Shepherds Retreat Farm Risk Assessments
This page provides a written assessment of key risks to visitors attending Shepherds Retreat Farm
Risk Assessment 1: Alpaca Walking Experience
Risk 1: Alpaca spitting, kicking or pulling on the lead
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Provide a clear safety briefing; limit handling to one alpaca per family/group; ensure staff supervision at all times; check halters and leads are fitted securely.
Risk 2: Trip, slip, or fall on uneven or wet/muddy ground
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Maintain and inspect walking paths; advise visitors to wear sturdy footwear; display wet-weather warnings; shorten or reroute the walk if conditions are unsafe.
Risk 3: Allergic reactions to animal hair or dust
Likelihood: Low
Impact: Low–Medium
Mitigation: Inform visitors in advance about potential allergens; provide handwashing facilities; ensure a first aid kit is available for mild reactions.
Risk 4: Children becoming frightened or distressed
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Low
Mitigation: Apply minimum age guidelines; require close adult supervision; staff on hand to support, reassure, and if needed, remove a child from the activity calmly.
Risk 5: Escape of an alpaca during the walk
Likelihood: Low
Impact: High
Mitigation: Use secure halters and leads; train staff in safe handling and recapture; choose enclosed or low-risk walking routes wherever possible.
Risk Assessment 2: Petting Farm Animals
Risk 1: Bites, nips, or kicks from animals
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium-High
Mitigation: Provide supervision and clear handling guidance; restrict feeding to approved food only; post safety signage; staff to monitor interactions closely.
Risk 2: Zoonotic diseases (illnesses passed from animals to humans)
Likelihood: Low
Impact: Medium-High
Mitigation: Provide handwashing facilities at exits; display signs reminding visitors to wash hands before eating or drinking; prohibit food/drink in animal areas; ensure animals receive routine veterinary care.
Risk 3: Tripping or slipping in animal enclosures
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Keep pathways and enclosures tidy; remove waste promptly; advise visitors to wear suitable footwear; ensure surfaces are maintained and non-slip where possible.
Risk 4: Children becoming frightened or distressed by larger animals
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Low
Mitigation: Apply minimum age guidelines; require close adult supervision; Provide staff/volunteer support; encourage calm, gentle behaviour; allow children to step back or observe from a distance if they become uncomfortable.
Risk 5: Allergic reactions to hay, straw, or animal hair
Likelihood: Low
Impact: Low-Medium
Mitigation: Warn visitors in advance; provide handwashing facilities; first aid kit available for mild reactions; ensure emergency contacts are accessible in case of severe reactions.
Risk Assessment 3: General Visitor Risks on a Farm
Risk 1: Trips, slips, and falls on uneven ground or wet areas
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Regularly inspect and maintain pathways; install clear signage for hazards; encourage appropriate footwear; close off unsafe areas when necessary.
Risk 2: Contact with farm machinery, tools, or vehicles
Likelihood: Low
Impact: High
Mitigation: Restrict access to machinery areas; store tools securely; supervise vehicle movement on site; provide safety signage.
Risk 3: Fire or emergency situations
Likelihood: Low
Impact: High
Mitigation: Maintain clear evacuation procedures; post visible emergency signage; conduct regular safety checks; ensure fire extinguishers and first aid kits are available.
Risk 4: Lost or separated children
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Require adult supervision at all times; provide clear meeting points; train staff to respond quickly; consider visitor wristbands for contact details.
Risk 5: Weather-related risks (heatstroke, sunburn, cold, or storms)
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Advise suitable clothing; provide shaded rest areas and access to drinking water; monitor forecasts and adjust/cancel activities if conditions are unsafe.