How risk assessments support rights

How Risk Assessments Support Rights

Diversity, equality, inclusion (EDI)

These are my three dogs. They are all very different, as you can see.

EDI doesn't apply to animals but I will use these as an example to explain the principles.

Zak - Lurcher

Zak is reactive to other dogs.

He needs to have a run and stretch his legs.

He's getting old now and has arthritis so he no longer likes long walks.

Myrtle - Sprollie

Myrtle has boundless energy.

She loves to run.

She loves to swim.

She is always on the go and is never tired.

Teddy - Lhasa Apso

Teddy is a friendly dog and believes that everyone loves him.

His hearing is selective and he likes to do his own thing.

He lost a front paw at birth and has no padding on the base of his front leg.

He will not keep a boot or bandage on his leg.

Diversity, equality, inclusion (EDI)

All three dogs are different in breed, size, gender, personality, health and needs.

This is diversity.

All dogs are of equal value and should be treated with equal respect and consideration. They have a right to equal opportunities to lead a fulfilled life, this may mean that adaptations need to be made.

This is equality.

They should all be made to feel valued, welcome and included.

This is inclusion

Risk V Rights

So how can we treat all dogs equally when they have different needs?

They all need daily exercise and stimulation but if I treat them all the same I will be putting them or other dogs at risk?

How can a risk assessment help to support the rights of each dog?

What are the five steps to risk assessment?

Step 1: Identify hazards, i.e. anything that may cause harm.

Step 2: Decide who may be harmed, and how.

Step 3: Assess the risks and take action.

Step 4: Make a record of the findings.

Step 5: Review the risk assessment.

Zak - Steps 1 & 2

Zak may hurt or be hurt by other dogs.

Risk to his physical and mental health if he doesn't get a run.

Risk to his health if he is exerted too much.

Myrtle - Steps 1 & 2

Has no road sense so is in danger of death if she is allowed to run near a road. This may also cause an accident to car drivers and pedestrians.

Teddy - Steps 1 & 2

Teddy's paw will bleed and cause him pain if he is allowed to walk on roads or pavements.

His mental and physical health will suffer if he is not allowed to exercise outside.

Step 3

• Zak, needs a dog free place to run. He must be muzzled and on a lead when near other dogs. He needs a short(ish) walk.

• Myrtle needs a lot of room to run and water to swim in.

• Teddy needs a short(ish) walk and soft ground.

Action plan

• Drive to the park to avoid walking on pavements (Teddy)

• A slow walk around a large, lesser used part of the park that has a lake. (Teddy, Zak, Myrtle)

• Zak to wear a muzzle and be on a lead, if other dogs are present. (Zak and other dogs)

• If this was for health care the risk assessment would now be implemented and recorded and reviewed, at least every year.

• The risk assessment allows the dogs to fulfill their wants and needs in as safe a way as possible.

How far do I walk?

1) If I am walking at 4 km per hour with Teddy and Zak and I am walking for 45 minutes how far have we walked?

2) Myrtle is running at an average speed of 11 km per hour how far will she have run?

How far do I walk?

1) If I am walking at 4 km per hour with Teddy and Zak and I am walking for 45 minutes how far have we walked?

45/60 x 4km = 3km

2) Myrtle is running at an average speed of 11 km per hour how far will she have run?

45/60 x 11km = 8.25km