This risk assessment aims to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with short-mat indoor bowls activities. The assessment considers various risks related to player safety, equipment handling, including adherence to national public health guidelines.
In line with industry best practices, this document outlines the current control measures in place as well as recommendations for additional actions to enhance safety. The assessment evaluates risks such as slips, trips, falls, surface maintenance, manual handling, and general good hygiene practices, ensuring that all bowlers and spectators are protected.
The goal of this risk assessment is to foster a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, whether experienced bowlers or newcomers, while adhering to the highest standards of health and safety.
Hazard: Slips, Trips & Falls
Who Might be Harmed:
- Bowlers
- Spectators
- General members of the public
Current Controls:
- Observe the Generic INDOOR risk assessment.
- Care should be taken when stepping on and off the mat.
- Woods out of play should be placed carefully at the edge of the mat, near the fender.
- Avoid leaving bowls gear in walkways. Stow bags under spectator chairs.
- Care should be taken not to inadvertently step on or kick woods.
Likelihood: Likely
Consequence: Moderate
Risk Score: 12 (High)
Additional Control Measures Required:
- Maintain a clear and observable walk path on each side of the mat.
- Move equipment not required for the game well to the side.
- Ensure the mat edge is kept in good condition—report any rucks or tears immediately.
- Only woods required for play should be on the mat; out-of-play woods should be stowed on the collection tray.
- Fender position to be checked and replaced before each end.
- Ensure spectators are informed about safe walking paths and advised to stay clear of the playing area.
Residual Risk Score:
Likelihood: Unlikely
Consequence: Minor
Risk Score: 4 (Low)
Hazard: Playing Surface Maintenance & Safety
Who Might be Harmed:
- All users
Current Controls:
- Use a foot/delivery mat at all times.
- The playing surface should be kept clean and dust-free.
- The mat should be rolled and stowed correctly to prevent curling.
- Woods should be delivered as close to the ground as possible.
- No food or drinks on the playing surface.
- Spray chalk used to mark “touchers” without damaging the surface.
Likelihood: Likely
Consequence: Moderate
Risk Score: 12 (High)
Additional Control Measures Required:
- Ensure the playing surface is vacuumed regularly to remove dust and debris.
- Good delivery actions should be coached and reinforced to reduce the risk of strain or injury.
- Bowling mats should be stored where they cannot be ‘sat upon’ or accidentally damaged by other hall users
- Spectators should use foot mats to cross the playing surface.
Residual Risk Score:
Likelihood: Unlikely
Consequence: Minor
Risk Score: 4 (Low)
Hazard: Cuts & Grazes
Who Might be Harmed?
- No identifiable risks found.
Hazard: Lifting & Manual Handling
Who Might be Harmed:
- Bowlers
Current Controls:
- Observe generic manual handling guidance—bend your knees, not your back.
- Typical weight of a wood is 1.4 kg (similar to a large bag of flour).
- The bowls mat should be considered a two-person lift when rolled.
- Fender length should be considered when lifting.
Likelihood: Possible
Consequence: Moderate
Risk Score: 9 (Medium)
Additional Control Measures Required:
- Only pick up one wood at a time from the floor.
- Consider using a bowls lifter for easier lifting.
- Two or more woods should be carried using a bowls carrier.
- When lifting the mat, use a scaffold pole for added support.
- Ensure two-person lifting is employed for the mat and fender.
Residual Risk Score:
Likelihood: Unlikely
Consequence: Minor
Risk Score: 4 (Low)
Hazard: Strains & Sprains
Who Might be Harmed:
- Bowlers
Current Controls:
- Use a bowling aid if required.
- Care should be taken when kneeling to measure or mark woods.
- Disabled bowlers must be allowed to adopt a comfortable stance when delivering.
Likelihood: Likely
Consequence: Moderate
Risk Score: 12 (High)
Additional Control Measures Required:
- Reinforce good delivery actions during coaching sessions.
- Encourage a warm-up/down routine before and after games to reduce strain.
- Allow flexibility in bowling stance for bowlers with disabilities.
