of others):

1. Ask the event organizers if they have
appointed a Safety Officer and introduce yourself. Safety Officers are empowered to take the necessary steps to ensure the entire premises is safe for everyone (spectators, participants and animals).

2. Safety Officers and event organizers
will appreciate any assistance to their
Risk Management.

3. Anything you notice that could present a problem to anyone anywhere on the premises should be reported to the Safety Officer or the event organizers.

Response to Accidents causing Injury or Damage:

1. Halt the event.

2. Obtain or provide assistance (for
injured people or animals).

3. Contain the situation to avoid further accident.

4. Control crowds for their protection and to allow access by emergency personnel.

5. Make notes as soon as possible
(obtain names, addresses and phone
numbers of witnesses), and complete an “Accident Report Form”

SUGGESTIONS TO CONTROL EXPOSURES FOR A “SAFE SITE”

Be aware of all hazardous items,
situations, or conditions that could give rise to bodily injury or
property damage. Ask yourself, “is there the remotest chance of an accident being caused by this situation”?

PUBLIC:
1. Are public areas free of all hazards possible? (slip/trip hazards, equipment in the way, animal’s proximity to others, etc.)

2. Have precautions been taken to control hazards that cannot be eliminated? (barricades, sound fencing, supervision of animal areas, etc.)

3. Are spectators restricted to certain controlled areas? (parking, seating, viewing etc.)

4. Are animals separated from people and property of others as much as is practical? (stable area, fencing, loading/unloading areas, holding/warm-up/practice areas, etc.)

5. Are signs prominently posted and clearly worded to warn of all known hazards? (restricted areas, slip fall dangers, smoking restrictions, existence of animals, etc.)

6. Is access to competition areas strictly limited to officials, competitors, emergency personnel and trainers?

7. Is there a good supply of safe drinking water in well identified locations for spectators to avoid people wandering into unsecured or restricted areas?

PARTICIPANTS:

1. Have the participants read and signed Release and acknowledgment forms?

2. Are the rules, regulations, and safetyrelated notes available to participants?

3. Is there a good supply of safe drinkingwater in well identified locations for participants and horses to avoid heat stroke?

4. Are all participants wearing the proper attire ( i.e. hard hat with harness, boots with a heel, etc.)?

5. Are ”warm-up” areas designated where no lounging is allowed if others are riding?

6. Check safety of footing, jumps, fence barriers, barns (i.e. protruding nails etc.).

7. Be cognizant of various weather
conditions, the effect on horses,
individuals, and how they can perform. Be prepared to respond should conditions change. (i.e. storms, lightning, hail, excessive heat or cold, time of day & light availability).

8. Are equipment checks made prior to the event to ensure it is safe and usable?

GENERAL:

1. Make certain that liability insurance is in place and adequate.

2. Determine the specific safety hazards for the specific competition.

3. Only allow dogs on site if under control and on a leash.

4. Have a “horse ambulance” i.e. stock trailer, vehicle and several ropes on hand and available for use in emergencies.

5. Are hazardous materials or any
equipment presenting a danger well
stored and out of reach of horses and
animals?

6. Is there a policy to deal with unruly or unsafe animals who are present at the event?

7. Are rules of conduct for the exercise and warm-up areas posted and enforceable?

SUGGESTIONS TO ASSIST IN RESPONDING TO ACCIDENTS


FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FOLLOWING:

1. Are Emergency phone numbers posted by phones which are at known locations?

2. Is First Aide equipment readily available and in obvious locations?

3. Is there a Paramedic / First Aid / Ambulance service at the site or available to espond?

4. Are First Aide Attendants present and easily Identifiable by uniform or arm band?

5. Is congestion controlled on the premises to provide access for emergency vehicles?

6. Is there a supply of “Accident Report Forms” to obtain important information should an accident occur?

 

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