#1. SOFTBALL
Step 1: IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS: Let’s look at the hazards associated with softball:
- Location (position to the sun)
Layout of the field (fence height, holes in the ground, rocks
and glass, lights)
- Umpires
- Ability of players
- Protective equipment
Step 2: ASSESS THE RISK: Then assess the impact of each hazard in terms of potential loss and severity:
- Mosquito bites along with the sun in your eyes can cause many injuries (bug spray and sunglasses may be a must)
- Is the fence made of chain link or wood, could you possibly flip over the fence if you run into it, possible ankle injuries along with cuts and scrapes due to field conditions
- Possible rough play with proper umpires (fake tags/not sliding when required/head first sliding)
- Muscle strains when you don’t warm up, over estimating your own ability can cause nagging injuries
- Broken teeth, facial injuries, and other injuries could occur without wearing proper equipment (catching gear)
Step 3: ANALYZE RISK CONTROL MEASURES: Once you have identified the hazards and assessed the associated risk, you should decide on some controls that can be employed to reduce or mitigate the hazards:
- Wear bug spray, if needed, and sunglasses
- Realize how much area is around the field in foul ground, look for
sprinkler heads, rocks, and other debris
- Play to your ability, umpires can control the game
- Wear protective equipment at all times
Step 4: MAKE CONTROL DECISIONS: Accept the risk, avoid
the risks, reduce the risk, or spread the risk. Do not make dumb decisions.
Step 5: RISK CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION: Once you select
appropriate controls, use them! A plan is only good if it is followed.
Step 6: SUPERVISE AND REVIEW: As always, the situation is subject to change quickly. Monitor the situation and adjust as necessary to keep things under control. Baseball is a great way to have fun and we all deserve a break every now and then. Use risk management to make baseball fun, memorable, and safe. No one wants an outing to turn into a tragedy!
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