It is the policy of Eventing Ireland to conduct its activities in such a way that in addition to complying with relevant legislation (e.g. Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005) foremost attention is given to the health and safety of its employee’s, volunteers, members and other person’s affected either directly or indirectly by its activities in so far as is reasonably practicable.

In accordance with Section 19 and 20 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 Eventing Ireland will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that hazards relating to its activities are identified, a written risk assessment is compiled and most importantly the control measures to be implemented in order to reduce or where possible eliminate the risks are recorded, implemented and monitored.

The overall responsibility for safety relating to Eventing Ireland activities will be the responsibility of the Eventing Ireland Chairman, this responsibility is in turn delegated to volunteers, stewards, technical delegates and members who have the experience, competency and knowledge to assist in this role.

All delegated responsibilities are clearly set out in the Company Safety Statement. To ensure the safety of all those affected by Eventing Ireland’s activities, Eventing Ireland will endeavour to provide the following (where applicable):

• A safe place of work
• Safe means of access and egress
• Safe systems of work ensuring tasks are carried out in a safe manner
• Training, supervision, instruction and sufficient consultation
• A safety management system to manage the health and safety of all those affected by their activities
• To ensure suitable PPE is worn
• Safe plant & equipment

Employees, members, volunteers and others are reminded they have a significant role in looking after their own safety. Furthermore it must be accepted by employees, volunteers, members & visitors that horses are unpredictable animals, which act on instinct and accordingly have an inherent tendency to fight or flight when they perceive or feel threatened. So care is required at all times by those members, employees, volunteers or visitors handling horses on the ground or riding horses at any Eventing Ireland event, training day or other associated activity.

Date: 1 January 2024

Chairman Eventing Ireland

This document can also be downloaded here: EI H&S safety policy statement