Health & Safety Policy

Last updated: 10 April 2026

1. Statement of Intent

I am committed to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of all clients, participants, and any third parties involved in my photography workshops and guided experiences.

I aim to:

  • Provide safe and well-managed outdoor experiences
  • Minimise risks associated with wildlife, terrain, weather, and remote environments
  • Comply with all relevant UK health and safety legislation
  • Promote a culture of safety awareness among participants

2. Legal Framework (UK)

This policy is informed by and complies with relevant UK health and safety legislation, including:

  • The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 and Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984
  • The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
  • The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 (where applicable)

These laws establish my duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all participants and others affected by my activities.

3. Responsibilities

Business Owner (Michael Cook)

I am responsible for:

  • Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for all workshops and locations
  • Ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place
  • Ensuring appropriate emergency preparedness systems are in place
  • Maintaining appropriate insurance cover (including public liability)
  • Maintaining a current Outdoor First Aid qualification
  • Providing clear safety briefings before activities
  • Carrying essential safety equipment during all workshops or having to hand (e.g. in a nearby car).
  • Reporting incidents where required under RIDDOR

Participants

Participants are responsible for:

  • Taking reasonable care for their own safety and that of others
  • Following all instructions given during workshops
  • Informing me of any relevant medical conditions or limitations
  • Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for conditions

4. Risk Assessment

  • I will complete a written risk assessment for each workshop location and activity
  • Risks considered include (but are not limited to):
    • Uneven terrain, slips, trips, and falls
    • Weather conditions (rain, wind, cold, heat)
    • Wildlife encounters
    • Remote locations and limited access to emergency services
    • Medical events (including illness, injury, allergic reactions, and other sudden health incidents)
  • Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated where necessary

5. Safety Briefings

Before each workshop, I will provide a safety briefing covering:

  • Planned route and terrain
  • Weather conditions
  • Potential hazards
  • Emergency procedures
  • Wildlife safety and expected conduct

6. Equipment & Clothing

Participants are advised to bring:

  • Sturdy, waterproof footwear
  • Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
  • Food and water
  • Personal medication

I will carry:

  • First aid kit suitable for outdoor environments
  • Fully charged mobile phone (where signal is available), emergency beacon where mobile signal is unlikely.
  • Emergency contact information

7. First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

I hold a current and valid Outdoor First Aid qualification, which I maintain to ensure I can respond effectively to incidents during workshops and guiding activities. I also hold the Mountain Leader qualification which qualifies me to take groups into remote mountain environments in the UK. I have also served on my local mountain rescue team in the past.

For all workshops:

  • I carry a comprehensive first aid kit
  • I maintain communication equipment appropriate to the location
  • In remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage, I carry an emergency communication device (satellite beacon, SOS device)

These measures are in place to ensure a timely and appropriate response in the event of injury or emergency, particularly in remote Scottish environments.

8. Wildlife Safety

  • A safe and respectful distance from wildlife must always be maintained
  • Wildlife must not be approached or disturbed
  • I reserve the right to change location or positioning if wildlife behaviour presents a risk

9. Weather Conditions

  • Workshops are weather-dependent
  • Activities may be modified, delayed, or cancelled if conditions are unsafe
  • Participants will be informed of changes as early as reasonably possible

10. Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency:

  • I will assess the situation and provide first aid where appropriate
  • Emergency services will be contacted if required
  • The group will be moved to a safe location if necessary
  • All incidents will be recorded and reported appropriately

11. Incident Reporting

  • All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to me immediately
  • Incidents will be documented and reviewed
  • Where required, incidents will be reported under RIDDOR to the Health and Safety Executive

12. Insurance

I maintain appropriate insurance for my activities, including:

  • Public liability insurance
  • Professional indemnity insurance

13. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or following any significant incident or operational change.

14. Contact

If you have any questions about this policy please do not hesitate to contact me

Contact Me