A group activity was conducted in May 2024 based around cycling and included Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts. The evening was split into two activities with the Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts based at a local school and the Scouts partaking in a cycling activity based on a route around the local area.
The Scout Section activity was planned after the original C5 and Risk Assessment was reviewed and approved however, there was evidence of risk mitigation strategies applied in preparation for and during the activity. Operoo was prepared for the activity however, did not differentiate between the two activities.
On the Scout Section Activity, one part of the route required the crossing of a road utilising a Leader as a spotter and a support vehicle. As the Leader positioned themselves on the opposite side of the road, they misjudged their surroundings and fell into the drain resulting, in a head and neck injury. The drain area was overgrown with vegetation and the streetlight was not working.
As a result of the neck injury and stay in hospital, the incident was notifiable to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. The Leader was not wearing a cycling helmet as they had provided their helmet to a youth member.
Scouts Queensland has investigated and has identified the following direct causal factors:
· Poor situational awareness due to the overgrown drain area and poor lighting due to the streetlight not working, and
· The Leader was not wearing a cycling helmet which may have reduced the extent of the injuries.
Other factors that have been identified include:
· The approved C5 and risk assessment did not include a formal review of the activity.
· The activity conducted was not considered Simple Cycling which required compliance with QBSI 11.13 Cycling - On Road and QBSI 2.19 Event and Activity Approvals.
· Operoo has not provided enough information for parents/caregivers for the two activities.
Key Learnings:
· When conducting activities, Leaders need to ensure all personal protective equipment is worn correctly.
· Leaders need to ensure that activities are conducted within their current appointments.
· Leaders that are approving an activity via the C5 must make sufficient enquires to be confident that:
o The event has been correctly planned in accordance with the policies and rules of Scouts Australia (P&R), Queensland Branch Scouting Instructions (QBSI), State and Local Government Regulations;
o That adequate Leader and resource personnel are scheduled;
o That qualified technical specialists are available where necessary; and
o That all
specified safety measures are being taken.