|
Post by CarolineNelson on Mar 25, 2018 7:51:42 GMT
As a 'volunteer' a person would not be classed as 'employed'.
From a large show at which I steward, the wording used on the letter is ". . . invite you to Steward at the XXXXX show . . . " The subsequent letter, assigning the duties, is worded - "thank you for volunteering to Steward at the XXXXX show . . " etc.
At this show, attendance at the Stewards briefing is 'highly encouraged' (my words) so that "stewards are fully conversant with stewarding practices and operations at the XXXXX show". Further information in booklet form is also issued.
I've heard that some (small) shows actually pay their stewards (and judges) - more than the usual recompense of travel expenses etc. This seems a very unwise practice as surely it would remove the genuinely voluntary element.
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Mar 25, 2018 9:46:46 GMT
Would it not be better to clearly state what type of insurance a show has, who it covers and for what in clear laymen's terms?
|
|
|
Post by sjw87 on Mar 25, 2018 11:15:59 GMT
A volunteer would not be directly classed as an employee but the organisers have a duty of care to anyone who comes to the show in whatever capacity to keep them safe from harm.
|
|
|
Post by CarolineNelson on Mar 25, 2018 11:51:54 GMT
Would it not be better to clearly state what type of insurance a show has, who it covers and for what in clear laymen's terms? It certainly would. Interestingly, when I DID incur an injury a few years ago when stewarding, (duly reported to the organisational team) I put it down to proverbial 'experience'. However, as the injury proved to be quite significant, I claimed via my OWN Insurance. It didn't occur to me to do otherwise. Subsequently, that 'Body part' is no longer covered by my Insurers. . . . . Now, I'm experienced. Made my own choices. But, what if I were to have been a much younger person, maybe 'coerced' to help out on the day as a 'favour for a friend'. Food for thought.
|
|
|
Post by Steward on Mar 25, 2018 13:12:36 GMT
I suggest that ALL societies should now publish either on here or by email to all their members, their current insurance policy. Stating clearly who/what is covered and any age restrictions. To clear up any ambiguity and to allow any spectators/competitors/judges or stewards etc to make an informed decision.
I also suggest ALL societies publish their event Risk Assessments prior to any event. Clearly available for all to read, maybe at the secretary office/online.
ALL show organisers should be aware that if ANY perceived danger is brought to their attention by anyone, and they do nothing to rectify it, if that danger causes an accident they are potentially liable. This is fact. Equally if any competitor or spectator notices an issue and does not 'discharge their responsibility' and alert the organisers/an official they too are potentially liable.
I have attended shows in an official capacity in the past where the ring boundary was 2 strands of barbed wire. There was a Dutch Harrow in the corner of the ring hidden in long grass, tines upwards! Additionally there was a mixed worker/flat collecting/warm-up ring.
I refused to judge until rectified.
This was brought to the organisers attention, promptly followed by being aggressively spoken AT in a dismissive nature.
I also immediately notified the Chairman of judges for that society.
I received a 'black mark' from the society for doing my job as invited judge, and received an admonishing letter.
I would prefer to be struck off than endanger competitors and ponies.
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Mar 25, 2018 13:42:09 GMT
The most dangerous part of a show are the parades, the one at the Royal Welsh particularly so, where when I was showing they had mixed cattle and horses in the main ring at the same time, with some of the bull handlers "grass-skiing" around the ring and quad bikes being ridden up and down behind the lead rein and first ridden ponies, not to mention the walk way to the ring where we were forced to queue and then being over-taken by cob stallions and gigs.
|
|
|
Post by Steward on Mar 25, 2018 15:51:49 GMT
The most dangerous part of a show are the parades, the one at the Royal Welsh particularly so, where when I was showing they had mixed cattle and horses in the main ring at the same time, with some of the bull handlers "grass-skiing" around the ring and quad bikes being ridden up and down behind the lead rein and first ridden ponies, not to mention the walk way to the ring where we were forced to queue and then being over-taken by cob stallions and gigs. Their Risk Assessment must make interesting reading 🤔
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Mar 25, 2018 16:24:27 GMT
The most dangerous part of a show are the parades, the one at the Royal Welsh particularly so, where when I was showing they had mixed cattle and horses in the main ring at the same time, with some of the bull handlers "grass-skiing" around the ring and quad bikes being ridden up and down behind the lead rein and first ridden ponies, not to mention the walk way to the ring where we were forced to queue and then being over-taken by cob stallions and gigs. Their Risk Assessment must make interesting reading 🤔 Well the Royal Welsh must have had the Local Health and Safety people in their pocket as I reported it to them and I was told it was perfectly safe. They needed to go to Specsavers!
|
|