GALWAY GEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (GGA) HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT
All GGA members and participants in GGA events are expected to be aware of, and comply with, Health and Safety measures appropriate to the field trip or other activity organised by the Association. In particular, participants in GGA events must acquaint themselves with and follow the measures and advice detailed in this Health and Safety statement. While GGA undertakes to do everything possible to ensure the health and safety of participants in its events, personal health and safety are ultimately the responsibility of each participant in all situations. Participants are requested to register for events, especially field trips, only if they are satisfied that their health is such that they are in a position to safely participate in the event. Participants attend GGA events at their own risk. Participants are expected to comply fully with all health and safety instructions issued prior to or during an event. GGA and its members accept no liability for any injury or loss sustained at or connected with an event organised by the GGA. It is the policy of the GGA to strictly comply with Government guidance regarding pandemics, Met Éireann weather warnings, etc. Participants are requested to follow Government advice and ensure that their participation in an event does not contravene official guidelines.
Key points as regards Health and Safety connected with field trips and other outdoor events organised by the GGA are as follows: Every endeavour will be made to ensure that any hazards that may be associated with specific GGA events are brought to the attention of participants in a timely fashion. This will normally be done by the field-trip leader and/or Committee members. Strict compliance with specific Government regulations and advice connected with pandemics, etc. (especially Covid) is expected. Participants should not attend events if they are awaiting the results of tests for infectious disease, or have ’flu symptoms or have been recently in contact with infected person(s). On field trips, participants are required to remain with the group at all times. However, subgroups may be formed to better facilitate communication, social distancing, etc. Adherence to instructions issued by the leader of the group/subgroup is expected of all participants. The Committee reserves the right to cancel events at short notice. Such decisions will be based on weather forecasts, relevant Government directives, and specific circumstances that might pose a danger. Participants will be advised as to appropriate clothing, footwear and emergency provisions that are required/desirable for particular field trips. A first-aid kit will be available on field trips as well as relevant maps, etc. Events are not open to children unless they are accompanied by a parent/guardian who are members. Clear instructions will be provided as to rendezvous points, parking, etc. High visibility clothing are recommended and adherence to general safety regulations as in www.rsa.ie and www.transportforireland.ie is expected of all members. Particular care is required when parking or exiting parked vehicles at rendezvous points. The countryside code and the rights of locals, and especially landowners, are to be respected at all times. Every care should be taken to ensure that farm land, landscapes generally and wildlife are not destroyed or interfered with in any way. Emergency Services No.: 112