Basics of health and safety in leisure activities
This page will help those involved in operating and managing leisure activities decide what duties they have under health and safety law.
It does not provide information on activities covered by The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA).
Participation in leisure activities should be an enjoyable experience. If there is a genuine risk, see what you can do to minimise that risk and still go ahead – it can often be done.
Health and safety law for leisure activities
The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act) and the regulations made under it apply to employers and the self-employed. The law requires them to do what is reasonably practicable to ensure health and safety.
The HSW Act sets out the general duties that employers have towards their employees. It also requires employers and the self-employed to protect people other than those at work (such as volunteer staff like coaches, club members, visiting teams and spectators) from risks to their health and safety arising out of, or in connection with, their work activities.
Health and safety law doesn't generally impose duties upon someone who is not an employer, self-employed or an employee.
However, anyone (including volunteers) with control of non-domestic premises, like a school or community hall, has legal responsibilities under health and safety law. They should make the premises and any equipment or substances provided for their use safe, so far as is reasonably practicable.
You can find more information on how health and safety law applies to village and community halls.
How leisure activities are regulated
Under the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations, the local authority is generally the enforcing authority for leisure activities.
However, where the local authority owns, occupies or controls activities or equipment – such as local authority swimming pools or leisure centres – the enforcing authority is HSE.
Leisure facilities in educational establishments and at Ministry of Defence premises are also regulated by HSE.
How HSE works alongside local authorities
Together, HSE and local authorities ensure employers or the self-employed, and those in control of premises like a clubhouse and changing rooms, manage the risks to their staff and those affected by club activities. For the most part, local authorities will be responsible for enforcing the law in respect of club activities.
As land and property owners, local authorities will also be employers in their own right with legal responsibilities. Where this is the case HSE is responsible for enforcing the law.
The phrase 'health and safety' is commonly used to refer to a number of topics that aren't covered by the HSW Act and its regulations. Local authorities are responsible for many of these broader public health, safety and environmental topics, such as food safety and hygiene, pollution/recycling, and entertainment and sports grounds licensing.
Find out more about HSE and local authority regulators.
Organisations that need an adventure activities licence
The aim of adventure activities licensing is to provide assurances to the public about the safety of those providers who offer licensable activities to young people.
There are 4 categories of activities that are covered by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority – caving, climbing, trekking and water sports.
Generally, members clubs do not require a licence, but if they have any doubt they can contact the licensing service for advice.
Regulating public safety at sports grounds
Public safety at a sports ground is mainly covered by the:
- Safety of Sports Grounds Act
- Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act
The local authority administer this primary legislation and any associated safety certification. More information can be obtained by contacting the relevant local authority for the ground in question.
There is HSE guidance on managing crowds safely.
Find out more
There is specific guidance and advice on: