Health & Safety Policy

Last reviewed: 06/08/2025

1. Statement of Intent

Underwhelming Adventures is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants in our activities, including climbing, bouldering, and snowboarding.

2. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all activities delivered by Underwhelming Adventures, including indoor climbing, outdoor bouldering, and snowboarding sessions across the UK. It covers staff, freelancers/contractors, volunteers, and participants.

3. Responsibilities

• The Director (Mike Marcus) has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring compliance.
• All instructors are responsible for conducting dynamic risk assessments during sessions and adhering to SOPs.
• Contractors and freelancers must follow Underwhelming Adventures’ safety procedures and report any concerns.
• Clients and participants are expected to follow reasonable instructions given for their safety and the safety of others.

4. Risk Management

We undertake risk assessments for all activities and venues used. These include site-specific risk assessments reviewed regularly or following any incident. We also use detailed SOPs for indoor and outdoor climbing, snowboarding, monthly equipment checks, and assisted belay systems. These SOPs are issued to all instructors and form part of our safety system.

5. Training and Competency

All instructors are expected to hold appropriate qualifications, keep skills current, and follow our operating procedures. Where new activities or equipment are introduced, instructors receive appropriate familiarisation or training.

6. Equipment Safety

Equipment is inspected before use and subject to monthly recorded checks. Defective or suspect equipment is removed from service immediately and clearly marked. We use recognised brands and maintain equipment in line with manufacturer guidance.

7. Accident and Incident Procedures

Incidents and near misses are recorded and reviewed to improve practice. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services will be contacted and relevant parties informed. Lessons learned will be incorporated into revised procedures.

8. Health, Medical and Access Needs

We collect relevant health and access information during the booking process or at the start of sessions to ensure safety and accessibility. Participation is adapted where necessary to reflect disclosed needs.

9. Review and Monitoring

This policy is reviewed periodically or following a serious incident, near miss, or significant change in operations to ensure it remains effective and appropriate. A record of all changes and reviews is maintained.

10. Contact

For queries, concerns, or incident reporting related to health and safety, please contact:
Mike Marcus (Director)
Underwhelming Adventures
Email: info@underwhelmingadventures.com