Visits and outings

Visits, trips, and outings are important core activities for many organisations, bringing important benefits for all concerned. Depending on what is involved, they may need careful planning to ensure that everyone remains safe.

Many organisations that arrange visits and outings for others will have specific responsibilities under health and safety law. This includes general duties set out in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

You may need to:

• Complete a risk assessment if you are an employer, to identify the precautions you need to take
• Implement adequate precautions, providing information and training for any staff involved
• Document your arrangements and responsibilities for preventing accidents during visits and trips, perhaps as part of your health and safety policy, where one is required to comply with health and safety law
• Keep records of what you have done.

Depending on the nature of the visits, these may include:

• Identifying those that might need extra planning, as opposed to more routine visits involving an everyday level of risk
• The appropriateness of the location to be visited, particularly for disabled people
• Precautions in the context of the distance that needs to be travelled, the type of activity, and the location
• Any parental consent that might be required
• Staffing levels, including those who need any specialist skills
• Transport arrangements and vehicles
• Arrangement for food and drink
• Any special care needs, including medication and first-aid
• Safeguarding arrangements
• Contingency plans in the event of an emergency, breakdown, or delay.

For more information on visits and outings, download our guide.