IOSH has endorsed a fully revised 2nd edition of the Play Safety Forum’s ‘Managing Risk in Play Provision’.
The guidance explains how play providers can take a sensible approach to managing risk, which allows children to experience challenging play opportunities while keeping them safe from danger.
The publication is based on the premise that an element of risk in play is inevitable and can actually be beneficial to children. Risk helps children to explore their limitations and develop resilience. In her recent report on child health, the Chief Medical Officer described building resilience as an invaluable early intervention: ‘By exposing young people to low doses of challenges, in safe and supported environments, we strengthen their ability to act effectively later in life’.
“IOSH very strongly believes that children should be exposed to risk in a managed and controlled way, because risk, although we think about it in a negative context, can also be thought of as an opportunity,” said Jane White, research and information services manager at IOSH. “For us, we see risk through play as an opportunity for children to learn, to experience, to have fun. This is all part of developing what we see as a risk-intelligent society. Shaping what we hope would be very rounded young people when it comes time to go to work.”
The guide shows how play providers can use an approach to risk assessment that balances the benefits of an activity with any inherent risk, thus fully taking into account and encouraging the benefits to children and young people of challenging play experiences. It will be invaluable for those who manage spaces and settings in which children play, and for those involved in designing and maintaining them.
Said Jane White: “It takes a slightly different spin on the risk assessment process, and actually looks at the risk benefit assessment. So what this is saying is: yes we need to manage risks, but also we have to weigh them up against the benefits. For the IOSH practitioner, we’re used to talking about what’s reasonably practicable and significant, and balancing cost, maybe, against benefit. This focuses on the risk to the child against the benefit of the activity to the child and balancing the two off each other.”
IOSH originally reviewed the guide and gave comments to the authors and IOSH CEO, Jan Chmiel, has written an endorsement for the guide to support the work that they’re doing.
Robin Sutcliffe, Chair of the Play Safety Forum said: “Children need and choose exciting places to play, which inevitably means managing situations that are inherently risky. This publication recognises this and gives guidance to providers about how this can be reconciled with a natural desire for children’s safety.”
Judith Hackitt, Chair of HSE said:
“Play – and particularly play outdoors – teaches young people how to deal with risk. Without this awareness and learning they are ill equipped to deal with adult life. Outdoor play and learning is an important part of our children’s education.”
“HSE endorses the proportionate advice in the guide. We should all make sure that needless health and safety excuses do not get in the way of activities. Of course take sensible and reasonable precautions, but let young people play.”
‘Managing Risk in Play Provision’ was funded through the Social Action Fund supported by the Cabinet Office and has been endorsed by numerous organisations including the Health and Safety Executive, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the Association of Play Industries.
‘Managing Risk in Play Provision: An implementation guide’ is available at: www.playengland.org.uk/managingrisk.