Residual Risk Score:
Likelihood: Unlikely
Consequence: Minor
Risk Score: 4 (Low)
Hazard: Bruising or Breaks (from Heavy Shots)
Who Might be Harmed:
- Bowlers
- Spectators
Current Controls:
- Bowlers should be cautious when playing a heavy-weight shot intended to move one or more woods or the jack.
- Avoid kicking the woods hard when clearing the end.
- Warn players at the head end and on adjacent mats of any heavy shots being played.
Likelihood: Possible
Consequence: High
Risk Score: 8 (Medium)
Additional Control Measures Required:
- Warn bowlers of the risks of heavy shots and encourage safe play.
- Keep woods in stow areas near the fender to avoid stray shots.
- Ensure clear communication before delivering a heavy shot to avoid accidents.
Residual Risk Score:
Likelihood: Unlikely
Consequence: Minor
Risk Score: 3 (Low)
Hazard: Public Health (and Good Hygiene Practices)
Who Might be Harmed:
- All bowlers
- Spectators
- Club staff
Current Controls:
- Follow general public health guidelines for hygiene.
- Hygiene Reduce risk of contact exposure
- Time Limit time in enclosed areas
- Distance Increase distance between participants
- Shielding Use barriers as a last defence
- Do not play if experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness.
- Encourage regular hand washing and sanitizing.
- Avoid sharing equipment where possible.
Likelihood: Likely
Consequence: High
Risk Score: 15 (High)
Additional Control Measures Required (Based on Current Public Health Guidelines):
- Provide hand sanitizers in key locations within the club grounds.
- Members should be encouraged to carry personal hand sanitizers.
- Reduce high-contact interactions (e.g., no handshakes or physical contact).
- Frequently clean shared equipment such as mats, jacks, and fenders.
- Avoid cash transactions; encourage contactless payment where possible.
- If using shared equipment, ensure thorough cleaning before and after use.
- Maintain proper ventilation in enclosed spaces.
- Provide clear guidance on health and hygiene expectations for all bowlers.
Residual Risk Score:
Likelihood: Unlikely
Consequence: High
Risk Score: 5 (Medium)
Other General Measures:
- Training & Awareness: Ensure all members are aware of the risk assessment and control measures in place. Provide regular training to bowlers and club staff.
- Emergency Protocols: Implement and clearly communicate emergency procedures for injury, illness, or fire.
- Ensure first aid kits are readily available and easily accessible.
- Ensure fire exits and evacuation routes are clearly marked and regularly tested.
- Accessibility: Consider adjustments for bowlers with disabilities, such as accessible entry points and seating areas.
- Psychological Safety & Well-being: Foster an inclusive environment where members feel comfortable reporting hazards and requesting support.
Risk Assessment Review Form
Assessment Title: Indoor Bowls Risk Assessment
Date of Review: ______________________
Assessor Name: ______________________
Review Period: ______________________
Location:
1. Hazard Identification Review
- Were all relevant hazards identified and assessed?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________ - Are there any additional hazards that should be considered?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If Yes, please specify: _______________________________________________________________
2. Current Control Measures
- Are the current control measures adequate to mitigate identified risks?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________ - Are the control measures clearly communicated to all participants?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________ - Are there any additional control measures required?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If Yes, please specify: _______________________________________________________________
3. Likelihood & Consequence Assessment
- Do you agree with the likelihood and consequence ratings assigned to each hazard?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________ - Are the residual risk scores accurate after control measures have been applied?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________
4. Public Health (COVID-19) Protocols
- Are the COVID-19 protocols aligned with current public health guidelines?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________ - Are the hygiene and social distancing measures appropriate and being followed?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________ - Do any additional COVID-19 precautions need to be implemented?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If Yes, please specify: _______________________________________________________________
5. Recommendations for Improvement
- Based on the current risk assessment, do you have any recommendations for improvement?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If Yes, please specify: _______________________________________________________________
6. Final Remarks & Sign-Off
- Overall Evaluation of the Risk Assessment:
☐ Satisfactory ☐ Needs Improvement ☐ Unsatisfactory - Additional Comments/Recommendations:
Assessor’s Signature: ______________________________
Date: ____________________________________________
