Posted By Paul Darby
Underwater hockey???? If you meet another safety advisor for underwater hockey I will be truly humbled!

You should have entitled your post "Underwater hockey" you would have received thousands of replies!

As for the issue of liability, unfortunately it is complex. I have been in your situation before and decided not to proceed with advice as the whole professional indemnity thing got very deep, and as I re-call I needed to be trading as a company, not just an individual, on a voluntary basis, helping out.

It would be interesting to hear if anyone else has been in this situation?... and I don't mean regarding underwater hockey!

Posted By holmezy
Claire (y)

have been in a similar position with a rugby club. I was willing to offer advise under the proviso that it was purely that, and that I was doing so as an active member of the club, in the best interests etc, and was covered by their insurance if need be.

Whereas it sounds quite a vulnerable position, providing you get as much "free" guidance from HSE website there shouldn't be too many situations that you can't have an input to. I presume you have an active knowledge of the sport? Alot of it is common sense in terms of what you shouldn't do or what controls you need to take for other non sporting activities, but this of course will depend on size, location, clubhouse, meeting place etc.

Others will probably disagree and suggest you need £10 million public liability insurance, but not necesary in my view.

Holmezy

Posted By Philip Harrison
I played octopush when I was a memebr of my local diving club, now I am a health and safety officer. Is that close enough
Regards
PH

Posted By DRB
If I were you I'd make sure I kept my head above water and didn't get in too deep!!!

Sorry but I couldn't resist it...

Posted By David Bannister
Hi Claire, it seems to me that as a member of the club and presumably a participant in the sports, along with your qualifications and knowledge of H&S you are an ideal person for the role - hence their request!

If you supply your services on a voluntary basis you may find that the club's insurances will provide cover against your negligence. However if you take any fee then you are on your own. If your employer is a H&S consultancy they will (should?) have suitable arrangements in place. If you decide the self-employed route then you would be well advised to take out appropriate insurances.

In any event, what are you worried about? If you do a competent job then fine, the risks are dealt with. If you are incompetent then it is highly unlikely that you would be subject to individual action, provided you have not been grossly negligent.

As stated in previous posts, the primary duty of care is by the club to its users. If they breach that duty etc etc then they are liable. By appointing you as their competent H&S adviser they are attempting to discharge some of that duty.

Are you competent to do this? If you answer that question truthfully then you have your answer.

Final advice: too much water's bad for you.

Posted By Raymond Rapp
Claire

I have provided health and safety advice to my golf club on the basis that I do it purely as a member and without any fee. Therefore I do not need any insurance etc. If you wish to provide h&s advice as above there is no problem.

Incidentally, I do not have any personal golf insurance and I am covered by my club's indemnity. Why would I want to take out personal insurance - for a civil claim? I don't think so.

Ray

Posted By Raymond Rapp
Brian

Just for the record in over 20 years of playing golf I have never taken out insurance and all golfers should be covered by the club's indemnity. I know personal insurance is available but I cannot understand why anyone would want to take it up. Although willing to be enlightend.

Apologies to Claire for digressing.

Ray