Livery Yard Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A livery yard risk assessment is a legal requirement for any equestrian facility in England and Wales that employs staff or provides services to the public. This comprehensive document systematically identifies potential hazards, evaluates risks, and establishes control measures to protect everyone on your premises, including staff, livery clients, visitors, and horses.

When do you need this document?

You must conduct a risk assessment if you operate a livery yard with five or more employees, though it's considered best practice regardless of staff numbers. This includes commercial livery yards, riding schools that offer livery services, breeding facilities, and yards that provide horse care services. The assessment is also essential when introducing new activities, equipment, or procedures, following any accidents or near-misses, and during regular reviews to ensure ongoing compliance. Insurance companies often require current risk assessments, and failure to maintain adequate assessments can result in prosecution and increased liability.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must identify all reasonably foreseeable hazards across different operational areas. This includes horse-related risks such as kicks, bites, and falls, as well as facility hazards like unsafe surfaces, inadequate lighting, and fire risks. You must evaluate each risk using a systematic approach, considering both likelihood and potential severity. The document should detail specific control measures for each identified risk, assign responsibilities for implementation, and establish review schedules. Key sections must address emergency procedures, staff training requirements, and visitor safety protocols. You're also required to consult with employees during the assessment process and ensure all staff understand the risks and control measures relevant to their roles.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you have a general duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others who may be affected by your operations. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require specific risk assessment procedures, including written records for employers with five or more staff. If your yard provides riding instruction, you must also comply with the Riding Establishments Act 1964, which mandates additional safety standards. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires you to assess risks to animal welfare, while COSHH Regulations 2002 govern the storage and handling of hazardous substances commonly found in yards, such as disinfectants and veterinary medicines. You must review and update your assessment annually or following significant changes, incidents, or when HSE guidance is updated. The assessment must be accessible to all staff and available for inspection by enforcement authorities.