Statement of Policy and Intent in relation to Health and Safety

  1. East Down Yacht Club considers that one of its primary objectives is the achievement and maintenance of a high standard of health and safety on its premises, and in all activities conducted under its jurisdiction.
  2. The Club also recognizes the need for, and seeks to promote, a healthy and safe working environment for all it's members, guests and employees, while they use the Club's premises and equipment.
  3. The Club will take all reasonably practicable steps to fulfil its responsibility and will pay particular attention to meeting statutory requirements and RYA guidance.
  4. The Club requires members to display a positive attitude towards Health and Safety and, in addition to abiding by the Club Rules and Sailing Instructions, members should adhere to safety procedures and instructions which have been endorsed by the Executive Committee.

The following notes will assist members.

H & S Training & Guidance

The Executive will provide both training and guidance on any aspect of club activity, on request, with a view to making our activities safe. A wide range of activity has an associated risk and via training and guidance we aim to reduce the risk. It should be your judgement as to when your experience, training and guidance sufficiently overcome the risk. Guidance sheets are prepared in relation to crane use, winch use and other activities.

Accident Book & Reporting

The statutory accident book is retained in a drawer in the kitchen. It is to be used by club officers when appropriate. The Executive would be please to hear of all accidents, even minor, via verbal, written and email reports. Monitoring and recording all incidents will give us direction on where our safety can be improved. A signed note, dated and placed in the kitchen drawer, would be a simple way to alert the Executive of a less serious accident.

Safety Maintenance

Maintenance is a continuous task and, in many cases, relates directly to safety. In the same way as the Executive wish to hear of accidents, they also wish to hear of maintenance tasks which, if conducted, will improve safety. Due to the importance of safety equipment, we must hear when such equipment is missing, damaged or faulty.

First Aid

The Club maintains first aid consumables in three locations - on shore in the First Aid Box in the kitchen and afloat in waterproof containers on both the Humber and the Osprey RIBS. Serious incidents afloat may require Coast Guard communications and Ambulance attendance. It is recommended that each member and boat should have some first aid provision. Trained First Aiders are available in the Club and the holding of an RYA Instructor’s qualification also indicates training in First Aid. A list of trained First Aiders is located with the First Aid box in the kitchen.