Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/1137652
Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 19 Recently I have received many enquiries from clubs asking what should the club do in the event that a member or visitor falls over and hurt themselves at the range so I thought it would be a good discussion point for the magazine. The general consensus from clubs was to offer first aid and follow up the well- being of the injured person with a phone call but when I asked if they would report the incident to SSAA General Insurance Brokers, many questioned why. Not only are there Public Liability concerns, but also Association Liability issues where a third party may have grounds to challenge your club and the committee on a decision made when handling such an incident. Every SSAA Branch (including Affiliated Clubs) must at all times seek to provide a safe environment. Since clubs invite both club members and members of the public onto their premises they are at risk of being held liable, under both statutory and common law, if people are injured, physically or financially. The fact that an incident occurs within club grounds does not automatically mean you are responsible for payment of compensation for injury or damage resulting from the incident. However all incidents should be reported on an incident report form. If your club doesn't have one or wishes to review the current form, one can be accessed at www.ssaaib.com. au. The incident report should also have attached any supporting document (photographs are great), irrespective of any amount claimed. Should an incident occur at your club/range we recommend the following procedures be followed:- 1. Complete an incident report form – these forms are for internal use only and should not be given to the injured party. 2. Take as much factual information from the injured party and any witnesses to the incident. It is important to obtain this information as soon as possible after the incident occurs to ensure that no important details are forgotten. 3. NEVER admit liability or take action which may be seen as an admission of liability. 4. Take photographs of the incident site, relevant range reports and any other information relevant to the incident. The purpose of the above is to ensure that in the case that the injured party does take further action against the club and committee that you adequate information to defend these actions. Once completed, the incident report and supporting documentation should be lodged with SSAA General Insurance Brokers. This may seem like a "lot of paperwork" for what you may believe to be a minor incident, however correct reporting clear and concise notes will save you many headaches should the "minor" incident escalate 2 years down the track into a court case involving you and your club. For further information about this or any other insurance needs, please do not hesitate to call me on 0455 777 685 or email greg@ssaains.com.au Greg Brown SSAA General Insurance Brokers – NSW 0455 777 685 Ask Greg SSAA General Insurance Have you visited the SSAA NSW member website? http://www.ssaansw.org.au/